Blog Archives

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.

0 Comments

Valentine Lopez

2/9/2023

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

Leonard A. Balise

2/3/2023

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

Barbara Lee Peters (Little)

2/3/2023

0 Comments

Barbara Lee Peters (Little) was called home to the Lord on 17 January 2023. Born October 9, 1938 to Orval and Martha Little in Silver City, NM, she married Thayne Peters in October 1956 and they made Silver City their home.

She lived almost her entire life in Silver City, with brief times spent in Alamogordo when her husband was transferred. She graduated from Western New Mexico University with a degree in Teaching in 1969. Barbara and Thayne built their home in Silver City and lived in that house until her death. An energetic entrepreneur, she started a Century 21 Agency and the Peters Insurance Agency where she worked until age 72. During that time, she built and opened C&R Car Wash with her family. Throughout her career changes and after retirement she remained passionate about her personal real estate properties, always keeping her eye out for another investment.

She deeply loved the Lord and First Baptist Church in Silver City. She taught Sunday School and AWANA’s, and enjoyed playing the piano and singing as a regular member of the choir.

When Barbara was raising her family, she went on many camping and hiking trips in the Gila Forest. Throughout her life she was an active member in numerous organizations in Silver City, including the Kiwanis Club, Garden Club, local realtor community, Baptist Student Union, and other organizations.

She had a vivacious personality and was friendly to everyone. Her artistic side was expressed in watercolors and oil painting. She was fortunate to travel a great deal later in life, including multiple trips to Europe, and trips to see family and friends in Chicago, South Carolina, Alaska and other places. She enjoyed hosting parties and holiday gatherings for friends and family, including a Cousin’s Reunion with 90 guests in 2015. In quiet times, she enjoyed feeding and watching “her” deer and birds outside her home.

She is survived by brother Fred Little, sister Candace Ross; daughter Lee Ann Hoppman (Cliff), son Ralph Peters (Melissa), 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Thayne Peters and son Christopher Peters.

The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 11, 2023 at First Baptist Church, in Silver City at 10:00 AM with Pastor Charles Lord officiating. A luncheon will follow in the activities building. Interment will be done by the family privately.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

0 Comments

Theodore “Ted” Armendariz Muñiz

2/2/2023

0 Comments

Theodore “Ted” Armendariz Muñiz, 61, a resident of Hurley, New Mexico, entered eternal rest Tuesday, January 24, 2023. It is with great sadness that our beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend was called to rest. Ted was a very loving man very patient and well respected; he was a hardworking provider for his family and his beloved wife Mary Muñiz of 38 years. He was born in Silver City New Mexico to Jose and Consuelo Muñiz. He was raised in Bayard, New Mexico in his youth. He played little league where he was the only one who parked the ball all the way to the Bayard swimming pool. In high school he continued playing baseball and also enjoyed wrestling. Ted made many loving and special memories with his family. He enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors camping, watching the sunset, fishing and hunting. He also took pride in his garden, where he would spend hours working on his yard with his beloved wife Mary. He also loved his pride and joy, which was his truck cleaning washing and waxing it for hours. Ted also enjoyed going to the casino with his brother-in-law. He loved listening to Music like classic rock, Spanish and country. Ted had many close friends and relatives who gave him numerous nicknames which he enjoyed. His favorite beer was a Bud Light lime and he was a New York Giants fan. He was a Devout Catholic and a member of the infant Jesus Catholic Church in Hurley. He attended DABCC where he received an associate and his HVAC license, he was also on the dean’s list. He worked at Freeport McMoran for 36 years, during layoffs he was employed at the Grant County detention center and also at the wastewater treatment plant in Silver City where he met many wonderful friends. Ted also Enjoyed helping his wife set up their food truck, Maria's funnel cakes and more, at events where they visiting and reminiscing with all his friends. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Muñiz; his one son, Teddy Muñiz Jr. of Hurley, NM; his three daughters Jessica Chavez, Stephany Benavidez (James) and Victoria Muñiz of Hurley, NM; his one brother Ray Muñiz of Silver City, NM; his five Grandchildren, Arturo Chavez, Arissa Chavez, Matthew Pacheco, A.J. Benavidez and Destiny Benavidez; his numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog-Nika Maria Muñiz. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two sisters Patsy Roacho and Christy Guzman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 5:00-6:00pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the Prayer Vigil/Rosary commencing at 6:00pm, with Deacon Art Gutierrez reciting. The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 9:00am at Infant Jesus Shrine Catholic Church, with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. He will be laid to rest at 11:00am at the Hurley Cemetery. Pallbearers are Teddy Muñiz Jr., James Benavidez, Arturo Chavez, Matthew Pacheco, A.J. Benevidez, Luis Roacho, Jose Roacho and Juan Carlos Roacho. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Armendariz, Mike Barragan, Steve Chavez, Jim Barragan, Roy Barragan, Robert Chacon, Manuel Chacon, Teddy Chacon, Jason Barragan, Virginia Ortega, Orlando Ortega Jr., Eric Jacquez and Pete Salas.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

0 Comments

Thomas Walter Awbrey

2/2/2023

0 Comments

THOMAS WALTER AWBREY, 81, resident of Deming passed away Monday January 30, 2023 in the comfort of his home.

A graveside service will be Monday February 6 2023 at 11 o’clock in the morning at Mt. View Cemetery. Pastor Darrell L. Witmer will officiate and veteran’s honors will be accorded.

Thomas was born May 23, 1941 in Sacramento, California to Thomas Joseph and Helen Faye Awbrey. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965 and afterward was a Supervisor in field of commercial airlines until his retirement. He has been a resident of Deming for 21 years having moved here from San Diego, California. Locally he attended the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed hiking and square dancing. Thomas also served on the Deming airport board and was a volunteer at the Rockhound State Park.

He is survived by his daughters, Junia Upton (Charles) of Deming, Christine Christoffersen (Brent) of Houston, TX and Evelyn Sparks (Brandon) of Prescott, AZ; 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife Junia Rae Awbrey, sister Joan Brown and granddaughter Angela Shyrock.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels and Mimbres Crematory

0 Comments

George L Cruz

2/2/2023

0 Comments

George was born on April 25, 1944, in Dawson, in northern NM. He grew up with his 11 brothers and sisters on the Diamond D Cattle Ranch.

Upon graduating from high school George moved to Morenci, AZ where he started his 39-year career with Phelps Dodge Corporation. He became an integral part of the company and worked his way up the ranks from laborer to management with positions also at Tyrone and Chino. Toward the end of his career, he shared his expertise in helping to start up new mining operations in Alaska, Canada, and Chile.

It was in Morenci where he met the love of his life, Lucy. George would pull up a stool at the counter of the company drug store where Lucy worked at the soda fountain. A beautiful relationship blossomed between the two and they soon married. Last July George and Lucy celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Together they raised two beautiful daughters. George was a loving grandfather, took an active role in the lives of their grandchildren, and was very proud of all their achievements.

George was a man of faith. He was devoted to God and his church. He was an active member of St. Francis Parish, and he loved his church family. Faith always led George to help others. It even opened the door to a calling for him to comfort families who were experiencing the loss of their own loved ones. He helped many Silver City families through their own grieving during his work at Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

George was an avid sports fan. He played basketball in high school and continued playing adult league softball and basketball for many years. He cheered passionately for the New York Yankees and extra-passionately for the Denver Broncos.

George loved the mountains and the outdoors. When his girls were young, he filled their summers with camping trips into the Mogollon Mountains. He and his wife often hopped into his Bronco and took drives into the Gila Forest. He enjoyed hiking, exploring, and hunting with his friends, brothers, and nephews.

George was a man of integrity and very strong values. He was never hesitant to roll up his sleeves and was a shining example of what hard work means. He had an extraordinary sense of responsibility and was always there for his family. George thrived when he was helping others. He was loved by everyone. He will be truly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Lucy Cruz of the family home; two daughters, Lisa Schwantes and husband Mark of Durango, CO, Laura Kraus and husband Christopher of Palm Springs, CO; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three brothers, Art Cruz (Virginia) of Silver City; Tony Cruz (Priscilla) of Silver City; Thomas Cruz (Melinda) of Ft. Collins, CO; four sisters, Edna Roybal (Albert) of Eaton, CO; Helen Sanchez (Philemon) of Tyrone; Emma Aguirre (Michael) of Silver City; Katherine Flores of Silver City; sister in-law, Donna Cruz of Cheyenne, WY; one brother in-law, Pete Mondragon of Tyrone; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Joe Cruz Jr. and Pat Cruz; two sisters, Rose Mondragon and Phyllis Cruz; sister in-law, Florence Cruz; and brother in-law, Fernando Flores.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 5th from 2-3pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the prayer vigil/holy rosary to be recited by John Prejean to commence at 3pm. On Monday, February 6th the funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Newman Center at 10am with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at Memory Lane cemetery. Pallbearers are Dylan and David Schwantes, Kody Aguirre, Mark Schwantes, Christopher Kraus, Shiloh Mondello, Adri Mondello and Allyson Terrazas.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

0 Comments

David Michael Byington,

Valentine Lopez

Leonard A. Balise

Barbara Lee Peters (Little)

Theodore “Ted” Armendariz Muñiz

Thomas Walter Awbrey

George L Cruz

Local Obituaries

Archives

Categories