John Paul Roper

John Paul Roper

July 9, 1933 – May 18, 2025

John Paul Roper of Thornton, Colorado, joined his loved ones in heaven on May 18, 2025. He was born on July 9, 1933, to Frank and Rita Roper in Cleveland, New Mexico.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Josephine Leyba Roper; his parents; all eight of his siblings—John B. Roper, Alfonso Roper, Carlos Roper, Viola Roper Bain, Antonio Roper, Frank Roper, Flora Roper Lovato, and Jack Roper—and his daughter-in-law, Brenda Roper. He was the last of his immediate family and has now been joyfully reunited with them.

From a young age, John ventured beyond Cleveland, New Mexico, in search of opportunity. His early adventures led him to Santa Fe, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, and California. He held a variety of jobs—from working at a gas station at 14 years old in Santa Fe to laboring in the melon fields of Rocky Ford, Colorado, and for the Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

John married the love of his life, Josephine, on September 15, 1950, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. They started their family in Cheyenne, where their daughter, Lorraine Roper Sigala, was born in 1951. The pursuit of a better life led John to Wilmington, California, where he worked as a laborer before joining Ironworkers Union #416. Their son, Paul Roper, was born in California in 1955. In 1971, John transferred to Ironworkers Union #24 and moved his family to the Denver area. He also spent some time living in Las Vegas, Nevada, before settling in Thornton.

John is survived by his daughter, Lorraine; his son, Paul; his stepson, Michael Leyba; five grandchildren: Geronimo Sigala III (Jessica), J.C. Roper (Tonya), Andrea Sigala, Alicia Roper Villarreal, and Rachel Sigala Madrigal (Manny); and eight great-grandchildren: Nina Villegas, Julian Villegas, Rebekah Sigala, Geronimo Sigala IV, Roman Villarreal, Aribela Villarreal, Brianna Sigala, and Preston Roper Griffiths; and one great-great grandchild, Luka Ramsay Gallegos. 

Everyone who knew John remembers him as a loyal friend—generous, kind, and always ready to lend a helping hand. He had a gift for bringing laughter into any room, always making jokes and embracing life with a joyful spirit. His love for family and friends wasn’t just spoken—it was shown through his everyday actions, big and small. John’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and unwavering support.

John lived a long, meaningful life. Though his final days were marked by physical hardship, we take comfort in knowing that he is now free from pain, soaring with the angels and celebrating joyfully with those who went before him.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am, July 9, 2025

St. Gertrude Catholic Church

Mora, New Mexico.

Burial will follow Mass at

San Antonio, Cemetery

Cleveland, New Mexico

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

St. Gertrude Catholic Church

PO Box 599

Mora, New Mexico 87732