Blog Archives

Sergio Granillo Jr.

6/30/2021

Sergio Granillo Jr., 33, lifelong Deming resident passed away Sunday June 27, 2021 at his home.

Visitation will be held Thursday July 1, 2021 at Baca’s Funeral Chapel from 4-6 pm with the recitation of the holy rosary to follow at 6 o’clock led by Nena Juarez. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning July 2, 2021 at 10 o’clock at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church with the rite of committal and interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Jesus Martinez, Pastor, will officiate.

Sergio was born September 21, 1987 to Socorro Bustos and Sergio Granillo in Deming. He attended and graduated from the Deming Public Schools. He worked construction but lastly at Freeport-McMoRan and was a communicant of the Catholic Church. Sergio enjoyed hunting, riding horses, motorcycling and roping. He was known for his great sense of humor; always making people laugh. Sergio loved to dance and he was known to many for his outgoing personality. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving parents, Sergio and Socorro Granillo of the home; son, Sergio “Chapo” Granillo and his mother, Daniela Renteria; sister, Alicia “Chico” Orozco and her husband Alfredo; nephew, Alex Orozco; niece, Destiny Orozco all of Deming. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and friends.

Sergio was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Aurora Bustos and Pedro Ramirez; paternal grandparents, Erasmo and Alicia Granillo.

Serving as pallbearers will be Alfredo Orozco, Armando Pacheco, Lorenzo Granillo, Alonso Huitron, Gary Torres and Manuel Zapata. Honorary bearers are Donny Bustos, Daniela Renteria, Ronnie Milo, Alicia “Chico” Orozco, Sergio “Chapo” Granillo, Martin Ramirez and Francisco Zapata.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Lynda Kay Simmons

6/30/2021

Lynda Kay Simmons, 79, a longtime resident of Deming passed away Saturday June 26, 2021.

Visitation will be this Saturday morning, July 3, 2021 at 9 o’clock at CitiLife Church where funeral services will begin at 10’clock with Pastor Cesar Chavez officiating. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

Lynda was born December 4, 1941 in Hamlin, Texas to Sydney and Beryl Owens. The family moved quite a few times when she was young but finally settled in Dumas, Texas so that she and her brother could finish high school at one school. After graduating, Lynda went to beauty school and became a licensed beautician (though she was already a beauty in her own rights). After two years of saving her money she enrolled at Texas Tech and help pay her own way by doing hair in the girls dorms. In her second year she met the luckiest man there, Tom Simmons and when the semester was over they were married shortly after and moved to Deming New Mexico where she enrolled in WNMU to finish her degree. Lynda taught at Deming junior high school for two years and then stayed home to be a loving wife and mother to her children Clint and Page. Lynda not only cared for her children but her grandchildren and then a great grandson. She instilled faith in her family and mentored them in the ways of the Lord. Lynda kept her family fed, covered with prayer, and loved unconditionally. She loved her church and the people there. She always had time to visit people at home and always prayed for them. She loved being on the intercessory team. She prayed daily for our town and our government even though she might not agree with them. She is survived by her husband Tom, her children Clint and wife Crystal, her daughter Page and companion Sean Robertson, grandchildren Megan, Blaine and Landin, great grandson Westin, her in-laws Ron (late wife Jeanette) and family, John, wife Lona and family, niece Dana Emerson of Texas and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Sid and Beryl Owens, one sister, two brothers, one niece, her in-laws Rob and Jewel Simmons, and two babies Dean and Robin.

Pallbearers will be Blaine Simmons, Cory Simmons, Sean Robertson, Alex Chacon, Greg Simmons and Billy Scepka. Honorary bearers are Frank Bautista and Tony Palomarez.

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

Harley Arthur Brewster

6/26/2021

Harley Arthur Brewster, 71, passed into Heaven on June 23, 2021. He was born in Gallup, NM to Allen J. Brewster and Florence M. (Ball) Brewster on September 14, 1949. He graduated in 1967 from Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM. He furthered his education by getting his Bachelors Degree at WNMU in Silver City, NM. He married the love of his life Sunny (Keen) Brewster August 17, 1968.

