Blog Archives

Socorro Elena “ooh, ooh” Marquez

8/30/2021

Socorro Elena “ooh, ooh” Marquez, 36, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, August 22, 2021 at her residence. She was born November 25, 1984 in Silver City to Mauro H. Marquez and Guadalupe Turrieta.

She was a wonderful free-spirited sister. Although she had no children, she adored her nephews and nieces. Always nurturing and loving. She was passionate person, always had a positive attitude. She had the gift of compassion and kindness, and loved serving others. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Socorro “ooh, ooh” was an avid Broncos and Batman fan. She enjoyed drawing and collecting immaculate stones. She displayed the true definition of unconditional love to her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. The world has lost an immaculate soul.

She is survived by her sisters, Cassandra Madrid (Abel) of Silver City; Jessica Marquez of Artesia; Suzanne Marquez of Las Cruces; and all her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mauro and Guadalupe Marquez; her brother, Beto Marquez.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 31st from 9:30-10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Father Mattew to commence at 10am. The funeral mass will follow at 10:30am with Father Matthew of Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery officiating. Concluding service, cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Pallbearers are Abel and Rogelio Madrid, Alberto Pacheco, Jacob Melendrez, and Benjamin Hernandez.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory

Bela Marquez Cabrera

8/25/2021

BELIA MARQUEZ CABRERA DOB: NOVEMBER 19, 1934 DOD: AUGUST 20, 2021

On August 20, 2021, heaven received a beautiful soul into its choir. We are deeply saddened by our loss, but can rejoice in knowing she is Home singing praises to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, along with her husband, forevermore!

Belia was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who adored her family. Nurturing and lovingly, Belia dedicated her life to her husband, children, and grandchildren. Protective, strong, and caring, she led and taught her family the true meaning of love and unity. As the incredible baker and cook that she was, Belia’s special biscochos and tortilla recipes will continue with those she left behind. Confident and courageous in her singing, Belia’s voice inspired all who heard her.

Belia was born November 19, 1934 in Santa Rita, NM to Lupe Montoya Marquez and Everado Y Marquez.

As a young teen, Belia began her musical talent as both a singer and pianist as she gladly participated in church fiestas, and special events where she met the love of her life and married at age 17. She sang with so much heart and confidence that the power of her voice touched many which identified her as a true Christian and servant of God. Singing to the Lord was her passion and her “Alleluia” was so often heard, her grandchildren referred to her as “Grandma Luya”. Alongside her loving husband, Belia continued her musical journey and service to the church as her voice inspired her children and grandchildren to carry on her tradition of being a true Christian.
She displayed the true definition of unconditional love to her family. She is survived by her three sons: Samuel “Sammy” and wife Barbara; Victor and wife Karen; Paul and wife Delia. Two daughters: Irma Torres and husband Alex; and Patricia “Patty” Rodriguez and husband Rudy. Twenty-one grandchildren; forty-two great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; brothers: Ramon Marquez and wife Paulita, and Lorenzo “Lencho” Marquez and wife Natalia and numerous nieces and nephews. Belia was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Lorenzo “Nuni” Cabrera, grandson Adam Cabrera; Sisters: Consuelo “Chelo” Jimenez, Little Socorro Marquez, Socorro Baca and Alicia Loera; Brothers: Ramiro, Rodrigo and Rudy Marquez.
Belia will be greatly missed but we can find peace in knowing the strength and love in her song will carry on through those she left behind.

May you rest in peace Mama! We love you! De Colores!

A private family service will be held. Pallbearers are Samuel “Sammy” Cabrera Jr., Armando “Mando” Cabrera, Victor “Tito” Cabrera, Paul Cabrera Jr., Gabriel Cabrera, David Cabrera, Alex “Sonny” Torres Jr., and Eric Rodriguez.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Mary Jane Ward

8/24/2021

Mary Jane Ward, born in Washington, DC, February 20, 1925. She died August 21, 2021 in Arenas Valley, NM in her sleep with her cats by her side. Mary was born to O.B. Morgan and Mary Alice Lawson Morgan. They moved to New Mexico in 1927. Mary was a member of the Hurley Eastern Stars. In 1957, she became the first lady to join the Hurley Roping Club. In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s was barrel racing at local rodeos. She worked at Cobre High School cafeteria for approximately 30years. She was a great cook and made the best homemade buns. She was an excellent seamstress and loved quilting. She loved horses and cats.

She is survived by two sons, William Ward (Phyllis); Joseph Ward (Sharon); seven grandsons, one granddaughter, and four great grandkids; two sisters, Margie Ward and Morlene Parnell; one brother, Monte Morgan and her niece, Kathy White (Gordon) who took care of her for over 20 years; her niece Doris White (Tom); many other nieces and nephews across the country. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill and five brothers, Alfred, Howard, Lyle, Bobby, and George Morgan; two sisters, Marian Allen and Bernice Morgan.

Visitation will be Monday, August 30th from 9:30-10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the Funeral service to commence at 10am with Pastor Joseph Gros officiating. Concluding service and interment will be at Memory Lane cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband. Pallbearers are Derek, Matthew, and Luke Ward, Christopher Beltran, Dustin and Gordon White, and Jack Smith.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

JOSE OTERO GALLEGOS“PAPA JOE & POPS”

8/24/2021

Gallegos, Jose O., known by his immediate family a “POPS” & “PAPA JOE”. As for his many friends and extended family he was known as Joe or Uncle Joe. Papa Joe on August 13, 2021 surrounded by his family, met the requirements of his appointed time to leave this world behind, to start his journey on the other side of Jordan and to abide with his Lord Jesus Christ, whom he accepted as his personal Lord and Savior. Pops always believed there was a God and He guided each of us through life’s curves and trials. He met his wife Sephora Delfina Castillo Gallegos. They were married for 57 years. They had four children, all boys, JoeAdam, Kenneth, Brian, Steven Wayne & Benjamin Matthew.

Papa Joe was a loving, kind and generous man. He was a strong provider for his family. He always strived to give his family the best of things that he could. He taught his boys to take care of family, be strong, hardworking and care for others in the time of need. He worked for Auburn Rubber Toy Company in Deming, NM as Plant Operations Manager. Where they made all sorts of rubber toys. His sons, nephews and nieces would get excited when they would see him come home or was visiting family and had a box in his arms. That only meant that it was an extra Christmas Day that came around. He would bring new rubber toys that were made at the factory to show and hand them out to all of us children. He then went on to work for Phelps Dodge/Burro Chief Copper Mining Company for many years. He worked there until he retired as a Mill Supervisor in the Ore Dressing Department. Pops was very “old school” person. Learning from his father, he worked or did something every day that The Lord gave him strength and will power. He couldn’t stay at an idle. Although retired, he continued to work or do something for others. He continued to work at Foxworth Galbraith and Mountain Ridge Ace Hardware. Pops was a go-getter and surprised many. At his age he could keep up with the younger generation. “No, I Can’t and I don’t Know How” were words that didn’t go well in his vocabulary. Pops enjoyed listening and at time would hum his favorite song The Old Rugged Cross. For he knew that his Lord and Savior gave up His life on that old rugged cross so that he could live and be free.
He is survived his loving wife, Sephora Delfina Castillo Gallegos; four sons, JoeAdam (wife Rosemary), Kenneth Brian (wife Elizabeth), Steven Wayne (wife Terrie), and Benjamin Matthew; seventeen grandchildren, JoeAdam Jr., Jared, James, Jonathan, Kezia, Kenneth II, Karissa, Keanu, Steven Jr., Zachariah, Gabriel, Hannah, Bethany, Jacqueline, Gianna, Jiuliette and Aubreanna; eleven great-grandchildren, Jayla, Raygan, Asic, Aris, James, Caroline, Jaelynn, JAG9, Luke, Elayna and Erina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herminio and Maria Dolores Gallegos, grandsons, JoeAdam Jr., and James Anthony Gallegos and his sister, Cruzita Almarez.
A Memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:45am at the Bayard Apostolic Church Hall located at 312 Pearl Street in Bayard, NM. Brother Eliezer “Eli” Castillo will officiate the service.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels

John Alton Matthews

8/19/2021

John Alton Matthews departed this earth on August 15, 2021 at age 83. He was born on March 22, 1938 in Long Beach, California to Alton and Grace Matthews.
He was also lucky to have had a wonderful stepmother in Geneva Ellison Gose Matthews who married Alton after his mother’s death. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Betty Jo Matthews, his sister Carole Whitmore (Gary) of Santa Fe, New Mexico, his daughter Kathleen Burney (Gerald) of Corpus Christi, Texas and his son John J. Matthews and 2 granddaughters Elora and Ava Matthews of Hobbs, New Mexico.
John got the reputation of being a jokester early while filling out school forms. John’s family moved to Silver City in the late 1940’s from Hurley, Wisconsin to Hurley, New Mexico and his mother’s maiden name was Matthews who married a Matthews! John spent his youth in Hurley exploring the New Mexico mountains and absorbing the history of the area.
He graduated from Cobre High in 1957 where he played football and wore jersey #43. He married the love of his life, Betty Jo Hartless, in July of 1958. He studied business at Western New Mexico University before joining Community Public Service in 1959. He began his career as a lineman’s helper and moved through the ranks as apprentice lineman, lineman, serviceman, customer service representative and ended his career as district manager of Texas New Mexico Power Company with 35 years of service. During his career, John served as a director of the Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Southwest New Mexico Economic Development Council, the Grant County Energy Council, the Men’s Golf Association and the Community Concert Association.
John loved the outdoors, music, cars, motorcycles and golf. Most of all, he loved time spent with family. He and Betty Jo traveled frequently to Hawaii, took several cruises, visited the island of St. Lucia, camped at Turkey Creek and even went whitewater rafting. He taught his children the value of hard work, persistence and to do the right thing even when no one was looking.
He was intelligent, humorous and kind and he marched to the beat of his own drummer. This world is now missing a kind, honest, sweet and funny man, however; the heavens have another star shining brightly to remind us all to love one another and to always take the opportunity to do a good deed. Thanks Dad for all you taught us! A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Emilia A Mendoza

8/17/2021

EMILIA A. MENDOZA, 85, a longtime resident of Deming passed away Saturday August 14, 2021 at Mimbres Memorial Nursing Home.

Visitation will be Thursday morning, August 19, 2021 at 9 o’clock at St. Ann’s Catholic Church where a rosary will begin at 10 o’clock. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 o’clock with Fr. Jesus Martinez officiating. Cremation will follow at Baca’s Mimbres Crematory and inurnment will be Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Mt. View Cemetery.

Emilia was born February 20, 1936 in Berino, New Mexico to Jesus and Hermelinda (Ruiz) Anchondo. She has lived in Deming most all her life and was as supervisor in the housekeeping department at Day’s Inn for many years. She retired in 2010 which allowed her to spend time doing what she enjoyed, namely crochet, reading and doing puzzles. Emilia was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Christine Trujillo and Wilma Mendoza of Deming; brother Armando Anchondo of Anthony, NM; sister Socorro Franco of Vado, New Mexico and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ruben Mendoza Sr., son Ruben Mendoza Jr., granddaughter Stephanie Mendoza, grandson Little Johnny Trujillo and great grandson Jacob Pinon.

Pallbearers will be Julian Baeza, Jacob Hull, Julian Rodriguez, Armando Joseph Pinon, Adam Trujillo, and Adrian Garcia Jr.

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

Walter Allen Hamilton

8/17/2021

Walter Allen Hamilton, 88 passed away at Ft. Bayard Medical Center on August 15, 2021 after a brief illness.

