Blog Archives

Lupe Tanner

3/31/2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lupe Tanner, 87, from Silver City, New Mexico.

Lupe passed quietly on March 14, 2022 while surrounded by her loving family when she met our Lord.

Lupe was born and grew up in Silver City with her mother, father and five brothers. She graduated from Silver High School and received her bachelors from New Mexico State Teachers College (now Western Mexico University).

Lupe worked for almost 40 years at Gila Regional Medical Center (formerly Hillcrest General Hospital) retiring as Controller in 1998. She was also faithful member of St. Francis Newman Center Catholic Parish where she served in several Ministries.

Lupe was known for her kindness, smile, and laugh that brightened the spirit of all those around her. She never wavered in her faith of God’s will. She was considered the rock of her family. Her dedication to her family was boundless and this shows in the three wonderful children that she raised. Her greatest joys in life were also her three grandsons and two great grandsons. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and her cat Zoey. She loved the Silver City area and all her dear friends.

Lupe was preceded in death by her husband Dent Tanner Jr., her daughter Ana Cornali, her parents Ignacio and Mariana Monge, and her brothers Jesus, Joe, Louie, Al, and Ignacio Jr.

She is survived by her son Steve Tanner (wife Lulu), daughter Tessie Tanner, and son-in-law Dr. George Cornali. Additional surviving family members are three grandsons; Cameron (wife Lacey), Robert, and Brandon (wife Ana) and two great grandsons Graham Taylor and Rowan Thomas Cornali and close friend of the family Cathy Morales.

The Visitation will be held at Terrazas Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, April 20th at 5:00pm to 6:00pm. The rosary will follow at 6:00p.m. The Memorial Mass will be held at St Francis Newman Center, Thursday, April 21st, at 9:30am, both officiated by Father Bartholomew Ezenwelem. Concluding service and cremation, the inurnment will follow at St. Vincent Catholic cemetery at 4:00pm, where she will be laid to rest with her husband Dent Tanner.

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

Mary Kathleen Shirk

3/30/2022

Mary Kathleen Shirk, 73, a resident of Faywood, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at her residence. She was born in Denver, CO to William Hogan and Eunice Geheb.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dave Shirk of Faywood; one son, Damon Shirk and wife Jessica Woods Shirk of Faywood; five grandchildren; three brothers, Michael Hogan of Colorado Springs, CO; David Hogan of Colorado Springs, CO; John Hogan of Commerce City, CO; two sisters, Linda Skalecke and husband Jim of Elizabeth, CO; Eilene Hogan of Aurora, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brothers, Timothy Hogan; one sister, Karen Draper.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.

No service will be held per her request.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Buddy Ray Donaldson

3/30/2022

Buddy Ray Donaldson, 68, a resident of Gila, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, March 17, 2022 at his residence. He was born August 15, 1953 in Silver City, NM to Bruce Merlin Donaldson and Betty Elkins.

Buddy Ray Donaldson lived an incredible life. As a young man he served his country in Vietnam. He would forever after be a patriot with a deep love for his country. Buddy became an electrician after returning from Vietnam. Some years later he would change careers and become a nurse. He was geared toward the trauma field of nursing and would work for 15 years as a flight nurse. Later he began working in the ER, and ended his career as a highly qualified ICU nurse. He loved helping people through difficult illnesses and injuries and did so for 32 years.

A gifted artist, Buddy was a horn and antler carver. He created beautiful masterpieces on moose, elk, fallow deer antler, and wild sheep horn. He also carved on gun stocks, fireplace mantels, and knife handles. The wildlife he depicted on these various mediums were amazing and very realistic.

First and foremost Buddy loved his family. Time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren were precious to him. He was devoted to his faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the ward Mission Leader, an early morning Seminary Teacher, and as a ministering brother. He spent many hours caring for others as a nurse, husband, father, and friend. His determination to serve his fellowman was founded in the love of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his loving wife, Hazel Donaldson of the family home; five sons, Levi Donaldson and wife Katie of Safford, AZ; Clay Donaldson and wife Tasha of Cliff; Terril Donaldson and wife Darci of Duncan, AZ; Johnny Donaldson of Farmington, NM; Cash Donaldson of Oklahoma City, OK; two daughters, Lin Miller of Grand Junction, CO; Lori Donaldson of Farmington, NM; twenty-three grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Tex Donaldson and wife Patty of Cliff; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Wade Donaldson.

