Blog Archives

Johnnie “John” K. Staats

12/30/2019

Johnnie “John” K. Staats, 70, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Monday, December 30, 2019 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM.

He was born May 14, 1949 in Japan to Thomas Henry Staats and Kinue Yokota. He was a very caring and loving family man who enjoyed his very big family as well as numerous hobbies. His hobbies included telling stories of his time spent in the Army and his numerous hunting, fishing, and camping stories.

He was a historian at heart and loved sharing any new history knowledge he attained, with his numerous grandchildren. He dreamed of someday writing a book. He is survived by his mother, Kinue Yokota of Colorado Springs, CO; loving companion, Kathleen Staats of Silver City; two daughters, Kristine Trotter and husband David of Hale Center, TX; Stephanie Guck and husband James of Mimbres; twenty-five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Jimmy Staats and wife Nikki of Alamosa, CO; Richard Staats and wife Kathy of Richmond, VA; two sisters, Joan Glein and spouse of Tennessee; Linda Yokota of Virginia. He was preceded in death by his father, one daughter, Cynthia Staats.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 1st from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon Bill Holguin to begin at 6pm.

The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, January 2nd at 10am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at St. Vincent cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Derick Staats, Damian Guck, Joe Reyes, Marcos Villanueva, Jimmy Staats Jr., and Carson Klemp. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy Staats, Richard Staats, Joe Grijalva, Stuart Rooks, Gene Norris, Seles Padilla, Joe Lopez, and the late Mike Sanchez.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.

Lupe Trujillo Padilla

12/30/2019

Lupe Trujillo Padilla
August 17, 1925 – December 26, 2019

Deming, New Mexico

Long-time Deming resident Lupe Trujillo Padilla passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019 in El Paso, Texas which had been her home since 2009. She was surrounded by her loving family and then received by God with open arms. She lived a life based on extraordinary faith, it was in this faith that she found solace and peace as her journey on earth came to an end. She now travels on a different journey, one joined by dear people who have passed before her.
Preceded in death by husband Nazario “Chayo” Padilla, parents Benigna and Avelino Trujillo, sisters Lita Holguin (Manuel), Finie Aguilera (Manuel), Mary T. Elizarraras, Maggie Trujillo, brother Ave Trujillo and great grandson Jonathan Chacon.
As the matriarch, Lupe left a legacy of a beautiful and loving family. She instilled in her family the power and force of faith, the joy of spontaneity and adventure, the pure contentment of unabashed laughter, the beauty of being a giving and loving person to humankind.
She was active in her hometown of Deming, NM for 84 of her 94 years as a LULAC member, Pan Am Round Table member, she deeply believed in the power of democracy and served as an election clerk on election days, she did her part for jury duty, she taught catechism classes, she worked as a hostess for Holiday Inn, a successful Avon representative for over 30 years, she served on the Board of Directors for Mimbres Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, she was her neighborhood watch coordinator, a literacy tutor, served as a judge for Playas, NM Arts & Crafts Fair, she was a substitute teacher for Deming Public Schools, an active member of Busy Hands Extension Club and a devoted member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church where she also served as a Eucharistic minister and was a member of Sacred Heart Apostolado.
She is survived by her brother Eddie Trujillo, Sr. (Chelo), son Orlando Padilla, daughters Yvonne Padilla Chacon, Sylvia Padilla Saenz (Chris), Gloria Padilla de Garcia (Jim) and Debra J.T. Padilla. Grandchildren; David Chacon (Norma), Jacob Chacon (Yvette), Jessica Chacon (Liza), Adrianna, Julian, and Alissa Saenz, Sofia and Lucas Garcia. Great Grandchildren; Joshua (Eliza), Alex, Darrick, Xavier, Uriah, Isaac, and Noah Chacon, Michael, Zoilo, and Julianna Chacon-Maldonado, Harley and Joshua Murray. Great Great Grandchild; Eli Chacon and several nieces and nephews.

Services will take place as follows:
Saturday January 4, 2020
St. Ann’s Church
400 S Ruby St, Deming, NM 88030
Celebrant: Fr. Enrique López-Escalera

8:30am Visitation
9:30am Vigil/Rosary
11:00am Mass
12:15pm Cemetery
1:30pm St. Ann’s Reception Hall

Pallbearers: Orlando Padilla, Jim Garcia, David, Jacob, Jessica, and Noah Chacon.
Honorary Pallbearers: Julian Saenz, Maile Lopez, Joshua Chacon, Eddie Trujillo, Sr., Eddie Trujillo, Jr., Chris Saenz, Gilbert Aguilera, Yolanda Padilla, Debra J.T. Padilla and Chevo Chavira.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to CIMA Hospice 6600 Montana Ave. Suite G, El Paso, TX 79925 (915) 778-1222 OR to her beloved Catholic Church St. Ann’s, 400 S. Ruby St. Deming, NM 88030 (575) 546-3343.

