Erica Archuleta

Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. Please join us in remembering our beloved Erica Archuleta, 43, of Bernalillo, NM who passed away unexpectedly July 20, 2026. Leaving behind a silence and void that words cannot fill and a love that will last forever and memories that will never fade.

Born March 2,1983, in Santa Fe, NM to parents Anna Rodriguez and Barry Montoya.She lived a life defined by love, kindness, compassion, selflessness and honest, tough love. She was solid, there was no lie in her. While Erica was the life of the party, she was also quiet and reserved, often taking her time to truly get to know people. While She could be shy and private at first, those who earned her trust discovered the depth of her heart. Once you became part of her circle, there were no limits to her loyalty. She had the most beautiful way of making others feel welcome, valued and cared for. Weather it was a smile, her warm hugs, her laughter or her presence. She loved fiercely. Erica truly made the world a brighter place for everyone that was fortunate and lucky enough to have met and known her.

Erica found joy in cruising, jamming to music, cooking, dancing, playing cards, sharing past times, watching the Cowboys play, enjoying her favorite shows with her flower seeds and spending time with family. But nothing brought her greater happiness then being home with her boys. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, cherished daughter, sister, granddaughter, auntie, niece, cousin, and friend to all. Her heart was open and her one of a kind love knew no limits.

Erica spent her childhood growing up in La Cienega, New Mexico and attended Santa Fe public schools. where she built lifelong friendships and created cherished memories that will live on forever. As life led her down new paths, she eventually made her home in the Rio Rancho/Bernalillo area, where she built a beautiful life alongside her supportive spouse. They were blessed with two beautiful sons who became the center of Erica’s world and her greatest source of pride and joy. She loved her boys unconditionally. filled their home with love, laughter and countless treasured memories. Erica was also incredibly blessed to be surrounded by a close-knit family who's love, and support never wavered and she looked forward to her daily conversations with her momma.

Erica attended Pima Medical institute where she earned her certification as a Sterile Processing Technician. She also found passion in working with children, serving for a short time as an assistant teacher. Professionally, Erica dedicated her career at The State of New Mexico starting with The Motor Vehicle Division and most recently within the Early Childhood Education & Care Department. She took pride in her work and was admired for her dedication, strong work ethic and willingness to help others.

Erica was preceded in death by her; Grandfather Ted Rodriguez Sr, Grandmother Frances Rodriguez, Uncle Teddy Rodriguez Jr, Stepdad Robert James (Jim) Mora, Grandfather Edson Lovato, Great Grandmother in law Virginia Baros, Grandfather In law Jeff Kontos (Papa). Mother-in-law Debbie Sanchez. All of whom provided love, guidance and cherished memories throughout her life and all though we are grieving Erica we find peace in knowing they were there to welcome her with open arms into eternal rest. 

Left to honor her memory and continue her legacy are her husband, Antonio Archuleta, beloved sons Antonio (Tomas) Archuleta, Johnathon Archuleta, Mother Anna Rodriguez, Father Barry Montoya (Evette), Grandmother Lorraine Lovato, Sister Priscilla Brandle (Paul), Nieces Heaven and River Natseway (Ashley), Godson Xavior Jaramillo (Ashley), Aunts Brenda Dominguez (Atilano), Mary Rodrguez (Paul), Father in law Eddie Archuleta (Melette), Nana Louise Kontos, Brother in laws Lorenzo Archuleta, Andrez Anrchuleta (Marissa), Nephew's Santiago, and Xaivion Archuleta. Erica also shared a special bond with her cousins Monica (Antonio), Stephanie (Vince), Marlene (Dommerz), Suzette (Vanessa), Aliyah, Son, Amber and Zia (John), Alicia (Vanna), Adrian, Grace, and Gail. Erica's family extended far beyond, and she leaves behind countless family members and treasured friends, who were more like family, loved her deeply, share in this loss, and will continue to carry her legacy forward. 

As our family navigates this unimaginable loss, we would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, comfort, meals and acts of support. We would like to recognize Amber for assisting with the GoFundMe, Aunt Brenda for providing the flowers, Lisa for the candles, Mitch and Drea Collages, Suzette for the urn, Goof for setting up the show and shine. Mama Dukes, C Note, D Made, Kaylene for opening their family home to prepare much of the food and provide donations for the raffles. As well as everyone that contributed to the fundraising. Lastly, we are immensely grateful to all of the Sanchez, Montoya, Romero, Rodriguez, Perea, Kontos and Archuleta families from Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and La Cienega for their immense contributions, as well as every single person who has donated in one way or another. 

We are truly blessed and beyond grateful for this community. The overwhelming outpouring of love we have received is a true reflection of the remarkable woman she was and has only further confirms Erica's legacy is set in stone and will continue to live on forever.

We are also grateful to Rivera's Funeral Home, who is handling the services. A celebration of life will be held at the funeral home on August 29, 2026 at 1:00PM with a reception following. Rivera's Funeral Home 17 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe NM 87505