KDEM-FM 94.3 - KOTS-AM 1230 Radio - OBITUARIES

KDEM-FM 94.3 - KOTS-AM 1230 Radio

Dora Rice

3/25/2023

Dora Rice, 70, was called to heaven on March 17, 2023. She was preceded in death by her mother Alida Ybarra; brother Eddie Joe Ybarra; She is survived by father Adolfo Ybarra; her husband, Dennis Rice of 35 years in marriage; her son Albert Davalos Jr. & wife Vivian of Albuquerque, NM; her daughter, Brenda Davalos; her grandchildren, Christopher, Johnathan, Breanna Davalos, Jareka Gandara, Gavyn Castaneda; her great-grandchildren, Olivia, Benjamin, & Isabella; her four sisters, Stella Busto Carillo (Mike), Patty Ybarra, JoAnn Ybarra, Norma Ybarra; her special brother Steve Ybarra.

She will be dearly missed by all, her love of life was being with her grandchildren. Her love for them was unconditional. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you everyone for sharing their time & prayers. God bless all of you.

A Prayer Vigil/Rosary and Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 12:30pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapel with Deacon Richard Rodriguez reciting. An Inurnment will follow the services at 2:00pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Robert Lee Miller

3/23/2023

Robert Lee Miller, one month shy of 86, passed away in his sleep at Millie’s Assisted Living on March 20, 2023 with his daughter, Janice Miller, and special friend Jason Gil at his side. A special family heartfelt thank you to Millie’s Assisted Living and Yessica and all the staff that provided him with wonderful care and loving support for 6 years.

After graduation, Bob joined the US Air Force where he served as radar technician. He found his way to San Manuel, AZ and started working at the copper mine. He ended up coming back to Grant Co. to work at Kennecott, and later Phelps Dodge. He retired from the mines as Machine Shop Foreman. Bob loved cars! He was a founding member of the Copper Country Cruizers, drag raced in his youth, and loved working on them.

Bob was survived by his daughter Janice Miller, sister Patricia (Wayne) Tow, nieces Leslee (Clarence) Rudiger and family, and Tracy (Dave) Botts, 2 stepsons, Scott (Ronna) Parker and family, and Danny Parker, 2 grandsons and family to include great grandsons. Bob is also survived by a special family friend who was like a son to him, Jason Gil.

Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Roberta Miller Moon, sister Vivian (Bobby) Mayes, and parents, John and Viola Miller.

Although Bob requested no services, cremation has been entrusted to Terrazas Crematory with his cremains to be interred at Fort Bayard National Cemetery in a private burial of close family and friends. Eddy Madrid, Bob’s best friend, will deliver the eulogy, at a later undetermined date.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Joan B. McCargish

3/21/2023

Joan B. McCargish, 91, went to be with Jesus Saturday, March 18th, 2023. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend.

A memorial service will be held at 11am, Monday, March 27th, 2023 at Reserve Baptist Church.

All are invited. In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial donations be made to Voice of the Martyrs’ Bible Fund.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

John Allison Montenegro

3/14/2023

John Allison Montenegro, 71, went home to be with his loved ones on Saturday, March 11, 2023, where he was surrounded by his family and listening to music he loved. He was born on December 10, 1951 to Juan P. and Sara M. (Allison) Montenegro.

He graduated from Cobre High in 1969. He worked at the Hurley Store then worked and retired from Kennecott as a crane operator. Everyone who knew John, knew he was all about food and family. Once you were family, you were always family.

John is survived by Laura Cahill and Loretta Montenegro. His children Kristina Kennedy (Ryan) of Simi Valley, Johnny Montenegro III (Rita) of Hurley, NM, Robert Montenegro (Yajaira) of San Bernadino, CA, Gary Montenegro (Analicia) of Silver City, NM, Martin Montenegro (Vanessa) of Silver City, NM. His siblings are Louie Montenegro, Flora Montenegro, Gloria Childs, Lilly Hiler (Rick), Toni Montenegro-Mathis, George Montenegro, Sarah Quintana(Arthur) and Mark Montenegro (Lorraine). His nieces and nephews were all his kids as well. Lawrence, Louie (Julie), Elizabeth (Tony), Michelle, Santiago (Marissa), Perry, Stephanie (David), Angie (Brian), Albert, Alex, Sarah, Leo (Fareedah), Ali (Chandler), Jason (Denise), Karisma (Dallis), GJ (Scarlet), Lorraine (Pax), Arthur, Justin (Monica); 53 great nieces, nephews and cousins. He had two additional girls that were his daughters as well, Candida Marquez and Stephanie Godoy. The Pallbearers will be all his grandchildren, Johnny Rey, Daisha, Martin, Lucy and Joseph Montenegro, Vincent and Jake Kennedy and Jacob Altamirano. Honorary Pallbearers are his remaining granddaughters, Alyssa, Aubrianna, Arabella, Andrea, Azalynn Montenegro, and Lydia Brown. His numerous close family and friends that he held near and dear to his heart are too numerous to mention.