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

Richard “Dick” Douglas Youngs

12/29/2019

Richard “Dick” Douglas Youngs, a long-time resident of Hurley, New Mexico and most recently of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14TH in Tucson. A Celebration of a Life well lived will be conducted at Terrazas Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 3rd at 1:00 pm followed by burial at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

Mr. Youngs was born July 9th, 1926 in the town of Northeast, Pennsylvania to Richard Harland and Sarah McDonald (Thompson) Youngs. Mr. Youngs would spend his early years attending school and enjoying many adventures on their farm with his brothers and sisters, most notoriously with “Harley’s” boys, Dick, Art and Dan. Mr. Youngs' schooling would be interrupted however, as at the age of 17, he would enlist in the United States Navy and served from 1943 until 1946. Education was always very important to him though and many years later he would complete his GED and attend classes at Western New Mexico University.

Mr. Youngs' first duty assignment was aboard the LST 290. This assignment would be short lived however. During shakedown maneuvers off the East Coast the 290 would collide with a tanker in the fog. Although severely damaged, the crew took the measures necessary to keep the ship float until it could be placed in dry dock for repairs. Mr. Youngs would sustain injuries in the collision however and was hospitalized and sent home to convalesce. Upon returning to active duty, Mr. Youngs would be assigned to the LST 947 or Lucky 7 as it was called, where his duties included coxswain on an LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel) and as a pointer on a 20 mm antiaircraft gun and a Boatswains Mate. This involved, “piping” different notifications on the ship using a boatswain’s pipe.

Mr. Youngs would be involved in the invasion of Okinawa as a coxswain piloting his craft from ship to shore with radio equipment guiding the other boats to the beach He was proud to wear the Amphibious Forces patch which indicated that he had trained to fight alongside the marines should their boat become disabled.   During the invasion, Mr. Youngs would experience Japans newest weapon, the Kamikaze. His service would see him as a participant of the forces involved in the Occupation of Japan.

Mr. Youngs would return to the town of North East upon his discharge where he worked and drove a truck with his Dad, hauling produce between New York and Florida. Later, while working at Welch’s Fruit Company, he found time to play on the Welch’s baseball team.

In 1948, he would marry and with his wife and daughter, Frances, would move to Silver City, New Mexico. This marriage would see the birth of three sons, Douglas, Jerry and Gregory. He drove a truck for his brother-in-law, Ted, who had a distributorship in Silver City, drove heavy equipment for Isabel Construction at the Santa Rita mine and would become an employee of Community Public Service (CPS) now known as PNM, as a serviceman. He would give 36 years of loyal service to this company and would retire in April of 1988.

During his many years in Grant County, Mr. Youngs was involved in many activities the majority of which he designed around his 3 sons. As a single father he knew the perils and pitfalls of raising children alone and worked extremely hard to that end.

He served as a scoutmaster for Troop 102 in Hurley. Here he provided an opportunity for many young scouts to experience the outdoors, service to the community and learn that hard work and fun can co-exist. He was a little league coach and coached three Allstar teams during this time. Mr. Youngs belonged to the Hurley Kiwanis, the Swing-thru Square Dance Club and “Hurley Pride”. He also contributed much time to the Hurley Community Church.

In 1969, Mr. Youngs would begin the courtship of Dorothy Lee (Johnson) McNutt. They would marry in August of 1970 in Hurley and begin a relationship that would span almost 50 years. They shared many wonderful times RVing, taking cruises and visiting family as well as attending reunions with his crewmates.   Through it all one thing remained perfectly clear. She was his very best friend and was his forever love.

Mr. Youngs was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Martha, Analee and June and brother, Dan, a son, Jerry and Granddaughter Danika.

Mr. Youngs is survived by two brothers, Art of Rockport, Texas and David of Northeast, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by five children Frances, Douglas, Greg (Barbara), Iris and Maryann (Rick). He also is survived by 14 Grandchildren and 16 Great-Grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Friday, January 3rd at 1pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Pastor Don Larson officiating. Concluding service and inurnment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Serving as pall bearers will be Richard Schampers, Justin (Brad) Wilson, James (Chris) Wilson, Jared Schampers, (Gregory) Kyle Youngs, and Kathryn Youngs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hurley Community Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 875, Hurley, New Mexico, 88043.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.

