Blog Archives

Abran Pena

1/28/2021

Abran Pena entered into the Lord’s kingdom at home surrounded by his children on January 25, 2021 at the age of 88.

A Rosary will be recited Monday February 1, 2021 at 11:30 am at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church led by Lucy Villegas. Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 12 pm with concluding services and interment to take place at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Alejandro Reyes will officiate. COVID 19 restrictions will be in place.

Abran was born on February 12, 1932 in Silver City, NM to Dorotea and Pedro Pena. He was raised in Dwyer, NM with his four brothers Anastacio, Lorenzo, Pete, and Eloy; and his four sisters Antonia, Anita, Isabel, and Victoria.

Abran served his country for two years in the Army and upon his return he met his wife and best friend, Beatrice Pena. They shared 61 years of marriage and welcomed four children; Katherine, Jimmy, Elizabeth (Lisa), and Carol. Abran resided in Deming, NM for 55 years and was employed by the NM State Highway and Transportation Department as a welder for 30 years.

He enjoyed passing time by watching gameshows, solving wordsearch puzzles, working on projects outside, and sitting on his front porch visiting with his neighbors. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and singing songs around the table with his friends and family.

Abran loved his wife dearly and was referred to by some as “Mr. Bea”. He was appreciative of life and started every morning by thanking the good Lord for another day.

Abran always had a smile on his face and never missed an opportunity to crack a joke. He could make friends anywhere he went; he never walked into a room full of strangers without leaving with at least one new friend.

He is preceded in death by his wife Beatrice Pena; his parents Dorotea and Pedro Pena; and his siblings Anastacio, Lorenzo, Pete, Antonia, Anita, and Isabel.

He is survived by his siblings Eloy and Victoria; his children Katherine (Jesus) Lozoya, Jimmy (Elsa) Pena, Lisa (Frank) Gallosa, and Carol (Bruce Amati) Pena; his five grandchildren Vanessa, Sarah, Gabriel, Julian, and Selena; and his future great granddaughter Ava Renee.

The family would like to acknowledge the special relationship our dad had with his niece Rosie Herrera and husband Ray who never forgot his birthday.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

DF Hoss McDonald

1/28/2021

MCDONALD: DF Hoss McDonald, 79, of Silver City entered eternal rest Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at his residence.

He was born in Anthony, KS on October 16, 1941 to Warren and Dorothy (Hoyt) McDonald. He grew up in Flint, MI. In 1958, the family moved to Pasadena, CA where he graduated from high school in 1959. He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy for three years on the first deployed missile-carrying nuclear submarine as a guided missile technician. Trading on his nuclear background, he joined the computer industry in the early 1970’s. He worked for the company formerly known as “Sperry Univac” for more than twenty years. During his time there his position was elevated to that of Director of Marketing for PC Peripherals in 1980. His specialized in working with the airline industry. In 1991 he retired from the computer industry and moved to Tucson, AZ, where he served as a regional marketing manager for Crisis Pregnancy Center, which provides alternative solution to unplanned pregnancies. In retirement he taught computer classes at WNMU Adult Education. Hoss’ faith was the cornerstone of his adult life. In the early 1980’s, he dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At the time of his passing, he regularly attended First Baptist Church in Silver City. His passions included computers, reading, football, movies, and charitable work. His most notable charitable work was his involvement with Casa de Amor para Ninos in Palomas, Mexico. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rosemarie (Kitty) McDonald (nee Soly); his sons, Jay McDonald (Lisa) of Van Alstine, TX and Randall Peet (Wendy) of Watkins Glen, NY; daughter, Franci Jensen of Silver City; granddaughters, Zoe McDonald, Analise, Sheridan, and Sydney Peet, Ashley Coltrane, Alyssa Benson; and great-grandson, Riley Coltrane. He is greatly missed by his faithful companion, Bingo, the dog.

No services will be held per his request. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Terrazas Crematory. Anyone wishing to honor his life can make donations to Casa de Amor c/o: The Light at Mission Viejo, 4601 Mission Bend, Santa Fe, NM 87507.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Virginia A. Acosta

1/28/2021

Virginia A. Acosta, 72, a resident of Silver City, entered eternal rest Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Gila regional Medical Center. Virginia was born March 17, 1948 to Leon Elwood Kirtley, and Yisidora “Lola” Sanchez Kirtley in El Paso, TX.