He is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Sara Montenegro, two siblings who passed at infancy, Juanita and Charlie Montenegro, his sister in-law, Helen Montenegro; his nephew Avel Rios III, his two grandsons, Joseph Jimenez and Stephen Alex Brown, his great nieces Savannah Quintana and Amanda Rodriguez.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 at Terrazas Funeral Chapels at 5:00pm-6:00pm, with the Holy Rosary commencing at 6:00pm with Deacon Art Gutierrez reciting. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10:00am at Infant Jesus Shrine Catholic Church with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. The interment will immediately follow at Hurley Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Monica Louise Davis

3/14/2023

Monica Louise Davis, 65, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at her residence. She was born March 14, 1957 in Douglas, AZ to Arthur Raymond Childs and Nelly Alida de Groot.

Mona was a unique person who often preferred the company of animals over other people and had many interesting hobbies throughout her life. She was passionate about everything she did and cherished the people who were in her life as well as the many animals she took in and cared for. Her connection to animals was so strong that wild deer would even come up to her door and eat right out of her hands. Despite the difficult life she led she remained a gentle soul and those closest to her knew how much love she had in her heart. We’re deeply saddened by her absence in our lives and hope that we can carry her with us by being kind to all animals and being compassionate to everyone, especially those we do not understand.

She is survived by her daughter, Kylie Mohr of Austin, TX; one nephew, Stewart Reed and wife Jeanie of Silver City; two brothers, Perry V. Childs and wife Jane of Rio Rancho, NM; James M. Childs and wife Elaine of Tucson, AZ; two sisters, Dagmar Warth of Pinos Altos; Kathleen Childs of Silver City; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. No service will be held at this time.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Demetrio James Lucero Sr

3/14/2023

Demetrio James Lucero Sr, 79 an Army veteran and resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday March 8th, 2023 at his residence. Demetrio James Lucero Sr. known by everyone as DJ Lucero, was born on May 31, 1943, in Trinidad, Colorado, a son to the late Joe and Bernice (Sanchez) Lucero. He also has his living brother Fred Lucero (wife, Jeanne).Demetrio James Lucero Sr. known by everyone as DJ Lucero, was born on May 31, 1943, in Trinidad, Colorado, a son to the late Joe and Bernice (Sanchez) Lucero. He also has his living brother Fred Lucero (wife, Jeanne).

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Joann (Trujillo) Lucero, father-in-law Juan Trujillo and granddaughter Veronica Lucero.

Others who remain to cherish his memory include his wife Virginia (Miller) Lucero, daughter Bernice (Lucero) Wren (husband, Carl), son Demetrio James Lucero Jr. Grandchildren: Velvet Madrid, Monica Lucero, Edmund Escalante, Michelle (Lucero) Gonzales (husband, Randall), Melissa Lucero. Great grandchildren: Elijah Arrey, Urijah Arrey, Isabella Escalante, Xaebrean Gonzales, Zaidriano Gonzales and several nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends!

DJ retired from Chino Mines. He loved to go fishing, and ride his motorcycles.

A service of remembrance will be held Monday, March 20th with visitation from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The holy rosary being recited by Deacon Bill Holguin will commence at 6pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 21st at 11:30am at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Bernard Okafor officiating. Concluding service and interment will take place at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers are Demetrio Lucero Jr., Edmund Escalante, Elijah Arrey, Uriah Arrey, Michael Lucero, Joseph Lucero, Josh Lucero, and Scott Clay. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Lucero, Wallace Eggebraaten, Manuel and Marcos Quinteros.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Donald Edward Billings

3/3/2023

Donald Edward Billings, 68, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Monday, February 27, 2023 at his residence. He was born April 11, 1954 in Silver City, NM to Henry Billings and Christene Bagby.

Don enjoyed many adventures in the great outdoors with friends and family. He loved putting lots of miles on his dirt bike and guitar.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Billings of the family home; one son, Zachary Billings and wife Brianna of Denver, CO; one brother, Hal Billings and wife Mary of Silver City. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, James Billings.

