Milton Don Archuleta

Milton Don Archuleta, 70, of Blanco, NM passed away unexpectedly in his home on February 2, 2026.

Don was born in Durango, Colorado on February 28, 1955, to Milton Archuleta and Lucy Serna Archuleta. He was raised on the ranch in Blanco, living and learning closely at his mother’s side. A love of food was born in his mother’s kitchen.

Donnie graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1973. After high school he attained a degree from New Mexico State University by way of San Juan College. He lived, for a time, in California with dear family.

He ventured east to attend the New York Institute of Fashion Technology where he found his passion for fashion merchandising. He worked as a purchaser for companies like Buffham’s and Bugle Boy. Don had the opportunity to travel the world in his career. Italy was one of his favorite destinations, continuing to visit later in life.

He returned to California, living in Studio City and, later, San Fernando sharing an exciting life with Don Zable.

Eventually Donnie made his way home to Blanco to be closer to his precious parents. He opened Don’s Chuckwagon where he shared his mom’s recipes, perfected throughout his life, with the community.

After the difficult passing of his parents, Donnie moved into their home on the ranch. He stayed busy tidying and nurturing his land. He spent several years and an unbelievable amount of creativity and artistic vision remodeling his childhood house. Every corner of his home pays unique tribute to the loves of his life—the Lord, family, friends, the ranch, culture, culinary skill.

Adventurous and active, Don often traveled with friends; he enjoyed skiing, exercising, and gardening. He studied his family lineage and adored Southwestern culture. He lovingly supported his great nieces and nephews by attending athletic and school events. Don’s passion for food, fun, and family was demonstrated in meals shared around the table at Milton and Lucy’s home, as well as his own. He treated many to memorable gatherings for holidays and birthdays—expressing his heartfelt love for others. Don arranged and hosted family reunions at the river. His exquisite meals and delicious margaritas were something special, bringing so many people together in joy and immense laughter.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Milton Archuleta and Lucy Serna Archuleta, his beloved Don Zable, several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He is survived by his brothers: Dale Archuleta (Dana), Frank Archuleta (Lorraine), Nolan Archuleta, his nephews: Dustin Archuleta, Derek Archuleta (Tabitha), Gerald Archuleta, Frankie Archuleta (Jeanna), Michael Archuleta (Amy), Shawn Archuleta (Skylar), his aunt Henrietta “Hank” Archuleta Hays, his great nieces and nephews: Nevaeh, Abel, Rockey, Skylar (Weston), Kaidence, Kaleb, Laila, Knite, Navy, True, his dearest: Shirley Snooks (Donna), Leo Gutierrez (Mary Jane), Debbie Abel (Daniel), Chris Archuleta, and many other people he held closely in his heart

Don’s family, friends, and countless others will miss him indescribably.

Services are to be held on February 28, 2026, at Saint Rose of Lima in Blanco, NM. A Rosary will be held at 9:30am with Mass to follow. There will also be a reception at Saint Rose of Lima Parish.