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Helen Georgine Antonson Shockley

6/4/2020

Helen Georgine Antonson Shockley, 82, resident of Deming since 1996 entered eternal rest Thursday, May 28, 2020.

She passed at home with husband, Larry Shockley and nephew, Wesley Shockley. Helen was born September 1, 1937 to mother, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Reft Antonson and Gustav Karl Antonson in Karluk, Alaska. She married Larry Shockley on February 15, 1976 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They lived in Orange County, California until she retired from Hughes Aircraft in 1992. They moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1995 and then a year later to Deming.

Helen loved to laugh and those she met loved to hear it. She loved almost everyone she met, and it was returned to her a hundredfold. She gave herself to Christ and was baptized at the Windmill Cowboy Church in 2018, saying it was the most wonderful congregation she had ever met.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry and five children, Cheryl Lynn Newsted of Deming, Steven Franklin Cockroft of Deming, Debra Ann Wilson and her husband Scott of Deming, Darold Ray Norment and wife Debbie of Pleasonton, Texas and Dwayne Lee Norment of Vero Beach, Florida. 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

She leaves a big hole in the lives of those that knew her and will be sorely missed by all.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.

A graveside service will be on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 11am at Mountain View cemetery.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels & Crematory.

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Avon E. Bailey

6/4/2020

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Avon E. Bailey, 74, a resident of Deming, NM entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at Mimbres Memorial Hospital.

Avon was born on May 26, 1946 to Warren Bailey and Lenora Twist in Bangor, Maine. Abon was a member of the American Legion and served in US Navy.

He enjoyed riding in his motorcycle and his hobbies consisted of going fishing, building model airplanes and playing online poker. He is survived by his wife, Annette Bailey; two sons, Christopher Hernandez and Ronnie Hernandez; two daughters, Yvonne Bailey and Andrea Hernandez; one step-son, James Beillon; one sister, Linda Twist and seven grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.

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Petra (Patsy) Flores Leyba

6/3/2020

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PETRA (PATSY) FLORES LEYBA
07/23/35 – 05/20/20
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Patsy Leyba, 84, due to complications from Covid-19. Within the week of becoming ill, she passed away peacefully in her sleep. We are comforted knowing our precious mother is now with our heavenly Father and our dad, Richard Leyba.

Visitation will be Monday evening June 8, 2020 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Baca’s Funeral Chapel. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, it will be restricted to 40 people at a time. At 7:00 pm the family will have a private viewing where the rosary will be recited. On Tuesday morning, June 9, 2020, Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 o’clock at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Those attending are encouraged to remain in their vehicle for the safety of all. Reverend Father Manuel Ibarra will officiate.

Although her birth name is Petra, she was affectionately called Patsy since grade school. Patsy was born July 23, 1935 to Librada Bautista and James Flores, Sr. in Deming. Due to family health concerns, Patsy achieved an eighth-grade education, which left her with a strong desire to complete her education. Upon the return of our dad, Richard, from the Korean Conflict in 1953, he knew the love of his life would be his beloved Patsy. On August 7, 1955 he married Patsy at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church where they were both life-long members. They began their married life in a one room apartment off Maple Street and many years later they would make their home on Holly Street, where they raised their six children.

Patsy worked at Rexall Drug, Mountain Bell Telephone Company and was a homemaker for many years. She desired to complete her high school education so in the 1960’s she secured her GED. She worked at Lewis Flats Elementary School for several years as a Teacher’s Assistant. With the encouragement of her family and professional colleagues, she made the decision to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western New Mexico University. After years of carpooling after work and summer school to Silver City, NM and selling Avon to pay for her books and education, she graduated from Western New Mexico University in 1973. Our mom’s dream to become a teacher was realized. She loved the classroom and her students. We are honored by the many tributes from her former students on how she was instrumental in helping them choose a career in teaching. In 1979 our mother earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from New Mexico State University and continued her studies to become a certified Master Teacher and a Reading Specialist. She retired from the Deming Public School System following the retirement of our father Richard and the closing of the Deming Office Supply in 2000. However, our mom was not done teaching. She was highly sought after to return to the classroom, which she did. She then retired two more times with the last retirement from Smith School Elementary in 2007. Our mother was the consummate educator. She passionately believed in education and she would do whatever she could to help her students. Following her three retirements, which her children gently teased her about, she and our dad Richard would travel to Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona to visit their children. Our mom was the heart and soul of our family. Family was so important to her and it brought her much joy when she was with our dad and her children. In February 2018, our mother moved to Arlington, TX to be with her children following the passing of her beloved Richard on December 31, 2017.

Although her time in Arlington, TX was short lived, she enjoyed the many family gatherings with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also missed her New Mexico birthplace, Deming, and her siblings but especially her only sister Martina Marrufo of Deming.

Our mother is survived by her son, Ricardo “Rick” (Colleen) of Fairview, TX: 5 daughters, Sylvia (Eloy) Hernandez of Arlington, TX; Cynthia (Alex) Quintero of Mansfield, TX; Cecilia Leyba of Fort Worth, TX, Olivia (John) Tucker and Lydia (Tim) Smylie both of Burleson, TX; sister Martina Marrufo of Deming, NM; brothers Sam Flores of Albuquerque, NM and Blas Leyba Jr. of Las Cruces, NM; 12 grandchildren, Eloy, Claudia, Joshua, Alisha, Fabian, Albert, Matthew, Julia, Victoria, Trent, Alyssa and Hanna; 8 great-grandchildren, Emma, Eloy, Ethan, Harper, Celena, Savana, Seraphina and Fabian Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Librada Flores Sr. and the love of her life and our dad Richard Leyba.

Serving as pallbearers will be her son, Rick Leyba, and her grandsons Eloy Hernandez, Josh Quintero, Albert Torres, Mathew Ramirez, and Trent Tucker. Honorary pall bearer is her grandson, Fabian Zamora.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a memorial contribution in honor of our mother’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Memorial in honor of Patsy Leyba ID# 12030857, or donate on line at stjude.org/donatetoday. For on-line donations, ID number not required. Dedicate donation to Patsy Leyba or you may call them directly at 1-800-822-6344 and please reference the Memorial ID# 12030857.
Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

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Ruby Joyce Fewell

6/2/2020

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Ruby Joyce Fewell, 90, was called to her Heavenly home on May 31, 2020. She was born in Springhill, Arkansas on September 2, 1929 to Gladys and Morris Wilcox. Her family moved to Deming, NM when she was 14 where she attended Deming Public Schools and was a member of the First Baptist Church until her death.

A graveside-only service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday June 10, 2020 at Mountain View Cemetery in Deming, Jason Anderson, grandson, and Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Rawlins, Wyoming officiating. Because of Covid19 restrictions, others who wish to attend the graveside may park their cars around the site and in the nearby parking lot. A sound system is being provided for the service.

Through the years, Ruby Joyce was active at First Baptist Church teaching children’s Sunday School and serving on committees, including the hospitality and sanctuary renovation committees. She also sang in the church choir.

It was on the school bus that Ruby Joyce met Melbourne Fewell. Through school and church, they formed a special friendship and love. They were married at First Baptist Church on January 19, 1950, and before Melbourne’s death in 2014 had celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Ruby Joyce was a lady of many talents. She was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for her four daughters until they graduated high school. Ruby Joyce had many entries in the Luna County Fair for needle work items, canned vegetables and many beautiful arrangements of flowers. Her home in the country was always bursting with colorful blooms and many summers, a vegetable garden.

To supplement the family income, she began babysitting some of her nieces and nephews and two of her friend’s children. Later, she worked at Tharp’s, Mom’s and Chandler Flower shops, making beautiful floral arrangements.

Ruby Joyce was a homemaker at heart and loved to cook. She became known for her chile rellenos, fried chicken and cream pies. She loved entertaining and hosted Christmas parties for the teachers and staff of Memorial Elementary School when Melbourne was principal. She loved her brothers and sisters and their families, and many Christmases and birthdays were celebrated in her home. She loved her grandchildren. Almost every holiday she baked dozens of cut-out cookies, iced them in colorful icing, and sent them to her grandkids.

Ruby Joyce is pre-deceased by her husband, Melbourne, mother and father, daughter Cheryl McAlpine, brothers Johnnie and Teddy Wilcox and sister, Ruth Pratz.

She is survived by daughters Kay Stewart (Fred), Debbie Anderson, (Ken), Jan Armstrong, brother Charles Wilcox (Brenda) and sister-in-law Helen Wilcox, 8 grandsons, 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to The Beehive of Deming, Sunset Vista and Genesis HealthCare of Silver City, NM for the loving care they provided our mother in these past 6 ½ years. Also, to Baca’s Funeral Home for the wonderful service and compassionate care they have provided to our family.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

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Ward Kale Stanton

6/2/2020

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Ward Kale Stanton passed away peacefully on May 30, 2020 in El Paso TX, with family by his side. He was born on December 17, 1936 to the late Earl and Rebecca Stanton. Ward was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years Lois and two siblings; Earl Stanton and Ida Brannon. Ward is survived by his sister Alice French (Maryland); his children Michael Stanton of Greene, NY, Thomas Stanton (Louanne) of Mount Pleasant, NC, Deenna Stanton (George) of Oxford NY, and Greg Stanton (Lori) of Greene NY. Ward was the proud grandpa of 8 grandchildren and 17 great children.

Ward graduated from Greene Central High School in 1955 and the University of Oneonta in 1959, where he received his teaching degree. While attending Oneonta State University Ward met the love of his life Lois Kavanagh. They were married in Bayside, NY in 1958 and lived happily for 55 years in Greene, NY and Deming, NM. Ward was a math teacher and coach for 32 years at Harpursville Central School, He had an uncanny ability to listen to others and pass along wisdom, that was often life changing, to those who listened. Through his adult life Ward was proud to be part of the Greene Jaycees, a former President of the Greene Central School Board of Education, Greene Town Councilman and co-owner of Nature Valley Associates. Ward often stated that his four children were his greatest accomplishments.

An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Ward was a Life Member of the Rocky Mount Elk Foundation and supporting member of National Wild Turkey Federation. Dad enjoyed many years of hunting, camping and coaching with his family and best friends, Chauncy “Stub” and Jen Smith.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Skip and Phyllis Price of Apache Creek, NM for opening their home and hearts to dad and to Dan Wilson of Deming, NM for being a great friend.

His children, nieces and nephews, friends and extended family will miss his quick wit and charm, his love for a cold Heineken and his soft-spoken wisdom. Rest well our father, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle and friend.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at the Silo Restaurant in Greene, NY. The date and time will be announced when available.

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

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Helen Georgine Antonson Shockley

Avon E. Bailey

Petra (Patsy) Flores Leyba

Ruby Joyce Fewell

Ward Kale Stanton

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