Hector Apodaca

Hector Apodaca, 80, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away on October 22, 2026 at Rapid City Monument Health Hospital surrounded by his family. Services for Hector are scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with a burial and time of fellowship to follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery.

Hector was born on April 9, 1946, in Socorro, Texas to Martin Apodaca and Virginia T. Tellez. He was a long-time resident of Gillette, Wyoming, where he built a life centered on love, hard work, and most of all, his family.

On July 2, 1966, Hector married the love of his life, Virginia Jane Martinez. Their marriage was a true testament of enduring love and commitment. Together, they shared a beautiful life and that life became Hector’s pride and joy, his greatest accomplishment. United as one, they welcomed three beautiful children to their union. In 1967, they welcomed Philip Hector Apodaca, Edward Apodaca in 1970 and eight years later in 1978, Elizabeth Monica Apodaca completed their beautiful family.

Hector was the kind of man whose love could be felt in the simplest, most meaningful moments. He was the most loving and kind human the Apodaca family could have ever had. His big heart and kindness were genuine and his greatest joy was spending time around those he loved the most. In a special way, Hector was able to make each family member and friend feel cherished, loved, and he treasured each opportunity he could spend with them.

If you asked Hector, his family time was the most important to him. He loved introducing the babies to chocolate, attending the children’s sporting events, and picking them up from school. These small moments are what defined who Hector was. He showed his family how much he loved them through more than just words, his presence, his laughter and the many ways he was there for them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him so much happiness and he embraced each opportunity to make memories with them.

Hector enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing softball. These hobbies brought true joy to his life and gave him the chance to enjoy life outdoors. He also dedicated many years to his work life as he worked at Peabody Coal Mine, Elk Mountain Rissler & McMurray Construction, Energy Development, and IBM. Through the years of hardwork, Hector was able to provide for his family and build a life he was proud of.

Of all the things in Hector’s life, his wife meant everything to him. They shared sixty amazing years with one another. Together, they got to see their children, grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren grow up. They were his deepest joy, greatest accomplishment and his legacy. The love Hector had for his family will live on in everyone who loved him.

Hector leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his love, his kindness, and the countless memories they each hold dear. The foundation of Hector’s love will live on in each family gathering, each story told, and all their beautiful memories.

Hector is survived by his wife of sixty years, Virginia, his sons Philip (Stacy) Apodaca of Gillette, Wyoming, Eddie (Amanda) Apodaca of Caldwell, Texas, his daughter Elizabeth Ahlers (Christopher Olson) of Casselton, North Dakota, grandchildren: Teigan (Adam) Thole, Teirdre(Jesse) Frear, Tallie Mehlberg, Keegan (Kylie) Mehlberg, Kearstin Apodaca, Quentin Apodaca, Cadence Apodaca, Derrick Cage, Hector (Chelsey) Ahlers, Benjimin Ahlers, 18 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hector was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Virginia and his grandson Daniel Ahlers.

Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or donations may be made to St. Matthews Catholic Church in remembrance of Hector Apodaca.