Ernest Booky

Ernest James Booky, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on November 4, 2021.  He was born in Derry, New Hampshire to the parents of James and Alice (Pellitier) Booky.  He attended the historic Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire and was an active athlete in high school playing football, basketball, and track.  He was a very active member of the Future Farmers of America and was a high academic scholar.  Following his family’s legacy and service to the country, after high school he joined the United States Marine Corps. He was very proud to have been a Marine and noted that as one of his finest achievements.  After serving in the Corps he moved to be with his family in Hondo, NM where he met and fell in love with Cecilia Sanchez Booky.   He attended New Mexico HIghlands University where he completed both his Bachelor’s Degree and his Master’s Degree in 2 and a half years.  He became a teacher and taught school in Cloudcroft, Capitan, San Patricio and Hondo.  He was a principal and a Superintendent for sixteen years at Hondo Valley Schools. Ernest retired in 1984.  He was dedicated and made a tremendous impact on all his students.  Ernest was inducted into the Pinkerton Academy Hall of Fame in 1997.  He and his wife, Cecilia,  spent their summers at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track for 52 years and loved every minute of it.  He retired in 1984 and Cecilia and himself traveled around selling his wood crafts and spending their time at their farm and watching their grandchildren compete in sports, livestock shows and raising their kids. He was a member of the St. Jude’s Catholic Church for many years.

Ernest is survived by his daughter Alice (Leonard Velasquez), and son Robert Booky (Josephine Booky).  Seven grandchildren, Melissa Armenta (Justin), Bernadine Booky, Fatima Sanchez (Walt), and Cody Booky (Dana). Lawrence Velasquez, Isaac Velasquez (Marissa), and Fallon Velasquez.  Three Great Grandchildren, Logan, Drew, and Robert, and Corey Velasquez (who is on the way). Booky nephew Albert Booky and niece Kathy Booky, Sister-in-Law Barbara Booky. Sister in-law Geneva Sanchez. He had many other nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by Cecila Booky, Jim Booky, James Booky, Alice Booky, Joe Booky, and Albert Booky.

Catholic Mass will be celebrated by Father Martin Cordero at St. Judes Catholic Church Monday, November 15, 2021.  Rosary at 9:30 am and Mass at 10:00 am.