He was born on January 30, 1933 in Santa Rita, New Mexico, the only child of Ross and Viola Hamilton and a lifelong resident of Mimbres, New Mexico where he spent his entire life within two miles of his childhood home.
Hamilton grew-up in the ranching life and had a lifelong passion for all aspects of it. He worked at the former Chino Mines for 41-years, retiring in 1995.

He was a founder of the Mimbres Volunteer Fire Department, donating the land for the Upper Mimbres Department and serving as Fire Chief for fourteen years. He was a lifetime member of Masonic Lodge Mimbres No. 10 AF & AM.

Hamilton is survived by his wife of 65-years, Bonnie (Foster); four children, daughters Brenda (Roger) Romano; Kim (Jim Mahoney); Terry (Cecil Campbell); son Jason (Debbie); and three grandchildren, Hunter and Caden Campbell and Rachael Cluff; and eleven step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be celebrated on Friday, August 20th at 6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with David Fisher officiating. In consideration of the continued COVID pandemic, the family has elected to host a Celebration of Life luncheon at a later date. Those who wish to make donations in Walter's name, may do so to Ft. Bayard Medical Center Activity Fund.

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

Inez Holguin Lopez

8/10/2021

Inez Holguin Lopez, 96, a resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest on August 6, 2021 at her home. Inez was born on April 20, 1925 in Santa Clara, NM to Cesario F. and Maria R. Holguin. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great-grandmother. Her home was always open to her family and friends. Inez had a huge heart for her grandchildren and enjoyed them tremendously. She was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Survivors include her son, Sammy Lopez, daughter, Martha Lopez both of Santa Clara, NM; and her step-daughter, Gloria Silva (Phil) of Albuquerque, NM., two grandchildren, Diane Gallegos (Victor) of Ivins, Utah and Richard Paul Trujillo (Randie) of Arenas Valley, NM and numerous grandchildren. Inez was preceded in death by her parents, Cesario and Maria Holguin, her husband, Luis B. Lopez, her daughter, Carmen L. Padilla, grandsons, Eric Trujillo and Steven Rael, and six siblings.

A holy rosary will be recited on Thursday, August 12th at 9am at Santa Clara Catholic Church by Deacon Richard Rodriguez. Memorial mass will follow at 9:30am with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. Concluding service and inurnment as per Inez’ wishes she will be laid to rest beside her husband Luis at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.

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

Claude E. Leyendecker

8/9/2021

We sadly lost our Daddy, Father-in-Law, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend on August 6, 2021. He will always be missed.

Claude E. Leyendecker was born on October 15, 1922, grew up in Albuquerque, the son of railroad pioneers. He interrupted his college education for five years to volunteer for service in World War II, and then graduated from New Mexico State University in 1949, with honors, in agricultural education.

Claude's agricultural career included positions with New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau in Las Cruces, NM. In 1958, he moved his family to Deming, NM and managed Farmers, the large store owned by the Mimbres Valley Farmers Association. In 1964, while at Farmers, he was named to the board of Mimbres Valley Bank (now a Wells Fargo Bank). In 1966, community leaders persuaded him to accept leadership of the bank.

Claude was a part of almost every professional, civic, and charitable organization imaginable, on state, local. & national levels; such as, Board Member, Dallas Federal Reserve, El Paso Branch; President, New Mexico Bankers' Association; National Executive Council of American Bankers Association; National Executive Council of Independent Bankers Association of America; Distinguished Alumnus Award of New Mexico State University; Member of State Fair Commission; Delegate to Constitutional Convention; Member City Council, Deming, NM; Board of Trustees Mimbres Memorial Hospital & Nursing Home; Board of Directors, Public Service Company of NM.

Those who predeceased him are his parents; his wife, Josephine Shubert; his son, Phillip; brother, Dr. Philip Leyendecker; sister, Dona Grisinger; and many, many friends.

Those left to mourn him are his daughter Claudia Jeffreys (Gary) of Deming, NM; son Greg Leyendecker (Georgetta) of Albuquerque, NM; four grandsons; Kyle (Heather) of San Jose, CA; Tyson (Jennifer) of Dubuque, IA; Parker (Brittany) of Albuquerque; Turner of Albuquerque; and two great grandchildren of Dubuque, IA, Piper & Winston.

Claude's life was made so much better by his caregivers in his later years: Mari Garcia, Elvira Duarte, Rosa Hayes, Maritza Ortiz, Elduvina (Aggie) Garcia, Penny Belloc, Lorraine Elston, Micaela Fierro, the hospice group, Deandra Holguin, Deacon Art Gutierrez, & Edna Bolanos We loved you & so did Claude.

If preferred, you may make a donation to Mimbres Library Foundation, P.O. Box 1607, Deming, NM 88031; Cancer Support of Deming & Luna County, P.O. Box 1746, Deming, NM 88031.

The funeral mass will be said by Father Prakasham Babu & Deacon Art Gutierrez on Friday, August 13, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 615 S. Copper in Deming. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

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

Wayne Galen Williams “Bubba”

8/7/2021

Wayne Galen Williams “Bubba”, 37, a resident of Cliff NM entered eternal rest on July 30th at Gila Regional Medical Center after a 6-month battle with Covid. Wayne is the son of Wilson and Sherlene Williams of Mule Creek. Wayne leaves behind sister Dina Rogers and husband Jim of Silver City; brother Toby Williams of Silver City; Sister Mandy Barris of Silver City and his twin sister Winter Williams of Hurley NM; sister Kim and Bill Lamb of Tennessee; Richard and Brandy Grabbe of Silver City; Bryan Grabbe of Silver City. Wayne has one living grandmother Dean Leathead of Mule Creek; a special great uncle Wayne Dickerson of Cliff and a honorary brother Wayne Reese. Wayne also leaves behind Niece Krystal Williams, Ashley Webb, Amber Brandt, Kandyce Williams, Dystinee Barris, Kaylie Bluue, Misty Williams Cheyenne Reeves, Charlene Wicker, Brandi Gonzales, and Erin Lamb. Nephews, Kyle Perry, JD Rogers, Cody Williams, Bobby Lamb. Many other aunts, uncles’ cousins that will miss him. Wayne’s constant companion “Rusty” his dog, who laid by his side while he was sick or jumped in the truck to go when Wayne wanted to go.

Wayne is preceded in death by his mother Debbie Williams; brother Galen “Sam” Williams; Nephews Wesley Williams and “BJ” Edwards; grandparents Chester and Fay Williams and Grandmother Barbara Allyn and Great aunt Jean Dickerson; aunts Shirley Williams, Nancy Thacker and Wanda Wood.

Wayne was born February 22, 1984 along with his twin sister Winter. He went to school at Cliff schools where he graduated in 2003. After graduating high school Wayne moved to Hondo NM with his dad where he worked for Hamilton Construction. It has been said that Wayne could operate any piece of equipment that his dad could. Wayne also went to work helping build the Deming power plant; then even did some work at Chino Mines. To many Wayne was Known as “Bubba”. But to his dad he was his “right hand man.” he was known as what some might call a junk yard mechanic. He rebuilt and fixed more cars and trucks than most people could imagine. He was always with his dad Wilson learning how to fix anything with wheels and a gas tank and he spent many hours with Uncle Wayne Dickerson learning how to work and ride horses. Uncle Wayne says that Wayne struggled in school and one day he had Wayne come riding horses with him and during that time Uncle Wayne would quiz him on his math and by the end of the following year Wayne was tutoring other kids. Uncle Wayne backs up what so many others keep saying about Wayne he did things wanting to do the greater good. Wayne took absolute joy in helping others who were stranded or stuck and it didn’t matter if it was a friend, family or stranger if Wayne could use his truck or inventions to help others, he was there no matter what time day or night. If someone offered him a few dollars he was grateful, but a handshake was always welcome and that would satisfy him.

A memorial will be organized at later date as the family is not prepared at this time for final arrangements. Please keep the family in your prayers as we move forward to keep the good memories of Wayne upbeat and positive.

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