Blog Archives

Michael Wayne Stephens

11/30/2020

Obituary Michael Wayne Stephens

Born, May 18, 1958 at Hillcrest Hospital, Silver City, New Mexico. Died, Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020 at Memorial General Hospital, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Mike was a graduate in the class of 1976 from Cliff High School and a graduate of WNMU with studies in Social science and education. He had been a rancher, special education assistant, and operated a small lawn care service.

He was an avid sports fan, especially a huge Green Bay Packers fan. He could cite decades of stats from professional and college football, basketball, baseball and hockey. He enjoyed reading good books, jigsaw puzzles, classic tv, and gardening.

His best memories were growing up on the family ranch at Buckhorn. He loved family Christmas and holidays, especially the meals.

Mike was preceded in death by father and mother Clayton and Pat (Cobb) Stephens, and his little brother Kenneth.

He is survived by his sister Judy O’Loughlin (John) of Santa Clara, nephew Josh Miller (Kelly) and great nephews Ryder, Colt and great niece Kendall of Hamilton, Ohio; Niece Erin Miller Weaver (Aaron) and great nephew Hoyt of Morenci, Arizona; Caring aunt and Uncle Sandy and Marshall Moore, and Ruby Prevost of Silver City, cousin Scott Moore of Las Cruces and many other loving cousins from the Scholl, Beck and Moore families.

No service will be held at this time.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Rosalinda Rascon Galaviz

11/30/2020

ROSALINDA RASCON GALAVIZ, 70, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at her home in El Paso, Texas with her children at her side.
     Rosalinda was born on December 27, 1949 in Columbus, New Mexico to Basilio Padilla Rascon and Rosa Maynes Rascon. She married Rafael Galaviz on August 25, 1973 in Stockton, California where she had a fulfilling career in education. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in education in 1973 and later her Master of Arts Degree in 1980, both from the University of the Pacific in Stockton. She was an elementary teacher for 33 years, teaching 4th grade for 18 years and at the time of her retirement, she was a kindergarten teacher. She taught at various locations in the Stockton Unified School District. She received training in ESL Methodology and Bilingual education and used that to further the education of her students in Tracy, Stockton, and Escalon.
     Rosalinda had affiliations with the Association of Mexican American Educators, Hispanics for Political Action, the Coalition of Mexican American Association, Stockton Sister City/ Empalme as a board member, the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery as Treasurer, Mario Obledo National Organization, the Stockton Teachers Association, and the National Education Association.
     She was the recipient of several honors and awards including recognition from the City of Stockton by the Stockton Teachers Association, a recognition award by Congressman McNerney, the San Joaquin County Board of Directors, and the Adelita award by the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery in 2014. Rosalinda had the honor of being Stockton’s Grand Marshall in the Cinco de Mayo parade in 2017.
     She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Armida Moreno (William), Veronica Thweatt (Chris), and Rosalinda “Baby” Galaviz, and by her stepson Rafael Galaviz Jr. Rosalinda will also be fondly remembered by her seven grandchildren, Gabriel, Angelique, Lorena, Iliana, Mia, Luis, and Isabella who adored and loved her very much. Also, mourning her deeply are her sisters and brothers: Gracie Madrid (Art), Jake Rascon (Judy), Jerry Rascon, and Mary Rascon.
     Rosalinda will be joining her husband Rafael Galaviz, parents Basilio and Rosa Rascon, and brothers Luis Maynes, Adolfo Maynes, and Oscar Rascon in eternal rest.
     Pallbearers will be: Jake Rascon, Chris Thweatt, William Magallon Moreno, Gabriel P. Tabaldo, Rafael Galaviz Jr., and Lionel D. Flores.
     Visitation will be Wednesday December 2, 2020 at 11 o’clock in the morning at St. Ann Catholic Church where a rosary will begin at 12 o’clock. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 o’clock with Fr. Manuel F. Ibarra, Pastor, officiating. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

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

Jack Donald Coussons

11/30/2020

Jack Donald Coussons, 91, Deming resident for most of his life, entered eternal rest from natural causes on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces.

Jack was born on November 10, 1929, at the Masonic Hospital in El Paso, TX to Leonard Amos (L.A.) and Emma Coussons. He was raised in Gage, NM where he lived until his graduation from Deming High School in 1948. He attended New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) and graduated in 1950 as a 2nd Lieutenant. After leaving NMMI, he served honorably as a decorated, career Army officer. In this capacity he was posted around the world and the United States serving in: England; Vietnam; Laos; Saudi Arabia; Fort Sill, OK; Fort Carson, CO; Fort Bliss, TX; Fort Knox, KY; Washington, D.C., and Indiantown Gap Military Post, PA. Some of Jack’s decorations included: the Air Medal received in Laos for meritorious and heroic achievement during aerial flight in a combat zone; the Combat Infantryman Badge received in Vietnam for infantry or Special Forces soldiers who fought in active ground combat; and the Bronze Star received in Vietnam for heroic and meritorious achievement while serving in combat operations. Jack was proud of these achievements, but he often said that what meant the most to him was the respect of his men.

In 1974, Major Jack Coussons retired from the military and moved back to Deming, where his parents had retired. He spent the next 18 years working for the Luna County Sheriff’s Department including jobs as a: Dispatcher, Deputy, Detective and eventually as a two-term Sheriff. During that time, he also attended Western New Mexico University graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice in 1978. After retirement from the Sheriff’s department, he and his wife Sylvia enjoyed traveling the United States and Canada by RV and seeing the world while on cruises.

Jack seemed unable to get the military out of his system and after retiring from active duty he joined the New Mexico National Guard serving until his retirement at age 60. While serving in this capacity, he was voted outstanding NM National Guardsman.

Jack was an active member of the community and belonged to the Deming Masonic Lodge #12 A.F.& A. M. and Ballut Abyad Shriners, Deming Shrine Club, Order of the Eastern Star Ruth Chapter #6 and the Old Timers’ Association of Luna County.

Jack enjoyed genealogy, stamp collecting, coin collecting, woodworking, horseback riding, and raising all types of animals including exotic pheasants and emus. He also enjoyed hunting with his family and friends.

Love of his family and love country were very important to him.

Jack is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sylvia G. Coussons of Las Cruces, NM; his children, Deborah (Dan) Chatel of Marana, AZ, Melissa (Steve) Wood of London, KY, Michael (Lydia) Coussons of Las Cruces, Tani (Brooks) Hindes of Las Cruces, and Merritte (Dana) Coussons of Dallas, TX. His sister, Carol Pastorelli of Silver City and brother-in-law, Bruce Gearhart of Deming. Eight grandchildren: Kimborah (Adam) McGrath, Dain and Matthew (Stephanie) Chatel, Tina (Rachel) Sandoval and Mikey Coussons, Benjamin and Abigail Hindes, and Tristan Coussons. Great-grandchildren: Julia (Red) Morris, Kason Speir, and Alexia Sandoval and Great great-grandson, Montgomery Morris. Two nephews, Mark and David Boyle. His beloved pets Foxy and Tux.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Bruce C. Gearhart, Sr.; first wife, Betty Jo Hamill Coussons; grandson, John West Lyon; and brother, Billy Coussons.

Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Gearhart, Bryan Porcher, Bob Speer, J.D. Gray, Randy McCowan, Raymond Cobos, Lance Maxwell, and Wayland Willis, Dan Chatel, Steve Wood, Brooks Hindes, Lon Strombeck, and all grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Jack’s memory to the Deming Shrine Club in c/o Gayle Sawyer, PO Box 262, Deming, NM 88031 or the Luna County Animal Shelter, 2135 Onate Ave., Deming, NM 88030.

As per Jack’s wishes, cremation will take place and due to the current circumstances, a Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

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

San Juana Jaramillo Garcia

11/30/2020

San Juana Jaramillo Garcia, 72, a resident of Deming, NM entered eternal rest on Monday, November 23, 2020 in Columbus, NM.

San Juana was born on June 27, 1948 in Tlahualilo, Durango, Mexico to Saturnino Garcia and Andrea Medina. She is survived by her four daughters, Rosario Jaramillo and her husband Jesus of Midland, TX; Norma Jaramillo of Deming, NM; Sandra Jaramillo and her husband Oscar Lerma of Mex. and Rosalinda Jaramillo and her husband Roberto of Mex.; two brothers, Herardo Garcia and Carlos Garcia; one sister, Maria Elena Torres and numerous grandchildren and great grandcghildren. She is preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Raymundo Jaramillo Jr; two sons, Raymundo Jaramillo Jr. and Genaro Jaramillo.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 30, 2020 from 12-1pm at St. Ann Catholic Church with the funeral mass beginning at 1pm with Father, Manuel Ibarra officiating. Cremation will then take place at Terrazas crematory.

Private inurnment will take place on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Mountain View cemetery.

erving as pallbearers are Oscar Lerma Jr., Omar Machorro, Luis Machorro, Carlos Palacios, Jesus Grajeda Jr and Juan Lerma.

Due to restrictions of Covid-19 only 25% capacity of the church will be allowed, must wear a mask at all time and social distancing will apply.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels & Crematory.

Carmela Espino

11/24/2020

Carmela Espino, 62, a resident of Deming, NM entered eternal rest on Friday, November 6, 2020 in Gilbert, AZ. Carmela was born on January 27, 1958 in Municipio de Balleza, Chihuahua, Mexico to Abundio Holguin Bustillos and Ramona Prieto Navarrete. She is survived by her husband, Pablo Espino; three daughters, Concepcion Espino and her husband Miguel Angel Miranda of Utah; Norma Elisa Espino of Mex. and Zulema Espino and her husband Daniel Corral of AZ; one brother, Celestino Holguin; two sisters, Leonela Holguin and Angelica Holguin; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by both of her parents; one son Eruperto Espino Holguin; and one granddaughter, Lluvia Jalleany Miranda Espino.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 from 12:30pm-2:30pm at New Life Apostolic Church ~ 606 S. Grand Ave.

Funeral service will then begin at 2:30pm with Pastor, Pepe Ramirez officiating.

Concluding service with an interment will be at Mountain View cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Daniel Corral, Josue Chavez, Salvador Gutierrez, Pedro Almaraz, Angel Najera and Obdelio Gutierrez. Due to restrictions of Covid-19 only 25% capacity of the church will be allowed, must wear a mask at all time and social distancing will apply.

At the cemetery everyone must remain in their vehicles in order for the graveside to begin.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapel

Ricardo V. Reyes

11/24/2020

RICARDO V. REYES, 74, resident of Columbus passed away Friday November 20, 2020 at Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho.

Visitation will be Friday November 27, 2020 from 1 to 6 in the afternoon at Baca’s Funeral Chapel. Covid 19 restrictions will apply, only 5 people at a time will be allowed and masks must be worn. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday morning at 11 at the Holy Family Mission in Columbus with Fr. Manuel F. Ibarra, Pastor officiating. The church will be at 25% capacity. Concluding services and interment will follow at Valley Heights Cemetery.

Ricardo was born April 3, 1946 in San Luis Del Cordero, Durango, Mexico to Pedro Reyes and Maria De Los Angeles Vasquez. He has been a resident of Columbus since 1988 having previously lived in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He was a member of the Catholic Church and worked on several of the local farms during the years.

He is survived by his children, Javier Reyes of Palomas, Francisco Reyes, Ricardo Reyes Jr., and Gustavo Reyes all of Hobbs, NM; Antonia Reyes of Hobbs, Debbie Mares of Las Vegas, NM, Diana Reyes of Hobbs, and Stephany Mares of Deming; 2 brothers, Mario Moreno of Columbus and Eluterio Reyes of Durango, Mexico and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Maria, his wife Georgia and 1 brother Pedro Reyes.

Pallbearers will be Jorge Reyes, Ricardo Reyes Jr., Gustavo Reyes, Sergio Jimenez, Mario Moreno Jr., and Ricardo Reyes III.

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

Manuel F. Gutierrez

11/24/2020

Manuel F. Gutierrez ,71, longtime Deming resident passed away Wednesday November 18, 2020 at Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque.

A Rosary Service will be recited at 4 o’clock in the afternoon Wednesday November 25, 2020 at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church led by Gloria Barraza. Private Inurnment will take place Monday November 30, 2020 at Mountain View Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with is mother, Anita. Covid-19 restrictions will be in place.

Manuel was born to Anita Franco and Salvador Gutierrez on October 23, 1949 in San Lorenzo Buenaventura, Chihuahua, Mexico. Horses were his passion, he always attended the cabalgatas, rodeos, and rode any chance he could. He was a member of the Catholic Church.

Survivors include his loving companion of many years, Arminda Muñoz of the home; daughters, Anna Maria Gutierrez, Yvonne Gutierrez (Sergio Aguilar), Irene Gutierrez and Justin Muñoz all of Deming; brothers, Salvador (Gloria) and Arnoldo (Lupe) Gutierrez of Deming and David (Manuela) Gutierrez of Las Cruces; sisters, Socorro Gutierrez (Rito Esparza), Emilia Gutierrez (Jose Guzman), Lupe G. Ortiz (Miguel) and Valentina Gutierrez (Mario Salcido) all of Deming, Irma Varner (Christopher) of Oklahoma and Hermelinda Gutierrez of Arizona; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Fernando Calderon.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Santiago “Jimmy” Orosco Lopez

11/24/2020

Santiago “Jimmy” Orosco Lopez, 74, a resident of Hurley, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born December 28, 1945 in Silver City, NM to Adolfo Lopez and Anselma Orosco Lopez. Jimmy served six years with the National Guard. He spent his days with his loving family and spreading the word of God. He enjoyed being in the mountains and joking with everyone who crossed his path. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Sylvia M. Lopez of the family home; one son, Raymond Lopez of Hurley; two daughters, Audrey Chavez and husband Alfred of Bayard; Christy Gunter and husband John of Albuquerque; nine grandchildren, Janice, Joshua, Bianca, Kasandra, Karisa, John Jr., Omar, Carlos, and Asiah; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Andres Martinez of Las Cruces; Johnny Lopez of Bayard; two sisters, Ana Guerrero and husband Gilbert of Bayard; Imelda Lopez of Phoenix, AZ; also surviving his are numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Jimmy Lopez Jr., and a brother, Albino Lopez.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Benny A. Ornelas

11/24/2020

Benny A. Ornelas, 75, longtime Deming resident entered eternal rest Saturday, November 7, 2020 in Las Cruces surrounded by his family.

A graveside service with Covid 19 restrictions in place will be conducted Tuesday December 1, 2020 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at Mountain View Cemetery with Father Manuel F. Ibarra officiating. Veteran honors will be accorded.

Benny was born November 30, 1944 to Escolastica Aguilar and Lucas Ornelas in Monahans, Texas. He graduated from Deming High School and joined the U. S. Navy a few months after graduating.

After returning from the US Navy he worked for the Deming Fire Department until his retirement. Three months after his retirement, he went to work for the Deming Public Schools where he started off as a janitor at Columbus School; later moved to the maintenance department and earned his way up to Director of Maintenance.

Benny is survived by his loving wife, Elena Ornelas of the home; children, Yvette Ornelas (Richard Parra), Jeanette Ornelas Perez (Raul Devora) and Robert Ornelas all of Deming; 6 grandchildren, Gabriel, Robert Jr. and Isaac Ornelas, Enrique Perez, Karysma and Julissa Verdugo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Hemedinger.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Jon E. LaVertu

11/20/2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, uncle, brother, colleague and friend, Jon E. LaVertu, from Deming, NM at the age of 67 on October 29, 2020 in Farmington, NM, after losing his battle with COVID-19. Although we are terribly heartbroken, we are comforted knowing he is in the presence of Our Heavenly Father.

Born August 28, 1953 in Manchester, North Carolina, Jon graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1972. Jon continued his extensive education obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, with a Double Major in Social Sciences and Philosophy with Minors in Sociology and Anthropology from St Thomas College in Denver in 1976. In 1980, he earned his Master’s in Divinity from St. Thomas Theological Seminary. In 1990, Jon continued his education and obtained his Associates Degree in Nursing from New Mexico State University, graduating with Meritorious Honors. In 1991, he received the “Spirit of Nursing “ Award at NMSU sponsored by NSNA and Army Nurse Corps. Jon earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing, graduating as a Crimson Scholar in 1992. Jon loved helping people, always giving back to his community. He began his life career of helping people as an orderly with Mimbres Memorial Hospital working his way through as a General Nurse and eventually a Registered Nurse. In 1995, he was instrumental in establishing a hospital-based home health agency, Mimbres Valley Home Health, serving as Director. Later, he served as Clinical Supervisor for First American Home Care. In 1996, Jon served as a Field Deputy Medical Investigator for the Office of The Medical Investigator for New Mexico serving Luna County.

Jon was very devoted to his community and to St. Ann’s Catholic Church where he served as Deacon in 1979. He was driven to serve those in need and always will be known for his giving heart. He was a very special man and touched the hearts of many who knew him. Jon loved to learn, loved to read and enjoyed writing and composition. He enjoyed cooking and loved to sing.
Jon is survived by his beloved wife (of 39 years) Cecilia LaVertu; sisters, Jeanne-Marie Lesko and Ann Sidener, numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, great grand-nieces and nephews, Uncle Gene and Aunt Joan Richling, dear friends, neighbors, and colleagues who worked closely with him throughout his career. Every heart he touched will forever be filled with the fond memories of his love, affection, kindness and compassion.

Jon is preceded in death by his loving parents, Bill and Claudia La Vertu and brother, Michael Paul LaVertu; sister in law, Cindy LaVertu and niece, Ryan LaVertu.

Out of an abundance of caution due to the COVID Pandemic, services will be facilitated by Baca Funeral Home in Deming, NM and held privately for immediate family at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Deming, NM. Interment of his ashes will be held privately at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Las Cruces, NM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ambercare Hospice Care/Home Health Care, 707 East Pine St., Suite A, Deming, New Mexico, 88030.

The Vega Family would like to express their sincerest thanks to all the doctors and nurses who worked so hard to try to save Jon, especially Dr. Laura Hutson and the medical team from San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, NM. We will always be grateful for your effort.

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