Stella Sedillo-Garcia

November 10, 1934 - January 10, 2025

Stella Sedillo-Garcia passed away January 10, 2025, in Parker at the age of 90. 

Stella was born November 10, 1934, in St. Vrain in Weld County. She was the daughter of Michael and Pauline (Cordova) Sandoval of Dacono. She was the fourth child of 13 siblings. 

Stella attended school in Frederick and graduated. She married John B. Sedillo June 14, 1952. Shortly after, Stella and John moved to La Junta, where they made their home and had six children, John (Joan), Paul (Beth), Mark (Susie), Joni (Daniel), Carla (Tony), and Paula (Dean).  

Stella was actively involved with Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America group back in the 1960s for many years, and served two terms as Grand Regent. 

She began her career with the Otero County Clerk’s office in 1966. Stella became the Otero County Clerk and Recorder in 1978, the first Hispanic woman elected official to serve in Otero County, and held this position until she retired in 1997 after 31 years. She served as a Spanish interpreter for Otero County courts and as a clerk to the board of Otero County commissioners while serving as the Otero County clerk. She was appointed by the Otero County commissioners board as outstanding board member of southeastern Colorado family guidance in 1998.  

Stella was President of the Business of Professional Women’s club. She was on the Colorado mental health institute board for 16 years, American Red Cross board for many years, and the board of legal secretaries. Stella was one of the first founding member of Colorado Hispanic Elected Officials organization, and was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the board.  

She married Juan Rubel Garcia in 1999 and had six stepchildren. 

She is proceeded in death by her parents; seven siblings; first husband, John B. Sedillo; second husband, Rubel Garcia; and her son, Daniel Guerrero. 

Graveside services were held January 17, 2025, at Calvery Cemetery in La Junta with Father Joseph Matitu of Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish officiating.

Arrangements were under the direction of Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory.