EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
IndependentsOct 25, 2019
Rio Grande’s Judy Jaramillo Dies at 56
The manufacturer’s longtime employee was vice president of the AGS New Mexico Guild.
Albuquerque, N.M.—Judy Jaramillo, longtime employee at supplier Rio Grande and vice president of the AGS New Mexico Guild, died Oct. 18 in a car accident. She was 56 years old.
A native of New Mexico, Jaramillo grew up in Albuquerque just north of Old Town.
She joined Rio Grande in 2001, holding multiple roles during her tenure and most recently working as a customer account representative.
She was a natural people-person, Rio Grande said, and was a devoted champion for every account she served. She was successful, the company added, because she built real relationships wherever she went through her compassion and support.
A creative person, Jaramillo was a key organizer of Rio Grande’s annual employee arts and crafts events. She also made some jewelry as a hobby, often gifting to friends and family.
She was also known for her New Mexican cooking, often treating colleagues to her family recipes.
Rio Grande called her loss “significant,” noting she touched many with her “constant and genuine caring and kindness.”
“Beloved by her church community, her extended family, her co-workers and customers, Judy will be remembered for the bright light she shared with all of us.”
Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories, said: “All of us at the American Gem Society are deeply saddened by Judy’s passing. She served as vice president of our New Mexico Guild and was a valued member of the AGS community. Judy’s life touched the lives of so many. She will be missed by her friends in the AGS.”
Jaramillo is survived by her husband, David, and three adult children, Stephanie, Simon and Sameria, and was excited about the birth of her first grandchild, due next month.
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