Virginia loved her children and grandchildren. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and daughter. She worked at Walmart Supercenter for over 20 years in the Bakery and as a door greeter. Virginia was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and loved movies of all genres. Virginia enjoyed watching cooking shows and cooking especially Chile con queso. Virginia will be missed by all who loved her and knew her. We are comforted that she is resting in peace.

Virginia is survived by her sons, Joey Hoover (Yvonne), Michael Hoover (Angelica), Robert Hoover (Ashley), daughters, Marcie Hoover & Valorie Hoover. Grandchildren, Tristan Britton (Jessie), Mikaila Lamar (TJ), Jalen Lamar (Mariah), Jireh, Hartley, Sierra, Samuel, and Sophie Hoover. Great-grandchildren, AJ, Joshua, and Ronnie Britton. And former daughter in law Angelic Munoz. Siblings Barbara Osborne (David), Leon Kirtley Jr. (Margaret), and Robert Kirtley. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins and by her special dog Sadie. Virginia was preceded in death by her father Leon Kirtley and mother Yisidora Kirtley, and husband Ronnie Acosta and many aunts and uncles.

A Graveside service will be held on Friday, January 29th at 2pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

Cremation has been entrusted to Terrazas Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Dorothy Youngs

1/28/2021

Dorothy Youngs, a long time Hurley resident, entered into eternal rest Thursday, January 21, 2021, at her residence in Tucson, AZ.

Dorothy came into this life on a cool September 5th day in a small cabin in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico. She was born to the late Archie Jonathon Johnson and Mary Kohout and would tell you many stories about growing up on the New Mexico ranch with her older brother, Billy. When she was seven her parents separated and she accompanied her mother to Stamford, Texas to live with family. Billy remained with his father. While in Stamford, she enjoyed running around with her cousins and maintained contact with them throughout their lives. She loved to attend the annual family reunions in Stamford and reminisce with her cousins.

Later, she and her mother moved to El Paso, Texas. As a teenager, Dorothy worked for the railroad in El Paso, where she met and married I.M. (Mac) McNutt. Dorothy remained in El Paso while Mac served in the Army during WWII. They had two beautiful daughters together, Iris and Mary Ann, and eventually settled in Hurley, New Mexico in 1947. Mac died at an early age in 1966. Dorothy remained a single mother for several years but always managed to see that her daughters were well taken care of.

Dorothy loved to sew and was an accomplished seamstress. She sewed for her daughters and herself and there were always new outfits for the start of school, Easter and special occasions even during the leanest of times. She sewed for the community and did alterations for the Hurley Store and local laundry. Rainbow Girls formals, prom dresses and even the occasional wedding dress would magically appear from her old Kenmore sewing machine.

In 1969, Dorothy would be courted by Richard D. Youngs and they would marry in August of 1970 in Hurley and begin a relationship that would span almost 50 years. They took many vacations together with their blended families. They shared many wonderful times together, RVing, taking cruises and visiting family as well as attending reunions with Richard’s WWII crew mates. They lived in Hurley for most of their relationship, until moving to Tucson in recent years to be near Iris and her boys. Richard preceded her in death in December, 2019.

Dorothy retired from The Grant County Bank in 1989 where she was employed for 28 years. She was Senior Loan Officer and Branch Manager when she retired. Through this employment and other activities, Dorothy developed many friendships in Grant County, many of whom she maintained contact with until the end. Dorothy was active in many organizations in the Grant County area. She was a member of the Swing Thru Square Dance Club and she and her husband traveled to many places for large square dance gatherings. She assisted her husband with Kiwanis Club activities, including the delivery of Christmas baskets to the needy every year. Dorothy was active in the Hurley Community Church and served on the Board of Directors and was their treasurer for many years. Dorothy was also active in the Hurley Pride and was instrumental in helping the organization to revitalize Hurley.

After raising two girls it came as quite a shock when she was presented with the first grandson, then a second. The antics of the first two paved the way for all the rest. She adored them all and nothing made her laugh harder than listening to their stories.

