CONEJOS COUNTY— Lifelong southern Conejos County resident Pedro “Pete” L. DeHerrera, 93, passed away on Feb. 8, 2019 at home under hospice care surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Dec. 11, 1925 in La Florida, Colo. to Rosenaldo and Rebecca Lobato DeHerrera.  
Pete was a longtime farmer and rancher in the La Florida area where he raised cattle and sheep and grew hay. Pete served his country for the United States Army in active combat duty during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952.  Pete often referred to the Korean War as, “The Forgotten War.” He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion and the Cattleman’s Association. Pete enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, skiing, building houses and listening to music. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Pete is survived by his wife, Maria “Connie” DeHerrera of Antonito and her children: Paula Espinoza of Antonito; Lionel (Jeannine) Espinoza of Denver and Pamela Espinoza (Gary Quintana) of Antonito. He also had children from a previous marriage: Charles DeHerrera of Manassa; daughter-in-law Betty DeHerrera of Track City; Alan (Ann-Marie) DeHerrera of Alamosa; Diana Strong of Denver and John (Jacqueline Ruybal) DeHerrera of Aurora. Additional survivors include 18 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren as well as his siblings, Larry (Carol) DeHerrera of Seattle, Wash.; Rebecca McGeorge of New Zealand; Teresa Lobato of Denver and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael DeHerrera, his daughter Deborah DeHerrera, daughter-in-law Janet DeHerrera, granddaughter Andrea Madrid, and his siblings, Abram DeHerrera, Margaret DeHerrera, Ida Manney, Rose DeHerrera, Juanita Ruybal, Alcario DeHerrera and Augustine DeHerrera.
Cremation was selected and a Rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Conejos. A Memorial Mass and a full military honors ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, also at the church in Conejos. A luncheon will be served after the services at the Parish Hall. Interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Hospice Del Valle through Rogers Family Mortuary or online at ColoradoGives.org in Pete’s name. To express condolences online, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of arrangements.