Connie "Chelo" Methola

Connie (Chelo) Molinar Methola, age 84, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her devoted and loving family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at San Jose Catholic Church, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Connie was born to Refugio and Petra Avila, Connie was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Candelaria Molinar, who played a central role in shaping the woman she became.

In high school, Connie met the love of her life, Tommy Methola, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. The couple married on September 9, 1957, and shared a beautiful marriage that spanned 67 years, filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. Together, they raised six wonderful children and built a legacy rooted in kindness and devotion.

Connie dedicated many years of service to Carlsbad Municipal Schools as a bilingual computer lab technician, where she supported countless students and colleagues before retiring. She was a woman of deep faith, formerly a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and a longtime member of both San Jose Catholic Church and St. Edward Church.

Connie and Tommy shared a passion for traveling together across the globe. While accompanying him during his powerlifting competitions in Russia, Sweden, and Iceland, they also made cherished memories traveling through Spain, Alaska, and Mexico. Connie returned from every adventure with unforgettable stories, always eager to share the beauty of the world with her loved ones.

She was known for her radiant smile, quick wit, and infectious laughter. Connie brought joy to everyone around her. Her home was filled with warmth, where she expressed her love through her delicious cooking, spirited card games, Bingo nights, and visits to the casinos.

Connie’s legacy is one of love, strength, and joy. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Candelaria Molinar; parents: Refugio and Petra Avila; aunt, Clara Lopez; sister, Bessie; brother, Chelo Martinez; and cherished grandson, Frankie Vargas.

She is survived by her loving husband, Tommy Methola; daughters, Brenda Marquez (husband Art), Iris Saiz (husband Manuel), May Gonzales (husband Ruben), and Jessica Granger (husband Lionel); sons Tim Methola (wife Veronica) and Tommy Methola. Connie was blessed with 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Pallbearers include Ruben Gonzales Jr., Anthony Gonzales, Steven Gonzales, Jeremy Vargas, Adrian Marquez, Timmy Methola Jr., Mateo Messer, Tiago Methola, Lionel Granger Jr., and Frankie Granger. Honorary Pallbearers: All of her loving grandchildren.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing Grandma Connie's spirit will always be with us. We will forever miss her infectious laughter, her honesty, her love for a good beer or glass of wine, her spontaneous dancing, and most importantly, the unconditional love she gave so freely. She was the heart of our family, our rock, our safe place, and now our angel. Fly high, watch over us, just as you always have. Until we meet again.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com