Dorothy is survived by her two daughters, Iris Wilson and Mary Ann (Rick) Schampers, her stepson Greg (Barbara) Youngs, six grandchildren; Justin Bradley Wilson (Karla), James Christopher Wilson (Tammie), Jared Schampers (Melanie), Jessica Schampers McCartney, Gregory Kyle Youngs (Alicia), and Katie Youngs Loring (Josh). Dorothy is also survived by 14 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Billy Johnson, her husband Mac McNutt, her late husband, Richard D. Youngs, and a granddaughter, Danika Lee Wilson. Due to COVID-19, services will be postponed until it is safer to gather.

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

Virginia A. Acosta

1/25/2021

Virginia A. Acosta, 72, a resident of Silver City, entered eternal rest Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Gila regional Medical Center. Virginia was born March 17, 1948 to Leon Elwood Kirtley, and Yisidora “Lola” Sanchez Kirtley in El Paso, TX.

Virginia loved her children and grandchildren. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and daughter. She worked at Walmart Supercenter for over 20 years in the Bakery and as a door greeter. Virginia was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and loved movies of all genres. Virginia enjoyed watching cooking shows and cooking especially Chile con queso. Virginia will be missed by all who loved her and knew her. We are comforted that she is resting in peace.

Virginia is survived by her sons, Joey Hoover (Yvonne), Michael Hoover (Angelica), Robert Hoover (Ashley), daughters, Marcie Hoover & Valorie Hoover. Grandchildren, Tristan Britton (Jessie), Mikaila Lamar (TJ), Jalen Lamar (Mariah), Jireh, Hartley, Sierra, Samuel, and Sophie Hoover. Great-grandchildren, AJ, Joshua, and Ronnie Britton. And former daughter in law Angelic Munoz. Siblings Barbara Osborne (David), Leon Kirtley Jr. (Margaret), and Robert Kirtley. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins and by her special dog Sadie. Virginia was preceded in death by her father Leon Kirtley and mother Yisidora Kirtley, and husband Ronnie Acosta and many aunts and uncles.

A Graveside service will be held on Friday, January 29th at 2pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband. Cremation has been entrusted to Terrazas Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory,

Octavio “Oscar” “La Chiva” M. Villegas

1/25/2021

Octavio “Oscar” “La Chiva” M. Villegas, 83, of Bayard, New Mexico.

Would like to inform everyone that his work here is done and that he received an invitation on Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Johnstown, Colorado surrounded by his family to a baile he couldn’t refuse. The baile includes a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time.

Mr. Villegas was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Bayard. He was born in Colonia Hidalgo, Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua to Ventura and Elena Villegas on July 4, 1937.

Mr. Villegas is the epidemy of a hard worker. For 18 years he worked as a uranium and copper miner and driller, and where he honorably was given his nick name, La Chiva. In 1981 he pursued his other passions. He was a Jack of all trades whose creativity and determination enabled him the ability to fix and construct just about anything. He was self-taught construction worker, welder, painter and mechanic. Much of his work can still be seen throughout Grant County in homes and building such as, the Piñon Plaza and Terrazas Funeral Chapels. He was an avid gardener, who most loved sharing the fruits of his labor with others. He loved dancing and never turned down a good time at the Brown Derby. He was very well known for providing aid, shelter, and or work for those experiencing unforeseen difficult circumstance. Always putting others before him and literally gave the shirt off his back and a burrito to anyone in need. He graciously taught anyone who wanted to work and learn his skill set. None the less sarcasm was his first language, and very much a jokester and a traviezo and always there to cheer up others even at his own expense.
He selflessly always provided for his family, unconditionally loved and adored his grandchildren. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Mr. Villegas is survived by his wife, Margarita Hernandez Villegas; two daughters, Erica Villegas, Jessica and spouse Alejandro Velasquez; five grandchildren, Yesenia, Alissandro, Yalexa, Alejandro Jr., and Jose; numerous loved nieces and nephews. Mr. Villegas was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Eddie Arias, Paulino Villegas, Jesus Villegas and Manuel Villegas, two sisters, Emma Villegas and Ofelia Ramirez.