No service will be held. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

David Michael Byington,

2/14/2023

David Michael Byington, a life-long resident of Grant County and a proud Choctaw Nation tribal member passed away on February 8, 2023. He was born to Pauline and David A. Byington in Santa Rita, NM (Born in Space). Michael attended Hurley Elementary and graduated from Cobre High School.

He started working at a young age as a life guard at the Hurley swimming pool. While attending Highlands University he worked for the Chino Mines in Santa Rita. After attending Highlands University and Western New Mexico University, he was employed by Kennecott Copper Corporation and Chino as a power plant operator for 35 years. He was a dedicated union member of the electricians where he held several positions.

During his spare time, he enjoyed jogging up and down Cameron Creek and other trails in his beloved desert with Geronimo in his background. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and playing baseball for the men’s league. He also enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, watching wildlife, bird-watching and doing volunteer work. He belonged to the Kiwanis Club where he served as president and secretary.

In 1973, he married Lydia Romero, his lifelong partner and soulmate of 50 years. The have one son, David N. Byington.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia and son, David. Also surviving are his extended family: David Romero and family, Irene Crespin and family, Katy Romero, Virginia Valdez and family, and a special nephew, Arlen Crespin.

A service will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 11:00am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Pastor Joseph Gros officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at Memory Lane cemetery. Pallbearers are Mark Valdez, Arlen Crespin, Jackie John Sanchez, Jacob Sanchez, Carol Gaussoin, and Jacob Supak. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Valentine Lopez

2/9/2023

Valentine Lopez, 94, an Army Veteran and resident of Santa Clara, NM, entered eternal rest Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Fort Bayard Medical Center.

Valentine was a devoted father/grandfather, he was a hard worker and did everything he could to provide for his family. Not only was he a great family man but he was an incredible human being who left his mark on those who knew him. He was a rock for our whole family. He took care of every one of us in one way or another. He shared a special relationship with the Lord, as prayer was important in his life. He truly was an Angel on this earth and will be missed dearly.

He is survived by his two daughters, Betty Jane Lopez (Companion-Eddie Maldonado) of Bayard, NM and Eileen Flores (Companion-Rudy Padilla) of Silver City, NM; his seven grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio and Nicamora (Costales) Lopez; his loving wife, Teresa Inez Lopez; his three sons, Christopher Lopez, Barney Lopez, Rudy Lopez; his two daughters, Mary Ann Lopez, Nancy Antencio (Lawrence); his one sister, Veva Placencio.

The Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 9:30am at Santa Clara Catholic Church with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. He will be laid to rest with his late wife Teresa at Fort Bayard National Cemetery following the services at 11:00am with military honors. Pallbearers are Joseph Lopez, Eric Sierra, Esai Lopez, Envy Lopez, Junior Lopez, Izrael Cuhen, Rudy Padilla, Chapo Chavez. Honorary Pallbearers are Angela Lopez, Erykah Sierra, Tyanna Sierra, Felicia Maldanado, Faith Lopez, Yarixa Holguin.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Leonard A. Balise

2/3/2023

Leonard A. Balise
September 22, 1934 to January 31, 2023

Leonard A. Balise, having lived a long and fulfilled life, passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2023 at the age of 88.

Leonard was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on September 22, 1934. His family moved to Bisbee, Arizona in the early 1940’s. He successfully earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America at the age of 14 and was a graduate of Bisbee High School. He then proudly served in the United States Army.

Leonard returned from the Army where he met and married Peggy (Walker), and together had three children, Michael, Daniel and Kelly. They moved their family to Silver City in 1967 after the copper mine closed down in Bisbee.

Leonard called Silver City his home for over 50 years. He worked as a Diesel Mechanic at the Tyrone Copper Mine for Phelps Dodge. He was a “jack of all trades” when it came to mechanics as he could fix most anything.

Leonard's favorite pastime was spending time in the great outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed all sports, but football was clearly his favorite.

Leonard is survived by his wife Peggy J. Balise, his children: Michael A. Balise, Daniel W. Balise (Gloria), and Kelly I. Brewer (David); his grandchildren: Melinda Shepard (Travis), Dustin Balise, Victoria Balise, Meghan Rojas (Jerry), Amanda Bailey (Tye), LuEmma Rowland (Dustin); his great grandchildren: Ethan Shepard, Parker Shepard, Jackson Rojas, Karlee Rojas, Nora Bailey, Emberly Rowland, Mattingly Rowland and his brother-in-law John Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Thelma Balise and his sister Dorothy Balise.

Leonard was truly one of a kind and will sadly be missed by all.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.