William R. Silverman

12/29/2019

William R. Silverman, 79, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at Gila Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Gerald Eugene Anderson (Jerry)

12/29/2019

Deming, NM — Gerald Eugene Anderson (Jerry), 85, peacefully joined our Lord and Savior surrounded by his close loving family and friends on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at the Mountain View Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born in Lisbon, Ohio on November 18, 1934, to Earnest and Ellen (Taylor) Anderson. He leaves his beloved wife of 48 years, Leone Anderson who he loved and adored, they were married September 25, 1971. He also leaves behind his daughters, Deedra Bryan and husband Mike, Deborah Laws and husband Tom, Sharon Higdon, Keely Sheehy and husband Jim, Jeanette Davis and husband Donovan, Tina Raines and husband Carl; his son, Jerry Anderson and wife Sandra. Along with his cherished Grandchildren Erin Grimes and husband Adam, Ashley Montenegro and husband Augie, Hanna Guerrero and husband Josh, Jonathan Bryan, Brittany Smith and husband Ryan, Aubrey Proctor and husband Cody, Harrison Davis, Haleigh Davis-Nabers and husband Christopher, Tyler Davis, Charlene Sheehy, Meagan Sheey, James Sheehy, Charles Raines, Kandice Martinez and husband Josh, Jaryd Anderson, Dallas Anderson; 24 Great Grandchildren. His sister Shirley Yoemens of Sebring, Ohio and many nieces, nephews and close family members and friends. He was proceeded in death by his first wife of 16 years Charlotte, his sisters Agnes, Margaret, Pauline and his brother Earl; also by his infant son, Earnest and grandson Kernan Bryan. Jerry was born and raised in Lisbon, Ohio. Jerry joined the Navy immediately following High School and served on the aircraft carrier USS Wasp during the Korean War, then he and Charlotte with a young daughter Deedra moved to New Mexico in 1956 where he remained a lifelong resident. He worked for El Paso Natural Gas Company where he started at the Wingate station in Gallup in 1957, then went to the Monument station in Hobbs and moved to Deming Station in 1966 where he remained until he retired in 1990. Jerry gave his life to the Lord and was baptized at the Ninth St Church of Christ on July 7, 1971 by Leone’s father Leon (Papa) Hurst. He served as Treasurer for the Ninth Church of Christ for over 30 years. He also served as Luna County commissioner in the 1980’s and served in the New Mexico Mounted Patrol with the New Mexico State Police. Visitation will be on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 6-8pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. Funeral service will be on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 2pm at 9th Street Church of Christ ~ 500 S. 9th St. Deming, NM 88030. Officiants presiding over the service are Mike Miranda, Mike Bryan, Donovan Davis, Tom Laws with Llon Clendenen leading singing. Concluding services with an interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers are Adam Grimes, Augie Montenegro, Ryan Smith, Cody Proctor, Josh Martinez, Harrison Davis, Jaryd Anderson, Christopher Nabers, Josh Guerrero, Jonathan Bryan, Tyler Davis, James Sheehy, Charlie Raines, Leo Martinez, Phil Hobbs, Hagan Miranda, and Kaden Miranda. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-546-0070. To send your condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapels.com

Richard E. White

12/20/2019

Richard E. White, 79, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Friday, December 13, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born January 27, 1940 in Spiro, OK to Floyd and Ola Snow White. He is survived by is wife Linda of the family home; three daughters, Debra Lynn Koop and husband Thomas of Modesto, CA; Cheri Cupps and husband William of Oakdale, CA; and Nikki Holcomb and husband Harvey of Silver City; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Anita Obergon. No service will be held per his request.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.

William Vernon Shelley

12/20/2019

William Vernon Shelley, known to all as Vern, passed away peacefully at home in Silver City on December 19th. He was born in Silver City on February 19, 1939 to William H. and Aileen Shelley of Gila, New Mexico.

Vernon was a graduate of Cliff High School where he took part in FFA and basketball. Vern went on to receive his Bachelor and Masters’ degree in Agriculture at NMSU and taught Agricultural Studies in California. In New Mexico, he spent nine months working at the Apollo site in Las Cruces. Vern also worked at the Chino mines in Hurley and at the Phelps Dodge mines in both Tyrone and Morenci AZ. After Vern retired, he was the caretaker of the Cliff-Gila Mesa Cemetery for a number of years.

Vernon taught himself to play the fiddle and steel guitar, which he played in local western bands around southwest New Mexico, often as the lead. He enjoyed telling stories about the Gila area and wrote a short book on the history of the Cliff/Gila Schools. Vern was always keen to swap stories over coffee with his many friends. Vern was a talented artist and painted many landscapes of New Mexico to share with family and friends. Visitors to his home were often treated to his specialty Dutch oven biscuits. Vern always loved his dogs and was the first to bring the Heeler into Grant County. Vernon was an avid horseman and was the quintessential cowboy to all who knew him.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife Daneen McMillen Shelley; daughter Elizabeth
(Jim) Ginn, grandsons Lance (Hannah) and Travis (Kasey); stepson Mark (Lynda) Lutkin, grandchildren Sarri Lutkin, Jaryn (Susan) Lutkin, great-granddaughters Eleanor and Annika Lutkin; stepdaughter Shannon Mensinger, grandchildren Sheena and Simon Mensinger; stepson Sean Lutkin; brother Robert H. Shelley and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.

