Johnny Lawrence Archuleta

Johnny Archuleta was born in Silverton Colorado at the San Juan County Miners Union Hospital to Carlos and Erma (Lovato) Archuleta on September 5, 1949. Johnny passed away on November 18, 2025 at the age of 76 in his home in Fernley Nevada. He passed peacefully after a battle with a chronic lung disease for the last several years. 

Johnny graduated from Silverton high School in 1968. He was married to the love of his life, Elizabeth Enriquez in January of 1970. They were together for more than 55 years. They had 2 sons, Alex and Johnny (Larry) Archuleta.

Johnny worked in mining his whole adult life. He graduated in 1986 from San Juan Vocational and Technical School in Mancos Colorado as a certified Industrial Mechanic during one of the many Sunnyside Mine closures. He transferred with Echo Bay Mining to Round Mountain Nevada and moved his family there in the summer of 1988. 

Johnny leaves behind a legacy of community service. He served 20 years on the Silverton Volunteer Fire Department and more than a decade with the Silverton Ambulance Association as an EMT. He was on the city council for 2 terms and was Mayor Pro Tem. He continued the same level of commitment to the Round Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and SmokeyValley Volunteer Ambulance Association for another 20 years in Nevada. He was elected to the city council where he served and the Chair of the Town Board of Round Mountain. He was recognized by the Governor of Nevada for his community service. 

He fully retired from mining in 2015 and relocated to Fernley Nevada where he enjoyed his time traveling with Liz on their Harley Davidson motorcycle and trike. He spent days tinkering on his Corvair and restoring a VW bug for Liz. He was a member of the Fernley Klazzic Kruizers car club. His real pride and joy were his 3 granddaughters and one grandson. 

Johnny is survived by his wife of 55 years Elizabeth, His sons Alex (Kim) Archuleta, Larry (Reggie) Archuleta, granddaughters Madison, Bailey, Codi Archuleta and grandson Ryan Archuleta. Brothers Andy (Linda) Archuleta, Odelia Cavazos(Ruben), Gasper Archuleta, Gilbert (Evelyn) Archuleta, Carlos “Ciko” Archuleta Jr, and Beatrice “Duby” Archuleta as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents Carlos and Erma Archuleta, Sister Bernice Pacheco, Grandmother Edubigen Lovato and Sister in laws Sandra Archuleta and Veronica Jolley. 

Service will be held in Montrose Colorado. There will be a Rosary Service and Eulogy on January 15th, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall, 1855 St Marys Dr Montrose Colorado. Funeral Mass will be held on January 16th, 2026 At St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1855 St Marys Dr. Montrose Colorado with interment at Cedar Creek Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Johnny’s name to his true passion in life. Please make donations to the Silverton Volunteer Fire Department, Round Mountain Volunteer Fire Department or Smokey Valley Volunteer Ambulance Association.