Dennis was born January 26, 1940 in Truth or Consequences, NM to his parents Ruben T. Armijo and Cecilia Medina Armijo Gomez. Dennis graduated from Deming High School in 1958 and shortly after graduation enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve his country honorably. During his enlistment in the US Air Force he was stationed in England.
On February 1, 1959 Dennis married his beautiful wife Margaret “Maggie” Rodriguez and together they were married 66 years. Dennis and Maggie, soon after, began their family and had three children, Nick Armijo, Kathryn D. Armijo and Rosemary “Buffy” Armijo.
Dennis attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and continued to pursue his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dennis had a love for education. Dennis worked in the educational realm for over 25 years combined as a teacher and principal for the Deming Public School District. Dennis was always encouraging others to do their best and to seek higher education.
Dennis loved his community and served it well. Dennis served in both city and county government. He was very passionate about his hometown. Dennis served as city councilman for 4 years for the City of Deming and served 8 years as county commissioner for Luna County. Dennis was very supportive of city and county projects especially those involving youth and the district he represented. He was a strong advocate for business and infrastructure. Dennis took pride in his business, H & C engraving, where he provide a great service in our community.
Dennis was a true Deming Wildcat fan. He could be found in the bleachers at a volleyball game, basketball game, football game and baseball game. He loved being involved with athletics and for many years coached many young individuals during his coaching years of Deming Little League Baseball. Dennis truly loved seeing his grandsons, Kellen and Kye Carbajal play Wildcat basketball. He never missed any games.
He is survived by his wife Maggie Armijo, Son, Nick Armijo (Debbie) and Daughter-Rosemary “Buffy” Armijo (Mario) all of Deming. Seven Grandchildren- Nicole, Marissa, Abby, Kacee, Tommy, Kellen and Kye. Five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his special aunt Olga Sera, three sisters- Stella Jasso, Rose Sanchez (Javier), Anna Jean Armijo-Garcia (Victor) and three brothers- Milo Armijo (Marcy), Felix Armijo (Lupe) and Robert Armijo (Howard). Brother in laws- Albert Rodriguez, Danny Rodriguez (Lilian), Freddie Rodriguez (Dolores), Richard Rodriguez (Virginia), Sister-in-law-Shelly Armijo, Two God- Children-Katrina Padilla and Yvonne Jasso-Perales and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Proceed in death by his parents, daughter Kathryn D. Armijo, brother Manuel Armijo, and stepfather Ray Gomez.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 11:30am-12:30pm with the holy rosary beginning at 12:30pm with Elia Holguin officiating. Funeral mass will then begin at 1:00pm with father, Casmir Anozie officiating at St. Ann Catholic Church. Concluding services with an interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kellen and Kye Carbajal, Danny Rodriguez, Eric Gamboa, Jesus “Chu-Chee” Sanchez and Mario Carbajal.
Honorary pallbearers are Nick Armijo, Tommy Armijo, Bryan Novak, Ed Gilmore, Ray Trejo Sr., Rick Holdridge, Scott Vinson, Irma Milo and Vanessa Avalos
Due to covid restrictions only 25% church capacity is allowed and you must wear your mask at all times. At the cemetery only ten vehicles are allowed and you must remain in your vehicles. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapel.