Blog Archives

Ofelia G. Garcia

11/17/2021

Ofelia G. Garcia, 81, a resident of Deming, NM entered eternal rest on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. Ofelia was born on January 14, 1940 in Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico to Martin Granillo and Vasilisa Carbajal.

She is survived by six sons, Adolfo Borunda of Nebraska; Arnold Granillo and his wife Fernanda of Las Cruces, NM; Ubaldo Garcia and his wife Estela of Houston, TX; Daniel Garcia and his wife Resie of Mesa, AZ; Benny Garcia of Deming, NM and Luis Garcia of Deming, NM; three daughters, Maria Angelica Granillo Borunda of Los Lunas, NM; Betty Quiroz of Deming, NM and Patricia Sandoval of Deming, NM; one brother, Pedro C. Granillo and his wife Estella of Deming, NM; thirty one grandchildren and forty one great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Joe A. Garcia; one son, Raymond Garcia; six siblings, Guillermina Granillo, Salvador C. Granillo, Martin C. Granillo, Maria Jesus Granillo, Jose C. Granillo and Erasmo C. Granillo and one great grandson, Alexander Arrey Garcia.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 4-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapel.

Funeral service were held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 10am at CitiLife Church with Pastor, Cesar Chavez officiating.

Concluding services an interment was held at Mountain View Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were her six sons.

Arrangements were with Terrazas Funeral Chapel.

Henry Chavez Marrufo

11/17/2021

Henry Chavez Marrufo, 93, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, died peacefully in his sleep in Reno, Nevada on July 27, 2021.

He was born Jose Blas Enrique Chavez Marrufo on February 3, 1928, on a bright and sunny Saturday in Deming, NM. Henry was the fourth child of 10 children born to Susano and Maria Marrufo. He started his education at Lowell School and successfully progressed through each grade until his graduation from Deming High School in 1947. He worked different jobs throughout school and his job as a messenger for Western Union during World War II was most impactful as he delivered telegrams informing families of the untimely passing of their loved ones.

In 1949, while working for Brem Motor Express, he met the love of his life, Cecilia Melendez. They were married on December 2, 1950, until her death, 67 years later. He was drafted shortly after being married and served in the US Army. Upon the termination of his tour of duty, Henry attended Western New Mexico University and became a teacher. He was the first Hispanic teacher at Silver High School, and later went on to become the first Hispanic principal at Gadsden High School in Anthony, NM. While at Gadsden he drove a school bus and was the coach of the golf team. After Gadsden, he was named as the Principal of Dugan-Tarango Middle School in Lordsburg, NM. He enjoyed his students and fondly remembered their achievements and accomplishments. Many remember him as a major influence in their lives. Henry also served in various positions, including that of Exalted Leader, in the Lordsburg NM Elks Club. After his retirement, Henry and Cecilia spent time traveling to visit their nine children or as he called them, “Henry and Cecilia’s Gang”. He enjoyed his gang and “gangchildren!” He was a life-long learner, an avid reader who loved to tell stories and Spanish dichos. He worked crossword puzzles, cryptoquotes, and jumbles daily. He was technologically literate with his IPhone and IPad. We will miss him dearly.

Henry is survived by his children: Patricia Casarez (Paul), Gloria Garcia (Sam), Rick Marrufo (Nancy), Edward Marrufo, Michael Marrufo (Rosa), James Marrufo (Christina), Christopher Marrufo (Yolanda), Gary Marrufo (Mary Ann), and Greg Marrufo (Veronica). He is also survived by 33 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Henry is also survived by his last and youngest sibling, Santa Rosa (Sandy) Marrufo along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia, his parents, and siblings: Irene Duran, Alice Ochoa, Jose Marrufo, Edde Marrufo, Mary Lou Urenda, Gilbert Marrufo, Benjamin Marrufo, and Elisa Marrufo.

A public viewing from 2:00-3:00 PM was held at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Las Cruces on August 19, 2021. A rosary will followed at 3:00 PM.

A public viewing from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial was at St. Ann’s Church in Deming, NM on August 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Burial was at Mountain View Cemetery in Deming, NM.

Mr. Marrufo requested that his sons served as pallbearers.
Arrangements were with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Stanley Charles Fox

11/17/2021

Stanley Charles Fox, passed away Sunday morning in his home surrounded by his family. He was born in El Paso, TX to Abraham and Emma Fox. He graduated from El Paso High in 1959. He joined the U.S. Army and served in both Vietnam and Korea. He then moved to Silver City where he met the mother of his kids, Lucy Madrid. He worked as a manager at numerous local businesses including Furrs, Safeway, and Holiday Inn. He enjoyed watching Western movies and listening to music. He also helped with Kiwanis Club, Montessori, and Catholic schools. He moved to Deming, later resided in Michigan before returning home six years ago.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Doris Foshee, two brothers, David and Irvin Schepps and the mother of his kids, Lucy Fox; a grandson, Jimmy Altamirano. He is survived by his brother, Leonard Fox and wife Olga of Garland, TX; his three kids, Rita Montenegro and husband Johnny of Hurley; Lori Fox from Hurley; Steve Madrid and wife Amy from Silver City; thirteen grandchildren, Matthew Madrid, Faith Altamirano, Alex Altamirano, Johnny Rey Montenegro, Jacob Altamirano, Aubrianna Montenegro, Jordan Altamirano, Kierra Madrid, Lucy Montenegro, Kaden Madrid, Joseph Montenegro, Kaleb and Kianna Madrid; four great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; along with the Montenegro family which took him and loved him wholeheartedly.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Thursday, November 18th at 11:30am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Dr. Gilbert Arizaga officiating. Concluding service and inurnment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Buddy Nunn

11/17/2021

Buddy Nunn, also known as Walter Oliver III, 71, passed away on 13 November 2021 at Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.

Buddy was born 22 July 1950 in Lordsburg, NM to Walter “Bill” Oliver Jr. and Martha Helen (McGrath) Davenport and was raised by his mother and his step-father, Arthur Edward “Tuffy” Nunn. He attended and graduated from Deming High School and attended Western Technical College in Denver, CO.

Buddy had various occupations and interests. In his younger years he started breaking horses, irrigating fields, riding broncs and bulls, rodeo clowning, dude ranch guide in Red River, NM, a ski instructor in Breckenridge, CO, and bartending at the Thunderbird here in town. He also enjoyed and excelled as a general automotive mechanic building several of his own trikes. He began his own welding business with Bud’s Port-a-Weld. He enjoyed driving and began bull hauling for Raymond Crumbley, was a heavy equipment operator in the mines in NM, TX, OK, CO, AZ, a crane operator for Brown and Route, hauled grain in MT, and just recently hauled various products for Wesley Peterson.

He was a great support to the community of Deming and could be found auctioneering at many local events and even served as the Deming Chicken Mascot at the Duck Races. His permanent calling was “life of the party” as he was always quick with a joke or an exciting story. One of Buddy’s passions was riding his Harley. He was always there for a friend and he never met a stranger. Buddy truly had the heart of a child and lived life to the fullest.
He enjoyed being a loving and supportive brother, husband, uncle, father, grandpa Buddy, and great grandpa.

Buddy was preceded in death and was welcomed home by his loving wife Darlene, his mother Helen, father Bill, step-fathers Tuffy and Ed, brothers Sammy, Eddie, and William Dean, and his grandson, Ramon “Mo Mo” Pena and many dear friends and relatives. “Til we meet again, Buddy. Udden, Udden!”

Viewing will be from 4-7 on Friday, 19th of November at Baca’s Funeral Chapel. The memorial service will take place at 11 o’clock on Saturday, 20th of November at the Pit Park Amphitheater. “Buddy’s Last Ride” will take place following the service and proceed to the Mountain View Cemetery for the interment.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tead White, Benny Jasso, Aundrea Pena, Israel Valdez, Eddie Guiterrez and Ramon Pena. Honorary bearers will be Trevor Teague, Warren “Scoop” Bahringer and Rob Goblec.

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

Jessie A. Maes

11/16/2021

On Friday, October 29, 2021 JESUS came for His daughter Jessie A. Maes. Her journey began on February 23, 1937 to Refugio and Margarita (Rodriguez) Aguirre in Fierro, NM. But was a lifelong resident of Deming, NM. She was a devoted wife for 41 years to Alfred O. Maes and loving mother to Rumaldo (Carmen) Bencomo, Tony (Theresa) Bencomo, and Gloria (Eddie) Rodriguez. A loving grandmother to 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She had a passion for maintaining her yard. She loved taking country cruises, dancing, and shopping with her husband. Jessie enjoyed watching her Dallas Cowboys, and her Turner girls play golf. She will always be remembered for her silliness and joyful personality, she kept all those around her laughing. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was a true warrior, and conquered cancer several times. She was a strong LITTLE WOMAN! Her husband would tell her that she was “Hecha en Fierro de Fierro”. Her life was a Blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure.

She leaves behind 3 brothers, Gabriel Aguirre, Eleno Aguirre, Ramon Aguirre, and 3 sisters, Maria Aguirre, Susana Lopez, Paula Denogean. She has been reunited with her parents, brother Antonio Aguirre, 3 sisters, Frances (Alvino) Luera, Patricia (Robert) Salaiz, Cecilia Renteria, brother-in-law, Oscar Lopez, and her twin great-grandsons, Erik and Angel Bencomo.

A special thanks and blessing to Dr. Basel Aswad and staff, Mimbres Memorial Hospital Med-Surg and ICU staff, Sierra Home Health Care, UMC Lubbock TX staff, and a very special thanks to Dr. Bishnu Rauth who took care of her for 20+ years.

Holy rosary will be on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 9am at St. Ann Catholic Church with Anna Lopez officiating. Memorial mass will then begin at 10am with Father, Jesus Martinez officiating. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels & Crematory.

Ana Maria Montoya

11/16/2021

Ana Maria Montoya, 61, a resident of Deming, NM went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces, NM.

Ana was born on March 28, 1960 to Luis Montoya Sr. and Lucia (Barba) Montoya in Deming, NM. Ana loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and left many fond memories for them to treasure (as evidenced by the tribute left in the Guestbook by her niece Laurie). She was an avid reader, loved entertaining family at her home and loved to dance. She was loved by her family and will be deeply missed. She is survived by four sisters, Juana Jamison and her husband James of El Paso, TX; Lucy Alvarado and her husband Cosme of Las Cruces, NM; Isabel Lozano and her husband Sammy of Friendswood, TX and Lourdes Fulton and her husband Philip of Las Cruces, NM; four brothers, Roberto Montoya of Deming, NM; Jose Manuel Montoya and his wife Debra of Apache Junction, AZ; Juan Montoya and his wife Beatrice of Las Cruces, NM and Angel Montoya and his wife Jennifer of Las Cruces, NM; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Luis Montoya Jr. and one nephew, Luis Montoya III. A private rosary will be held for Ana.

A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 11am at St. Ann Catholic Church with Father, Jesus Martinez officiating.

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

Serving as pallbearers are Miguel Angel Montoya, Briana Lozano, Jose David Montoya, Alec Jamison, Colin Jamison and Roberto Montoya.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapel.

Cidlali Beatrice “Lali” Calzadillas

11/16/2021

Cidlali Beatrice “Lali” Calzadillas, 12, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 7, 2021, when he called her home. Lali was born on January 12, 2009 in Deming, NM to Samuel Joseph Calzadillas and Cindy Peña.

Even as a baby she was bigger than most. Those of us who knew her at that young age would remember those large cheeks she had. Even for being bigger than most kids her age her heart was even bigger. She loved fiercely with everything she had for all of those she cared for. She found God at a young age and believed deeply in his love. This continued with her activities in the youth group at Deming First Assembly of God Church, where she tried to participate every chance she could. Lali was always full of life. She left this world enjoying something that she loved, being outdoors and having fun.

She enjoyed spending time with her friend whether it was during school or countless hours after on the phone, reading several books to include her self-study of books on psychology, drawing everything from cartoon characters to anime, listening to a large variety of music, playing video games with anyone who attempted to beat her, playing her piano as she taught herself, or just being a silly kid. She loved playing with her little brother, teaching and helping him along the way, and watching over him with a strong maternal protective instinct. She truly loved her “babies”, her three dogs who she spent as much time with as any person. Lali will be missed by all who knew her, who were blessed to have known such a great child, and by all of her family and friends. She is survived by both of her parents; one brother, Joseph Isaiah Calzadillas of Deming, NM; her paternal grandparents; Samuel I. and Rose Calzadillas; her maternal grandmother, Estela Granillo; four uncles, Omar Martinez and his wife Elizabeth, Alex Martinez, Jacob Martinez; Arturo Peña and his wife Gena; three aunts, Lucy Redondo and her husband Javier, Arcelia Peña and Maria Peña; and numerous cousins, first cousins, and several extended family members. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Pedro Granillo and one aunt, Carolina Calzadillas.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 2-3pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will then begin at 3pm with Pastor, James Duty officiating.

Concluding services with an interment will be at Mountain View cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Samuel J. Calzadillas, Fernando de la Garza, Omar Martinez, Jose “Casey” Martinez, Antonio Escalante and Javier Redondo.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Martinez and Enrique “Rick” Madid. T

he family asks in lieu of flowers any donations be made to the youth group with Deming First Assembly of God Church.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapel.

Ronald M. Rogers

11/15/2021

Ronald M. Rogers, 61, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, TX. He was born May 31, 1960 in Silver City to Ronald Rogers and Shirley Reece.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Melanie Rogers of the family home; three sons, Ronald W. Rogers (Robert Brown) of Phoenix, AZ; Shawn Rogers and wife Christen of Silver City; Cory Rogers and fiancé Kaylee Davis of Silver City; seven grandchildren, Coleton, Areena, Ayden, Asher, Cooper, Rhyan and Paisley; one brother, Mike Gibbons and wife Shirley of Riyaah, Saudi Arabia; one sister, Denise Adams and companion Scott of Bayard. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 17th at 12noon at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Roddy Rogers officiating. Concluding service and interment will take place at Southern Crosses cemetery 3535 Railroad Dr. Silver City, NM.

Pallbearers are Steven Massengill, Shawn and Corey Rogers, Coleton Rogers, Levi Adams, and Justin Davis.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Dianne Miller Hamilton

11/14/2021

Dianne Miller Hamilton Nine-term State Representative Dianne Miller Hamilton passed away at her home in Tijeras on Tuesday after a short illness at the age of 87. She represented District 38 as state representative, including Grant, Sierra, and Hidalgo counties from 1998-2016.

Dianne was born in Kansas City, Mo., on January 31, 1934, to Dr. Lawrence and Thelma Miller. She attended Catholic parochial schools until high school, graduating from Southwest High in 1951. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1955 with a degree in speech communication. She taught in Kansas City public schools and pursued a broadcasting career until she married her husband of 60 years, Marine Corps officer John A. Hamilton, in December of 1956.

For the next 20 years Hamilton followed her husband’s career through the military and its many moves while raising their four children: son Drew and daughters Jared, Lynn, and Merritt. After John retired from the Marines, the family moved to Silver City in 1974 where John worked for the local copper mine.

Dianne hosted two daily radio programs in Silver City on KSIL Radio from 1976-1999. Nearly everyone in Grant County remembers listening to Dianne or being a guest on her shows. During the last 45 years, she held leadership roles in many community organizations including the Grant County Arts Council, the Gila Regional Medical Center Foundation, the board of Hidalgo Medical Services, and the Silver City Library Board. In 1980 she became an associate member of her local LULAC council. That same year she helped to found Silver City’s first shelter for victims of domestic violence, El Refugio, which continues to help abuse victims four decades later.

Dianne was appointed to the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents in 1990 by Governor Bruce King. She served until 1998, serving as President of the Board for the last four years of her term. She received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding New Mexican Women in 1994 and was named the Silver City/Grant County Citizen of the Year in 1995.

She was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 1998 and held the seat until her retirement in 2016. She represented District 38, covering Grant, Sierra, and Hidalgo counties. Dianne carried numerous pieces of legislation aimed at helping ranchers and veterans. She was always available to all her constituents.

In 2000, Dianne received the New Mexico District Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Representative of the Year. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from WNMU in 2006. On November 11th, 2009, the Dianne Miller Hamilton Military Museum celebrated its grand opening in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Dianne is survived by her children, John Andrew Hamilton of College Station, TX; Jared Miller Hamilton of Albuquerque; Lynn Hamilton O’Connell of Arlington, VA; and Merritt Hamilton Allen of Tijeras, NM; as well as her granddaughters, Blythe Hamilton, and Joan Marie O’Connell. She is also survived by three generations of Armstrongs led by Bobbi and Rich Armstrong.

The State of New Mexico will honor Dianne on Monday, Nov. 22 when she lies in state in the state Capitol rotunda from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Newman Center Parish in Silver City on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the Student Memorial Center at Western New Mexico University. She will be interred with her husband John at Arlington National Cemetery.

She has been entrusted to the care of Terrazas Funeral Chapel in Silver City.

Jessica Raye “Honey” Merino

11/12/2021

Jessica Raye “Honey” Merino, 38, a former resident of Bayard, NM now of Las Cruces, NM entered eternal rest Monday, November 8, 2021 at her residence. She was born July 24, 1983 in Silver City to Carlos and Priscilla “Pia” Merino.
She is survived by her parents of the family home; three sisters, Monica Torrez of Las Cruces; Martha Marquez and husband Larry of Bayard; Charlene Merino of Bayard; two uncles, Oscar Merino of Bayard; Sam Merino and wife Lisa of San Francisco, CA; her aunt, Esther Mendoza; great uncles, Rey and Margaret Merino of McAllen, TX; Dr. Al and Nancy Merino of San Diego, CA; her Godparents, (Ninos) Willie and Florene Andazola of Santa Clara; her Godmother,(Nina) Monica Ortiz of Phoenix, AZ; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Chano and Tila Merino; maternal grandparents, Jose and Elena Mendoza.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 16th at 10:30am at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at Hanover cemetery. Pallbearers are Eddie Joe Norero, Ralph Duarte, Omar Lopez, Chaz Lopez, Ezy Archibald, Laura Sias, Randy Gomez, and Ruben Torrez.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.