Visitation will be Wednesday January 27th from 12:30-1:30pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church with the holy rosary being recited by family member Orlando Jimenez to begin at 1:30pm. The funeral mass will commence at 2pm with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery. Serving as pall bearers will be Alejandro Velasquez, Bobby (Robert) Ramirez, Fernando Villegas, Alissandro Villegas, Alejandro Velasquez Jr, Raul Villanueva, Ventura Villegas, Ernesto Villegas.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Arcenio “Archie” T. Chavez

1/25/2021

Arcenio “Archie” T. Chavez, 82 of Bayard NM passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces on January 15, 2021. He was born in Quemado, New Mexico on November 8, 1938; the son of Pedro A. Chavez and Josephine Thompson Chavez, the middle child of fourteen siblings on the family ranch. Upon graduation from Quemado High School, he attended Western New Mexico University and received his Bachelors and two Master’s degrees in education. His teaching career started in White River Arizona, then to Springerville, Arizona and lastly the Cobre District until retirement. Retirement did not last long and he became an adjunct instructor at WNMU. He was a dedicated educator and encouraged his students to excel. He taught adult basic education classes at night to many students and Citizenship classes to many naturalization Citizenship applicants.

He was inducted into the Education Hall of Fame of WNMU in 2005 and NM Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2007. His proudest award was from the Red Cross and Heart Association for saving the life of a child struck by lightning while on a fishing trip in Arizona.

He was a faithful and active member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church since 1972 and served in many capacities. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and held various offices during his active tenure; and was a proud Guadalupano.

In addition to being an educator and active member of the church, he was owner and operator of A.N.T upholstery. He also served two terms as City Councilor for the City of Bayard.

He never forgot his roots and remained an avid cowboy and reminisced about his experience on the last cattle drive from Quemado to Magdalena before modern shipping trucks became the norm.
His son’s activities were very important to him and supported them in all of their endeavors. Coaching little league and training young baseball umpires was a summer passion. Leather work was his main hobby as were fishing and hunting with his sons. He loved going to the casinos and playing slots.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Olga Salce Chavez, sons Tim (Connie), Nick (Rox Anne), granddaughters Amy, Krista, and Sydnee and grandson Codee and great-grandchildren Larissa, Christina, Erica, Abrianna, Elena, and Michael. Brothers Candelario (Tommie) and Alex, sisters Priscilla Stahl, and Gloria Moore, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jose, Pedro, Eustacio, Santiago, sisters Emilia Gonzales, Connie Trujillo, Margaret Cheshire, Stella Tafoya, Mary Jean Garcia, and nephew and godson Joseph Tafoya.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 30th, 2021 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Bayard. Viewing will begin at 10:00 am, rosary at 10:30, followed at 11:00 with the mass of Christian Burial, Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Interment will be at the Hanover Cemetery immediately following the mass. Pallbearers will be Danny Teran, David Teran, Fabian Trujillo, Pedro Chavez, Sydnee Chavez, Codee Chavez, and Lorraine Zunich. Honorary Pallbearers are Carrie Lewis and Mick Zunich.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Partners in Hope, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Due to NMDOH COVID-19 restrictions, attendance at Our Lady of Fatima may not exceed 75 persons. Attendance at the Cemetery is limited to 5 persons at the burial site and only ten cars are allowed inside the cemetery grounds. Passengers inside the cars may stand outside their vehicles, or may remain inside their vehicles during the burial. With regret, there will be no fellowship and face coverings are required at all services.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Belia Estrada Arellano

1/22/2021

Belia Estrada Arellano – Sept. 2, 1936 – Jan. 4, 2021
With Heartfelt sadness on January 4th, 2021 our Beloved Mom Belia Estrada Arellano entered eternal rest. She went with the Angels to be with the Lord.

