Blog Archives

James E. Koons Jr.

4/29/2021

James E. Koons Jr., 77, of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at his residence in Silver City NM.

James (Jim) Koons Jr. or as some called him “Big Jim” is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Pamela Daley Koons, a resident of Silver City, Born in Boston Massachusetts; his 3 sons, Shannon V Koons of Albuquerque NM and his wife Michelle Koons, Joseph (Joe) Koons of Silver City NM and James F. Koons and his wife Joanna D Koons of Silver City NM, his daughter-in-law, Tammy Edwards of Las Cruces NM and his 3 grandchildren, Avery Koons of Las Cruces NM, Abbey Koons of Las Cruces NM and Jordan Price of Lubbock TX. He is also survived by his best friend Hal Sontag formerly of Silver City NM.

He is preceded in death by his parents James E. Koons Sr. and Gladys Koons, of El Paso TX, and his sister Georgia Bessette, of El Paso TX.

Jim was born on May 1, 1943 in El Paso TX, to parents James E. Koons Sr. and Gladys Koons. He graduated from Irvin High School in North East El Paso. He worked for El Paso Electric Company from 1964 to 1979. In 1979, he and his family moved to Silver City NM where he accepted a position with the Texas New Mexico Power Company, now known as PNM.

Jim was the kind of person who knew a lot about a lot of different things. He enjoyed and taught many people about his hobbies, passions and the things he loved to do. The list is endless! From hunting and fishing to raising chickens, turkeys, horses and pigs. From archaeology to gold prospecting and mining turquoise. From cooking Chinese food to photography. From beekeeping to how to grow a garden. From collecting antiques to pond plants. An entire book could be written about all the things Jim knew about, did well and taught others. He was known for always enjoying a cup of coffee at the old Red Barn Steakhouse.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 1st at 10am at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Bartholomew Ezenwelem officiating. Covid guidelines advised.

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

Kenneth Ralph Heiden

4/29/2021

Kenneth Ralph Heiden left us on April 20, 2021. He was born on March 12, 1948 in LaPorte Ind. to John Heiden and Margaret Kruzick Heiden. Kenny married early at age 15 and went to work. During his life he married numerous times--we thought of him as a "marrying kind of guy." And being a hard-working guy he always had a job. No one can remember him ever taking a sick day.

In 1969 Ken went into the Army, worked as a heavy equipment operator, and did a tour in Vietnam. Like many vets he preferred not to talk about his war experience. The war did change him, but it didn't change his divorcing and re-marrying habit and his work ethic to be the best employee anyone could have.

After 25 years with Phelps-Dodge and Freeport-McMoran he retired. For many years Ken was involved with the fraternal order of Elks. The Elks was a social and personal commitment, and he will be sorely missed by his brothers there. Especially, Andrew Housley who was his closest friend and did so much for Kenny till the end.

Ken is survived by two sons: Nathan Heiden of Tucson and Carl Heiden of Silver City, as well as a brother, Jack Heiden and two sisters, Sandi May and Linda Turner. A special thanks to a companion of his for 50 years: Sue Been. He will be forever greatly missed and remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest--his way.

A Graveside service with full military honors will be celebrated on Monday, May 3, 2021 at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at 11am with Andrew Housley officiating. Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Abraham E. Carrillo

4/28/2021

Abraham E. Carrillo, 63, longtime Deming resident entered eternal rest Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Mountain View Regional Hospital in Las Cruces.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 9 o’clock in the morning at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church followed by a prayer vigil at 10 to be led by Maria Lozano. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 11 o’clock with concluding services and interment at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Jesus Martinez will officiate. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, 33% of the capacity of the church will be allowed, must wear a mask and social distancing will apply. Current cemetery restrictions allow 10 people at the graveside with the remainder of those attending to remain in their vehicles.

Abraham was born March 16, 1958 to Felipa Escareño Mendoza and Pablo Carrillo del Muro in Villanueva, Zacatecas, Mexico.

He was the first of his brothers and sisters to venture to the United States. He spent a few years in the later part of the 70’s working in farms in Deming, NM. He returned to Zacatecas in 1980 to marry Maria R. Escareño then they both moved to Long Beach, CA where they had their first son Ricardo, in 1981. However, the LBC life was not for them, so he got his wife and son and moved to Deming, NM where they set up their residence. This is also where they welcomed into the world their two daughters, Veronica in 1982 and Elia in 1985. He continued to work at various farms in Deming as well as working in road construction for a few years. In 1991 he took a risk and began his Farm Labor Contracting business that he ran alongside his wife to the very end. He loved going to the fields where his workers were at and help them pick chile or harvest onion. He was always joking around with the workers. He has a love for all things farming so in 1998 he purchased a Pecan Orchard off Highway 549 SE. He took great pride in his orchard. In the afternoons he loved to sit and watch nature, he also loved his Peacocks. He was married to Maria for almost 41 years. He was a proud father of 3 and grandpa of 5, uncle of lots and Padrino and friend to many. He will forever be remembered for his willingness to help anyone succeed, his joking way with friends and family and for his love he gave everyone.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maria Carrillo; his parents, Pablo and Felipa Carrillo of Phoenix; his 3 children, Ricardo Carrillo and his wife Irma of Phoenix, Veronica Carrillo and her husband Julian Diaz of Deming and Elia Ortiz and her husband Manuel of Phoenix; brothers, Francisco Carrillo of Zacatecas, Aureliano Carrillo and his wife Estela of Deming, Tranquilino Carrillo and his wife Maria del Refugio of Zacatecas, Eluterio Carrillo and wife Maria Auxilio of Phoenix; 4 sisters, Elvira Carrillo and her husband Jose Guadalupe of Zacatecas, Paulina Carrillo and her husband Alvaro Duarte of Deming, Margarita Carrillo and her husband Francisco Villagrana and Juana Carrillo both of Phoenix; 5 grandchildren, Sofia, Adam, Rene Richie, Liliana and Yazmin.

Abraham is preceded in death his sister, Maria Guadalupe Carrillo.

Serving as pallbearers are Ricardo, Francisco, Aureliano and Eluterio Carrillo, Miguel and Francisco Escareño.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

James E. Koons Jr.

4/27/2021

James E. Koons Jr., 77, of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at his residence in Silver City NM.

James (Jim) Koons Jr. or as some called him “Big Jim” is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Pamela Daley Koons, a resident of Silver City, Born in Boston Massachusetts; his 3 sons, Shannon V Koons of Albuquerque NM and his wife Michelle Koons, Joseph (Joe) Koons of Silver City NM and James F. Koons and his wife Joanna D Koons of Silver City NM, his daughter-in-law, Tammy Edwards of Las Cruces NM and his 3 grandchildren, Avery Koons of Las Cruces NM, Abbey Koons of Las Cruces NM and Jordan Price of Lubbock TX. He is also survived by his best friend Hal Sontag formerly of Silver City NM.

He is preceded in death by his parents James E. Koons Sr. and Gladys Koons, of El Paso TX, and his sister Georgia Bessette, of El Paso TX.

Jim was born on May 1, 1943 in El Paso TX, to parents James E. Koons Sr. and Gladys Koons. He graduated from Irvin High School in North East El Paso. He worked for El Paso Electric Company from 1964 to 1979. In 1979, he and his family moved to Silver City NM where he accepted a position with the Texas New Mexico Power Company, now known as PNM.

Jim was the kind of person who knew a lot about a lot of different things. He enjoyed and taught many people about his hobbies, passions and the things he loved to do. The list is endless! From hunting and fishing to raising chickens, turkeys, horses and pigs. From archaeology to gold prospecting and mining turquoise. From cooking Chinese food to photography. From beekeeping to how to grow a garden. From collecting antiques to pond plants. An entire book could be written about all the things Jim knew about, did well and taught others. He was known for always enjoying a cup of coffee at the old Red Barn Steakhouse.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 1st at 10am at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Bartholomew Ezenwelem officiating. Covid guidelines advised.

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

Prajedes (Sonny) Polanco

4/26/2021

Our beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Prajedes (Sonny) Polanco, entered into eternal rest on Friday April 23rd. He joins his son Anthony, brothers Ted and Ramon, his parents Consuelo and Joe who preceded him in death. Sonny enjoyed fishing, hunting and high school basketball. He is well known for his musical talents in singing and guitar playing as well as for his all-star basketball play for the Cliff Cowboys. He leaves behind many friends and family who enjoyed his sense of humor, loyalty and caring nature. Sonny is loved by many people and will be missed but none more so than his sons, grandsons, sisters, nieces and nephews. We love and miss you “Pop”.
He is survived by three sons, Mariano Estrada (Mary Lou) of Silver City; James Polanco (Sandra) of Nevada; Brian Polanco (Jerrene) of Hurley; ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Celia Estrada of Silver City; Marta Ortega of Gila. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose “Joe” Polanco and Consuelo Peru Polanco; his son, Anthony Polanco; two brothers, Theodore and Ramon Polanco.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 29th at Terrazas Funeral Chapels from 4-6pm with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez to commence at 6pm. On Friday, April 30th the funeral mass will be celebrated at 2pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Pallbearers are James M. Polanco, Tony Buchel, Rocky Polanco, Arnold Polanco, Edward Placencio, and Cleo Polanco. Honorary pallbearers are Isaiah Polanco, Merejildo Placencio, Israel (Sonny) Polanco, Ronnie Polanco, Sammy Chacon, and Raul Maldonado. Concluding service, cremation will be held. Inurnment will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory

Glen Eugene Comyford

4/26/2021

On April 16, 2021 in Silver City, NM at the age of 66 Glen passed away unexpectantly from a heart attack. Glen resided in Albuquerque, NM for most of his life and was born on January 16, 1955 in Springer, NM to father, Bishop Comyford and mother, Rosemary Comyford.

Glen is survived by his wife, Winnie Lauffenburger Comyford, his 2 children, Justin (Rebecca) and Brandy Comyford (Nathan Crowder). His mother Rosemary Comyford, brother, Robert (Donna) Comyford, sisters Mary (John Talbot), Sherry (Doug Talbot), Gail (Bub Graham), and his grandchildren Nolan, Rachel, Alora and Kenny. Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews.

Glen married his one and only true love Winnie Comyford in 1976 and they recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary. While dating, Glen graduated from New Mexico State University in 1976. He immediately started his career as a transmission specialist while starting a family. He would work the next 40 years in the automotive industry.

Glen was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and was known to be quite passionate on Sundays watching the games. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, writing and following retirement traveling. Later in life he grew fond of small dogs, which was always hilarious considering his tough exterior.

Glen could seem gruff and quiet on first impression, but he was much more when you got to know him and even more when you understood him. He was a Libertarian and believed in an individual’s freedom to think and choose for themselves, under any circumstance. He also believed in a lot of other stuff that, well… we won’t go there.

Also known as Papa Glen, he had a fun side those closest to him saw frequently. He could make an entire room laugh like nobody else, or he could make a room quiet as well. His strong presence was a constant that will be greatly missed.

All in all, Glen was complicated, like many men are, but to sum it up, he was an intelligent, gentle and loving man who was a great husband, a wonderful father, grandfather, a constant provider and just a truly authentic man who said more with his actions than words. He will be missed but will always be celebrated and remembered by those who had the pleasure to really know him. We love you Papa Glen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Family home May 29, 2021. Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Barbara Sue Laney

4/26/2021

Barbara Sue Laney, 73, entered eternal rest on Saturday, April 24, 2021 surrounded by family. She was born January 6, 1948 in Atoka, Oklahoma to D.A. and Syble White. Barbara is survived by her loving and devoted husband, (Vernon) John Laney of 53 years. She had an incredible family legacy including 9 children and 27 grandchildren: Tracy Laney (Lupe) of Capitan, NM, their children Crystal and Lee; Kimberly Compton (Steve) of Las Vegas, NV and their children Kyle, Trent, and Tanner; Vernon Laney (Maurine) of Silver City, NM and their children Garrett and Shelby; Collett Ortiz of Queen Creek, AZ and her children Holly, Cody, and Jaclyne; David Laney (Natalie) of Mesa, AZ and their children Hayden, Talon, and Kailyn; Spencer Laney (Marquelle) of White Signal, NM and their children Jordan, Tyson, Jadyn, Tali, Ryleigh, Adin, and Ava; Barbara Ann Eng (Eric) of Colorado Springs, CO and their children Daniel and Jessen; Edward Laney (Elaine) of Silver City, NM and their children Analisa, Faith, Arya, and Kendall; and Aaron Laney (Carston) of Silver City, NM and their son Conner. She was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by her mother, Syble White of Ft. Bayard, NM; two brothers, Randy White of Truth or Consequences, NM, and Gordon White (Kathy) of Silver City, NM; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father D. A. White. Barbara was kind, generous, and willing to help family and friends in need especially if you brought her a Pepsi Icee. She was well known for decorating beautiful wedding cakes, arranging flowers, and was the best domestic engineer a family could ask for.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 29th from 9-9:30am at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints with the funeral service to commence at 9:30am with Bishop Richard Zollinger officiating. Immediate family are only permitted at Fort Bayard National Cemetery due to pandemic restrictions. Pallbearers are Tracy Laney, Vernon Laney Jr., David Laney, Spencer Laney, Edward Laney, and Aaron Laney.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Bill Hopwood

4/22/2021

Bill Hopwood dedicated his life to his family and his career.

Within his family circle, he was known to be kind, generous, and willing to go “above and beyond” to help in any way he could.

He happily and humbly served in the growth and development of James Hamilton Construction Co for over 50 years and in retirement, the development of the Rose Valley RV Ranch. At his passing he was surrounded by his family. Kim and her son Ethan.

Will and his children Kaitlyn and Gregory and their mother Pilar. Services will be held privately.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Enrique "Henry" Sandoval

4/22/2021

SANDOVAL, Enrique “Henry” 78, entered eternal rest Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Mimbres Memorial Nursing Home.

He was born the 8th of October in Albuquerque, NM to Christian and Estefanita Sandoval. He was the 9th of 15 children. Henry grew up in Tucumcari and graduated from Tucumcari High School where he was an active member of the All-State Choir. Upon graduating from High School, he attended Western New Mexico University. While attending WNMU and pursuing a degree in education he met his wife, Christine.

During his university studies, he went to Panama as a Bi-Vocational Missionary. Henry and Christine were married June 1, 1968. Upon graduating, they started their teaching careers in Deming where they raised their family. During his career as a teacher for Deming Public Schools, Henry and Christine were involved with many activities supporting the schools. After 25 years of service, he retired from teaching. Being a very active member of the First Baptist church, he served as a Deacon, which he was very proud of, loved singing in the church choir, which he did for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Optimist Club.

Henry pursued a second career upon retiring from teaching as a driver for Deming Medical Transport where he happily drove for over 20 years. Taking clients to their appointments brought him joy and purpose. He enjoyed the conversations and friendships that he shared with his clients. Taking every opportunity, he had to share about the Lord, showed how much he loved and served Him. He knew no stranger, anywhere he went, he struck up conversations with anyone. His laughter was contagious and no matter if the joke he was telling was funny or not, you laughed because he would start laughing even before delivering the punch line. He was a very humble man and the only pride he felt was for his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 9 of his siblings. He is survived by his wife Christine, sons Joseph (wife Clara) of Seattle WA, Robert of Las Cruces, and Christopher (wife Anamaria) of Deming. His grandchildren Sarah Mathisen (husband Luke), Alyssa, Kyla, Joshua, Jonah and Estela. One great grandchild Melanie Mathisen, and many loved brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Guillermo Cadena

4/16/2021

Guillermo Cadena, 84, Deming resident passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 at his home.

He was a loving father and is survived by his children, Adrian Cadena, Sonia Cadena Wahl, Sergio R. Cadena, Javier Cadena; and 6 wonderful grandchildren. Guillermo was the last living of 8 brothers.

A graveside service will be at 12:00 o'clock noon Wednesday April 21, 2021 officiated by Father Jesus Martinez of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Deming, NM. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.

Guillermo Cadena was a free spirit, enjoyed spending time with friends and close family and was an avid fan of Horse Racing as well as being a race horse owner at Sunland Park, NM. His charm, smile and ability to make friends with ease will be missed.

May you rest in peace.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.