Harley worked in Drafting, FAA (Flight Service Station), Telephone Engineer 35 years WNM Communications, President of Sunny’s Holiday Foods. He was a beloved cat dad, train enthusiast, earned his pilots license, enjoyed collecting Hallmark Ornaments with his wife, loved music, art, history and RVing.

He is survived by his wife, Sunny Brewster; his daughter, Carrie Brewster of Silver City; one brother, Jeffrey Brewster and wife Linda of Cotopaxi, CO; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Allen Brewster Jr., David Brewster, and Leslie Brewster.

He will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity. Harley supported no-kill cat shelters including Watermelon Mountain Ranch in Rio Rancho, NM.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Ismael Roman Grijalva

6/24/2021

Ismael Roman Grijalva, 100, a resident of Hanover, NM entered into rest Saturday, June 19, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born November 5, 1920 in Mimbres to Manuel Quesada Grijalva and Maria Luz Roman Grijalva.

He was known as a Cowboy, Rancher, Professional Painter and a loving husband and father. His strong work ethics was taught to his family as was his love for nature and his respect for God’s laws.

Ismael is survived by his loving wife, Hortensia M. Grijalva; four daughters, Rosemary Grijalva-Arzate of Hanover; Martha G. Padilla and husband Harvey of Pettus, TX; Annette G. Disert and husband Dean of Mimbres; Luvie Grijalva Ochoa and husband Antonio of Santa Clara; seven grandchildren, Dustin, Ryan, Alyson, Levi, Luke, Matthew, and Antonio; nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Nancy Leah Grijalva; his grandson, Anthony Padilla; five sisters, Luvie Martinez, Helen Moreno, Ofelia Archuleta, Corrine Escarsega, and Luz De La O; two brothers, Frederico “Freddy” and Willie Grijalva.7.

Mr. Grijalva’s service will be via zoom per family request on Saturday, June 26th at 3pm.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Sandra Kay Roberts

6/23/2021

SANDRA KAY ROBERTS
In the early morning hours of June 19, 2021, our precious mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin left us to be with our dad and our Heavenly Father.

Sandra Kay Roberts (71), was born on June 28, 1949 in San Bernardino, California to Kenneth and Lenore Gibson. She was the oldest of 5 children.

Sandra married Donald Roberts 47 years ago and raised three children together, Diana Burdick of Deming, NM, Kenneth Burdick and Susan of Killeen, TX, Donald Roberts Jr and Norma, of Modesto, CA. She was Grandmother to 7 and great-grandmother to 3 and had so very many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She worked as a phone operator for St. Bernadine's Hospital in San Bernardino for 25 years. Sandy was a lifelong Dodger’s fan. She loved her Lord, her family and friends.

Her husband Donald recently preceded her in death on May 28, 2021.

Visitation will be Monday June 28, 2021 from 11 to 1 at Baca’s Funeral Chapel where funeral services will begin at 1 o’clock with LeRoy Lacy officiating.

Concluding services and interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Burdick, Josh Schenk, Donald Roberts Jr., Alex Roberts, Daniel Roberts and Taylor Staats.

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

Jonathan Dimitri Cisneros

6/22/2021

Jonathan Dimitri Cisneros, 37, entered eternal rest Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. Jonathan was born to Richard Cisneros Sr. and Tina Tow on May 16th 1984 in Silver City NM. Jonathan grew up in Silver City most of his life with his mom and brothers Richard and Matthew. Jonathan was a caring father, brother, son, uncle, grandpa and friend. He loved his family dearly.

Jonathan was a survivor of childhood leukemia and excelled in baseball, basketball, football, and track. He attended Silver High school and Western New Mexico University. He went off to follow his family to Santa Fe where he became a vet assistant before returning to Silver City.

Jonathan had a big heart. He was a hard worker, very generous, and always was willing to help his family, friends, and any stranger that was in need. He enjoyed cooking, eating, hiking, and reading. He was amazing with animals and had a special gift with them. Jonathan also liked to work on cars with his brothers. He always brightened up any room with his laugh and jokes. He loved the outdoors, music and liked to sing. Jonathan wrote poems and loved to draw.

More than anything he loved his daughters, grandson, brothers.

There are no words on how much we all love him and how much he will be missed.
Jonathan is survived by his mother Tina Tow of Silver City father Richard Cisneros Sr. of Albuquerque brothers Richard Cisneros Jr. of Silver City brother Matthew Cisneros (Katrina) of Silver City. Daughters Esmia Martinez , Asia Vasquez and Sophia Vasquez and grandson Angel Ornelas Jr. nephew Diego Cisneros and niece Hailey Cisneros.

He was preceded in death by stepfather Timothy Tow, grandfather Angel Cisneros grandmother Teodora Sepulveda Cisneros grandpa Henry Avila grandma Rosie Avila, and sister-in-law Bernadette Flores.

Visitation will be Monday, June 28th from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez to commence at 6pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 29th at 10am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Cremation will follow service. Inurnment will take place at St. Vincent Catholic cemetery. Pallbearers are Jose Hurtado, Albert Madrid, Albert Hernandez, Armando Teran, Manny Altamirano, and Shad Gore. Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew, Richard, and Diego Cisneros and Ramon Romero. In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to the High Desert Humane Society 3050 Cougar Way Silver City, NM 88061.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Ginger LaRue Sikes

6/22/2021

Ginger LaRue Sikes passed away on Thursday, June 17 at home with her daughter in Albuquerque, NM after a courageous battle with cancer. She is greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a wonderful mother, daughter, grandmother, and sibling who always had excellent advice and words of encouragement as well as a delightful sense of humor.

Ginger was born in Gallup, NM on November 3, 1947, to A.L. and LaVaughn Thomas (Adair). She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry E. Sikes and her sister Beverly Wilson who also fought this battle and passed just recently. She is survived by her son Wes and wife Paula Monday, her daughter Lisa Brand (Monday), her son in-law Eric Brand and her loving stepchildren, Tyra and husband Mark Hobson and Mitch and wife Sherri Sikes. She is also survived by her Sister Freeda and husband Chuck Becker and her brother Kenny Thomas, her loving grandchildren Anelle Skypeck (Brand), Shelby Monday, Race Hobson, Reagan Peters and Lauren Sikes and her great-grandchildren Izabella Torres and Vincent Andrews. Her long-time and very loving best friend Rebecca Johnson was by her side until the very end.

Ginger’s life was full of love and laughter. She was hardworking and dedicated to her employers for many years in the Gallup area at Western Coin, CED Electric and United Nuclear. Ginger was a business owner/partner with her daughter at Fantastic Finds in Silver City where one of her favorite things was playing with and reading to children while their mothers shopped. Ginger had a great zest for the plant world and her favorite pastime was spending time in the garden.

A graveside service will be arranged at a later date in Silver City where she will be laid to rest at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with her loving husband.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Carole Bennett (Smith)

6/22/2021

Carole Bennett (Smith)
Carole was a blessing sent from heaven but was called to return back to our lord and savior's loving arms on May 9, 2021.

Carole Bennett (Smith) was born Carole Zumwalt to Leonard Sr. and Bessie Zumwalt on February 24, 1949 in Deming, New Mexico as a sibling to Vera, Leonard, George, and Judy. Carole is remembered as a true spitfire who would lend a helping hand to anyone. She was either flipping you the bird, or giving you a hug—both served with an endearing smile and ornery giggle.

Carole grew up in Deming, spending most of her childhood helping on the farm, attending school, and hanging out with her friends.

Carole married Kenneth Don Bennett and moved to Arizona. Years later, when she returned to Deming, she married Jim Smith. She worked at the Luna County Assessor’s Office and then the Luna County Road Department where she retired from in 2019.

Carole was an active member of the Deming community where she helped with the Luna County Crime Stoppers, was a member of the Moose Lodge, and helped with the Sunshine Class Reunions for several years. If you had the honor of meeting Carole, you’d surely never forget her.

Carole loved spending her time hunting, camping, and fishing. She could be found sitting on her front porch sharing memories with friends and family when the wind permitted—but her door was always open for a cup of coffee or a margarita. Carole lived her life her way, and to the fullest. One of her greatest treasures in this life was her friendship with Bill, Donna, and Carol and their regular trips to Palomas and the Winery.

On May 9th, 2021, Carole left this world to surprise her mother for a long-awaited heavenly Mother’s Day reunion. Her absence on Earth leaves a hole in many hearts that will never be filled.

Carole is survived by her four children: Kelli Ribbeck (Mike), Deanna Bennett, Kenneth Bennett (Diana), and Tara Arias (Lonnie); her twelve grandchildren: Tim and Kelsey (Kelli); Ashley, Randy, and Amber (Deanna); Desiree, Kristina, Destiny, Kenny, Caitlin, and David (Kenneth); and Cassie (Tara); 18 great-grandchildren: Jake, Zach, Isaiah, Marissa, Winter, Harley, Taylor,
Renezmee, Prince, Maxi, Anddon, Ayden, Alecc, Amariah, Arlo, Bryson, Keelin, and Ryett; one great-great grandson, Ezekiel; three step-children and several nieces and nephews and many who called her Ma or Grams.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, and numerous loved ones.

A celebration of her beautiful life will be held on Saturday, June 26th, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the family’s property located at 6700 Americana Way Rd. SW in Deming, New Mexico. Cremation was entrustred to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Stephen Lee McCauley

6/17/2021

Stephen Lee McCauley, 68, a resident of White Signal entered eternal rest Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Silver City Care Center. He was born July 4, 1952 to Frank McCauley and Alice Morrison in Silver City, NM.

He is survived by two sisters, Doris Robinson and husband David of White Signal, NM; Nancy Jessop of White Signal, NM; special nephew, Scott Hamp of White Signal; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Robert “Bobby McCauley; two sisters, Elaine McCauley and Carol Susan McCauley Piper.

Per his request his burial has taken place at White Signal, NM. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Myrna Taylor

6/17/2021

Myrna Taylor, 79, a long-time resident of Deming, New Mexico passed away Tuesday, June 15 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Deming on Wednesday, June 23 at 10:00 am with Pastor David Burrows officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery under the direction of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Mrs. Taylor was born in Olustee, Oklahoma to parents Bruce and Melveeta. After graduating high school from Eldorado, Oklahoma, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. On August 27, 1961, she married Raymond Eugene Taylor in Eldorado, Oklahoma and the two set out to start their life together as they accepted their first teaching positions in Deming. Myrna and Eugene would become parents to three children; twin sons Kevin and Kerry and daughter Tracey Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor was employed by Deming Public Schools for 27 years as a home economics teacher. Following her retirement from the school district, she owned and operated a small local business until Eugene’s retirement and then sudden passing in 1991. In 1994, Myrna sold her first house working with Sun Crest Realty, beginning her 25-year career as a real estate agent. She would eventually become a broker and help establish a local ReMax franchise office in Deming and saw that franchise into independent ownership as Sun Country Realty. Myrna entered into her second retirement in 2020.

Along with two distinguished careers, Myrna was also active in several organizations in the community. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Deming for 60 years, serving as a board member for the finance committee for many of those years. She also served as a board member for the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home in Portales, New Mexico as well as the Deming Public School Employee’s Credit Union. As a breast cancer survivor, she volunteered with the local Reach to Recovery organization, the American Cancer Society’s peer support program for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Melveeta, and her husband, Eugene. Myrna is survived by her children, Kevin and Angie Taylor of Las Cruces; Kerry and Jennifer Taylor of Silver City; Tracey Taylor and Elijah Carbajal of Albuquerque; three grandchildren, Kelsy Taylor, Kolby Taylor, and Mataya Taylor; and two brothers, Rick Mefford of Madill, Oklahoma and Dan Mefford of Blacklick, Ohio.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Taylor, Kerry Taylor, Kelsy Taylor, Kolby Taylor, Elijah Carbajal, Rick Mefford, Dan Mefford, Michael Wilcox and Clint Simmons. Honorary bearers are Joyce Orr, Helen Wilcox, Joyce Bell, Mary Bowman, Mary Margaret Radcliff, and Frances Louise Hinkle.

The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, 2200 South Avenue I, Portales, New Mexico 88130. The family also wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and support of Mountain View Regional Medical Center, The Village at Northrise, and Mesilla Valley Hospice for their care.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.