A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, April 1st at 10am at the Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints Church in Gila, NM with Bishop Mayberry-Dedication Congregational. Concluding service and interment will follow at Gila-Mesa cemetery. Pallbearers will be Levi Donaldson, Clay Donaldson, Terril Donaldson, Tex Donaldson, Myron Sullivan, and Glenn Sullivan. Honorary pallbearers are Rowan Perry and Clancy Kartchner.

Filomena Robles Salinas

3/30/2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother Filomena Robles Salinas, 83, a longtime resident of Deming, NM. She peacefully went to be with the Lord in the early morning of Saturday, March 26, 2022.

Filomena was born on July 5, 1938 in Riva Palacio, Chihuahua, Mexico to Apolonia Valverde and Ramon Robles. She was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Filomena was a homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed. She was also a hard worker and held numerous jobs throughout her lifetime in Deming. Even after reaching retirement age, she continued to work at the Deming Senior Center where she helped in providing meals to the senior community. She enjoyed daily walks, gardening, and visiting with family and friends over a cup or two of coffee. In her last years, she helped to raise one of her youngest great-grandsons, Aidan, whom she loved dearly.

Filomena is survived by one brother, Octavio Robles of Mexico and one sister, Atocha Robles de Loya of Mexico. She leaves behind five children, Matilda Cordova of Las Cruces, NM; Maria Guadalupe Salinas of Deming, NM; Jose Jaime Salinas and his companion Lorayna Cole of Deming, NM; Juan Manuel Salinas and his wife Yuri of Deming, NM and Leticia Salinas Moreno of Deming, NM; sixteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Federico Robles; four sisters, Sara Robles de Derma, Elisa Robles de Tapia, Anna Robles de Corral and Juana Robles Valverde. She is also preceded in death by her former spouse, Guadalupe R. Salinas, one son-in-law, Raymond Cordova; one daughter-in-law, Dolores “Doe” Sanchez; one grandson, Manuel “Nano” Gallosa Jr. and one great-grandson, Duane Anthony Vasquez.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 9-10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapel with the holy rosary beginning at 10am with Julia Robles officiating. Funeral mass will then begin at 11am at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Father, Jesus Martinez officiating. Concluding services with an interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Adrian Cordova, Juan Miguel Salinas, Alejandro Marquez, Vicente Salinas, Gabriel Gallosa and Emilio Salinas. Honorary pallbearers are Julian Salinas, Joeni Salinas, Yannel Salinas, Lorena Martinez and Isaiah J. Gallosa. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels & Crematory. "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-546-0070. To send your condolences visit, www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com

Jose Rafael Padilla

3/22/2022

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Jose Rafael Padilla, age 61, our most beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend passed suddenly on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at home.

Those who knew Jose lost a shining light in their lives. He will be missed every day by his Father Rudy; Mother Barbara; Sister Pilar; Brother J.B., and Sister Maria and her husband David. Jose was a loving uncle to Greg, Kaitlyn, Julia, David, Daniel, Maggie, Ben, Megan, Jacob, and John. He also had 18 great-nieces and nephews, who just adored him.

Jose was a faithful member of Saint Francis Newman Center Parish, and an avid member of New Beginnings, where he had many friends. He loved to watch sports and was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Jose had the most kind spirit and a quick wit. He treated everyone he met with kindness and compassion.

Those who love Jose find comfort in knowing that he has joined loved ones who have passed on before him and that he will continue to be loved in heaven as he was here on earth.

Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 10:30am at St. Francis Newman Center in Silver City, NM.

Cremation has taken place at Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Reppard C. Jackson

3/22/2022

Reppard C. Jackson, 83, was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on March 15, 2022. He was surrounded by his family.

Reppard was born June 3, 1938 in New Market, AL to Raymond and Lola Jackson. He attended Hazel Green High School, where he was active in sports and drove the school bus. After high school, he worked at Bell Labs in Huntsville building rocket motors for the Nike-Zues program. In the early 60’s, he moved to Deming, NM and worked for Auburn Rubber. In the 70’s, he began working for Public Service Co. of NM where he retired from after 32 years of service. Upon retirement, he could be found fishing, gardening, grilling and most importantly, spending time with his family, Reppard was an active member of FBC, Deming where he served in various roles (Children’s Sunday School Director, Treasurer and member of “The Crew”). He is remembered for his desire to put people first, help in any way he could and never leave a guest hungry. Reppard was preceded in death by his parents, his son: Raymond Cecil Jackson, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years: Vickie J. Jackson, son: David (Shannon) of Tucson, AZ, daughters: Jennifer (Alex) Larrea of Orange, CA, Patricia (Cesar) Duran of Las Cruces, NM and Mary (Erick) Kendall of Las Cruces, NM. Grandchildren: Cody Ray, Dominique, Cody, Jenai, Jessica, Jordan, Jaedyn, Shelby, Jackson, Roxas, Teagan and Mia. Great grandchildren: Kellsie, Kailum and Ashtyn.

A memorial service will be held at Baca’s Funeral Chapels on Saturday, March 26th at 10 o’clock am.

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

William (Bill) Clarence Keith

3/17/2022

William (Bill) Clarence Keith, 87 of Deming, New Mexico was called home to be with the Lord on March 14, 2022. Bill was born in Paris, Arkansas on December 24, 1934 to Virgil Oliver Keith and Alice Delilah Furr. Bill joined the U.S. Army in 1950 and served 2 terms. During his military service he was deployed twice to Korea and he received several meritorious medals.

In 1962 Bill met the love of his life Lula Elizabeth (Beth) Stevenson and they married two weeks later. On April 19, 2022 they would have celebrated their 60th anniversary. Bill and Beth loved each other deeply and had a family of five children. Bill left an everlasting legacy through his uncompromising commitment to his wife Beth and the important life skills he taught to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill and Beth loved to play music together. Bill especially loved to play the harmonica and he often would play it for visitors and for family get togethers. Bill always made his family a priority and he would give the shirt off of his back to help a stranger. He was an avid outdoorsman in his younger years and he loved to hunt, fish and travel.

Bill is survived by his wife Beth and his five children Curtis (Janet) of Gainesville Texas, Robert (Connie) of Deming, Pamela Richins of Deming, Kendall (Christy) of Gilbert Arizona, Clinton (Tammy) of Deming as well as fifteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bill loved his family deeply. He was the best husband, daddy and grandpa anyone could ask for and he will forever be in our hearts.

Funeral service will be held on Monday March 21, 2022 at Baca’s Funeral Chapel in Deming New Mexico. Visitation will be 8:30am to 10am. Service will be held in the chapel starting at 10am and immediately afterwards there will be a prerecession to Mountain View Cemetery where graveside service will take place with military honors accorded.

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

George William Shepard

3/17/2022

George William Shepard, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Arenas Valley, NM. on Wednesday March 9, 2022, in the loving arms of his wife of 32 years, Jeannette (Jean) Sherman Shepard. He is survived by his sons Cody Shepard of Silver City, NM, Wayne Shepard of Mimbres, NM and Shawn Ozzello (Ana) of Centennial, CO. His daughters Kristina Ozzello Keen (John) and Tara Ozzello O'Neill, of Silver City, NM; grandchildren: Aaron O'Neill, William Kammerer (Taylor), Samantha Shepard (Smith), Stephanie Ozzello, Christopher Shepard, Emmitt Shepard, Austin Keen, Levi Shepard, and looked forward to the arrival of baby boy Shepard in May. He is also survived by his mother in-law, Mary Sherman, Sister in-law Sandra Sherman Wooten, Brother in-law Robert Sherman (Letha) and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and chosen family in heart he had collected over his life. Preceded in death by his parents George W. and Myrtis Shepard of Las Cruces, NM., his son Christopher Martin Shepard, Father in law, Jack Sherman of Silver City, NM. , Brother in law, Jeffrey Wooten and Sister in law, Marcia Sherman Dufrane Wolf of Las Cruces, NM.

George was born in Las Cruces, NM. As a teenager, he lived with his Aunt Margie and Uncle Dave in Hereford, TX prior to moving back to Las Cruces and graduating from Mayfield High. He moved to Radium Springs NM and worked with the Volunteer Fire Dept. and Burns Construction. After his divorce, he raised his 2 sons, Wayne and Christopher as a single father. He met the love of his life and soul mate, Jean at a dance in the Blue Moon Bar and Grill in Radium Springs the summer of 1989. Jean was a single Mom raising 2 daughters Tara and Kristy and 1 son Shawn. George and his sons moved to Silver City, NM and December 30,1989 the couple married in Palomas, Mexico and began their journey as a blended family. Hence, their favorite song "Once in A Blue Moon". In 1998 the couple was blessed with their son, Cody Shepard. George began working for James Hamilton Construction in 1990, his work took him locally to the mines and across the State of New Mexico until he retired. He was an extremely hard worker, dedicated and determined to provide for his family and give them the life they deserved. Most people remember him from his work as Secretary of Gila Fish and Gun Club, promoting and running the annual fall Silver City Gun Show for over 20 years. George was selfless and put others first. He was always reaching out to help anyone in need, no matter what it took, especially his family. His caring spirit and generous heart could be felt by anyone he came in contact with. He had a special gift of not only seeing the good in people but bringing out the best in them as well, an instant friend. George was an avid lover of the outdoors and spent much of his time in the mountains, hunting and fishing, and enjoying the serene beauty it encompassed. His love for the outdoors brought out the happy free spirit that defined him. He was a great story teller and had a great passion for our country, freedom and was a true patriot. In 2003, the couple suffered the loss of their son Christopher and daughter in law Skyla. In 2014, he suffered the loss of his father in-law, Jack, whom he adored and considered his Father. Jack taught him to trap and was his mentor. In 2019, he suffered another loss of his very dear brother in-law, Jeff, whom he was very close. These losses devastated him, but he was such a proud, strong man, not many saw his struggle.
After retiring, he purchased a 2 acres homestead in Arenas Valley, NM and began making it a special place for his family. He spent his last days, remodeling their soon to be home, even learned to wallpaper. He put up greenhouses and a large chicken coop for Jean's passion of gardening and raising chickens. He planned on building an addition onto the house, a carport and putting in an orchard out back. His goal was to be self-sustaining in these hard times. After a hard day’s work, he loved sitting on the porch in the evenings, in his rocker watching the deer and elk come in to water. He truly loved his new homestead and was proud of all he had accomplished and always had a new project to conquer. His passion and integrity to those he loved was unwavering. His laugh will live on forever. He was fun loving and outgoing. He was an example to so many and a shining light to all who knew him. When you think of George, celebrate the good memories you have of him. Remember that life is fragile and should be lived to the fullest. He will be missed more than any words could express but he will be forever in our hearts till we meet again. We will remember him for his loving nature, his playfulness, and his occasional, endearing stubbornness. He doted on his grandchildren. He really is that pebble thrown into a lake as the lives he touched act as ripples that extend far beyond just us. We will miss him dearly, but we are so grateful for the time we had to spend with him. We will always feel his presence in our hearts. Special thanks to our very dear friend and sister by heart, Joani Amos, for being with us every step of our journey, no matter our need she would find a way to provide it. George, a loving husband, father, grandfather (Papa), brother by heart and friend to many will be sorely missed and forever remembered. Because he celebrated life, no formal funeral service is being planned, instead, he will be honored with an outdoor Celebration of Life and Bar-B-Q to be held at a later date.

Write to Jean Sherman Shepard

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

Elizabeth G. H. Maynes

3/17/2022

Elizabeth G. H. Maynes, 62, a lifelong resident of Deming, NM went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 12, 2022 with her family by her bed side.

Elizabeth was born on October 1, 1959 to Ray Hull and Kay Russell. She was an outstanding grandmother to all her grandchildren. Loved by all and respected by all and a voice heard above all at the baseball field. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Ron W. Maynes; one son, Steven Ray Maynes of Deming, NM; three daughters, Sheree Maynes Lively and her husband Joel of Las Cruces, NM; Samantha Jo Maynes and her companion Zeke Montoya of Tortugas, NM and Charlotte Maynes and her companion Gabriel Muñoz of La Union, NM; one sister, Shannon Hull Curry of VA; and twelve grandchildren, Andres, Kayli, Angel, Darren W., Tristan, Madison, Breana, Elias, Isabel, Alex, Ethan and Malacki.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents and one brother, Clay Hull.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels & Crematory.

Helen M. Monje

3/15/2022

Helen M. Monje, was born and raised in Gila. Graduated from Cliff high school in 1951 and immediately began her career in the insurance field, became a member of the professional Insurance Women’s Association, which took her to numerous conferences across the country.

In 1986 became a Farmers Insurance broker until her retirement in 2001. She loved Jesus, you’d always hear her talking and praying to Him. She loved her family dearly. Family gatherings and dinners. She loved to play bingo and always had her word Search at hand with her lemon cookies and coffee. She was born to Jose and Santos Medrano. Number six of seven siblings with one surviving sister Natalia Trujillo of Las Cruces. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years Joe R Monje and her three young boys, Reyes, Frankie, and Stevie Monje, and most recently her son-in-law Gilbert Garcia. She is survived by her two daughters Maria Garcia of Gila and Marci Chambers of Gila. Four grandchildren, Gibby Garcia and Melissa of Aragon; Gabe Garcia of Silver City; Reyes Silva of Gila, and Grace Placencio, and Michael of Silver City. She had nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed, always loved, and never forgotten. Forever in our hearts.

A rosary being recited by Bill Holguin will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 12noon at St. Vincent Catholic Church with the memorial mass to commence at 12:30pm with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Vincent’s Catholic cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Joe Monje.

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