Our Mom was 84 years old. She was a resident of Deming, New Mexico. Our Mom Belia Arellano was born on September 2, 1936 in Deming, New Mexico to Alberto Estrada and Susanna C. Estrada. She married Martin Arvizo Arellano and raised 5 children. Since Martin Arellano was enlisted in the United States Air Force they traveled and lived in various locations throughout his 20 year career in the Air Force. They were stationed in Idaho, Merced California, Spokane Washington, Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento California and Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. Belia’s fondest memories are the memories of living in Mather Air Force Base where she raised her 5 children Marty, Liz, Albert, John and Elaine. While living in Northern California, she enjoyed traveling to San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and having picnics with her family. She enjoyed making preparations for the picnic basket which included her famous chocolate cake and pineapple upside down cake. Belia and her family moved to Silver City, N.M. While living in Silver City, Belia worked at Safeway and Home Health. Belia enjoyed spending time with her family, she liked to read her Bible, crochet, working on puzzles, baking, reading and gardening. Belia moved to Deming upon her retirement. She lived by the Beautiful Florida Mountains where she would view the flowers blooming in the spring. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, exercising at curves, walking trails, planting flowers in her garden, traveling and attending church. Belia was a devout Christian and read her Bible daily. Belia also ministered the youth. Belia had a beautiful heart and extended her love to her family. She showed the importance of family unity and passed down the values and importance of loving and supporting the family through every generation. Belia will be deeply missed and her family will continue to carry on her legacy of Kindness, Compassion and Love. Belia is survived by her children Martin Arellano Jr. of Deming, Elizabeth Arellano of Deming, Albert Arellano (Marie Arellano) of Avondale, Az., Elaine Allison (Frank Allison) of Deming, Destiny Sifuentes and Diego Granillo of Deming, N.M. She is also survived by her Grandchildren Arlene Chavez (Michael), Alexandria Arellano, Jessica Arellano, Michael Arellano, Frankie Allison, David Allison (Annalyssa), Christine Kim (Min), Vanessa Arellano, Kyrie Arellano (Edward), Nicole Arellano, Katy Allison, Kenneth Arellano (Samantha), Charles Gutierrez, Aaron Arellano, William Allison and 21 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Belia is also survived by her Brothers and Sisters Albert Estrada (Esther) of Deming, N.M., Joe Estrada (Donna) of West Covina, CA., Margarito (Betty) of Deming, N.M., Gilbert Estrada (Lydia) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA., Sally Jerman (Bill) of Menifee, CA., Susie Sifuentes (Issac) of Las Cruces, N.M., Richard (Marta) of Kyle, TX. and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Alberto J. Estrada and Susanna C. Estrada, son John Arellano, Martin Arellano Sr., Grandson Martin Abraham Arellano III, Grandson Albert Arellano and Brother Adolpho Castro.

Funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 10:30am at CitiLife Church with Pastor, Cesar Chavez officiating.

Concluding services with an interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Alex Chavez, Daniel Chavez, William Allison, David Allison, Frank Allison and Diego Granillo.

Due to covid restrictions only 25% church capacity will be allowed, and you must wear your mask at all times. At the cemetery only ten vehicles are allowed and you must remain in your vehicles.

To watch the tribute on Belia please click on the link, video link: https://youtu.be/uDTTMKlSmbk

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Josefa Nevarez

1/20/2021

Josefa Nevarez, 80, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Gila Regional Medical Center.

She was born June 25, 1940 in Ascension, Chihuahua, Mexico. She was employed in the bakery section at Walmart. Josefa was an amazing woman. The only thing that she loved more than her job as a baker at Walmart was God, her family, and her fellow man. She was a very loving and generous person who always put others before herself. She felt blessed that she was surrounded by love. She accomplished great things in her lifetime despite the many obstacles in her path. She experienced many tragic events starting with the death of her beloved mother when she was a very young child and throughout her entire life. There are no words to express how proud we are of her. She had a tremendous impact on so many lives in so many ways. When God called her Home he not only took her but a little piece of all who loved her. Although you had no peace in life you now have peace in death with God and your loved ones in heaven. We will always love you mother and you will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son, Hector Talamantes (Armida) of Juarez, Mexico; two daughters, Leticia Valencia of Silver City; Hilda Villagran of Whittier, CA; ten grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Jesus Jose Dominguez, Rogelio Romero, and Isidoro Nevarez; two sisters, Cruz and Manuela Nevarez.

A private family funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 26th at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. Concluding service and interment will follow at Memory Lane cemetery where she will be laid to rest.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Karen Oakley

1/20/2021

Karen Oakley passed away peacefully on January 3, 2021 at her home. She was born November 23, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri to Lyndon and Gertrude Robinson.

Karen was preceded in death by her first husband William E Stagner; and her second husband George M. Oakley. Karen is survived by her brother and his wife, Roy and Chris Maskell, sister Sharon Truitt, sister Barbara Muller; her son and his wife, Roy and Lisa Stagner; grandchildren, Lena Stagner and Jason Stagner; her many nephews and nieces. All of whom she loved and touched deeply.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.