Amparo C. Rivera

12/20/2019

Amparo C. Rivera, 80, longtime Deming resident passed away Wednesday December 18, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Village in Las Cruces.

Visitation will begin Thursday afternoon December 26, 2019 at 4 o’clock at Baca’s Funeral Chapel where the rosary will be recited at 6 o’clock led by Irma Jaurequi. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday December 27, 2019 at 10 o’clock at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Father Manuel F. Ibarra will officiate.

Amparo was born July 19, 1939 to Consuelo Altamirano and Juan E. Chavez in Ascencion, Chihuahua, Mexico. She moved to Deming in 1954 coming from Ascencion, Chihuahua, Mexico and was a homemaker. Amparo enjoyed to crochet, knit and will be remembered for the love she had for music, drinking and dancing.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel “Tito” Rivera of the home; daughter, Maria Rivera of Deming; sons, Johnny Rivera of Grants, Gilbert Rivera and his wife Tonya and Rudy Rivera both of Las Cruces; daughter-in-law, Ana Chavez of Deming; brother, Fernando Chavez and his wife Licha; sisters, Mary Lou Rivera and Molly Glover all of Deming; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Consuelo Chavez; son, Daniel Rivera Jr., grandsons, Carlos Sosa, Oscar Chavez Jr. and Vince Diaz Jr.; granddaughter, Baby Rivera and daughter-in-law, Sonia Rivera.

Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Enrique O. Viramontes

12/18/2019

Enrique O. Viramontes, 87, a resident of Deming, NM entered eternal rest on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Mimbres Memorial Hospital. Enrique was born on September 20, 1932 in Montoya, TX to Ramon Viramontes and Jovita Ortiz. Enrique Ortiz Viramontes – affectionately known as Kiki, was a well-known farmer in Luna County for many years.

He was Honorably Discharged from the Army with a rank of Sergeant. After serving in the Army he moved to Rodeo, NM with his wife, Agripina (Pina). The couple relocated to Deming where Kiki began farming in the Lewis Flats area. They soon started a family and raised 6 children; Jovita, Enrique Jr., Raymond, Leticia, Alice and Patricia. Kiki was quite the prankster. He loved making people laugh with his dry sense of humor and affectionately had nicknames for everyone. Growing up, the kids and grandkids would often wake up with blue ink jewelry and mustaches; find potatoes in their pockets, have their clothes unknowingly stapled or socks stuffed in their musical instruments. He loved having fun and spending time with his grandkids in his retirement. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys Fan. Growing up he made life fun for his children while instilling a strong work ethic in them. It is said he put MacGyver to shame with his creativity and ingenuity for inventing and repairing anything. After becoming a resident of the Mimbres Memorial Nursing Home he made many friends among the staff and residents. He planted a healthy garden in the patio there and people began reaching out to him for gardening secrets. The family would love to extend a huge thank you to the staff at Mimbres Memorial Nursing Home for loving and caring for our Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, your time with him did not go unrecognized and we are forever grateful for your services. He is survived by his loving wife, Agripina Viramontes; two sons, Enrique Viramontes and his wife Yoli of Deming, NM and Reymond Viramontes and his wife Courtney of Deming, NM; four daughters, Leticia Montez and her husband Albert of Deming, NM; Jovita Gonzalez and her husband Ramon of Anthony, NM; Alice Gomez and her husband Richard of El Paso, TX and Patricia Chandler and her husband Clint of Scottsdale, AZ; three sisters, Maria Elena Marin of Whittier, CA; Fatima Viramontes of Massachusetts and Carmen Lopez and her husband Lalo of El Paso, TX; fifteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, three brothers, Tony Viramontes, Ramon Viramontes and Pablo Viramontes; one daughter in law, Carol Viramontes and one great granddaughter, Xochitl Elena Viramontes.

Rosary will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 9am at St. Ann Catholic Church with a memorial mass beginning at 9:30am with Father, Manuel Ibarra officiating.

Concluding services with an inurnment will be at Mountain View cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels & Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-546-0070. To send your condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapels.com

Eduardo Ramirez Velasquez

12/18/2019

Eduardo Ramirez Velasquez, 86, a resident of Columbus, NM entered eternal rest on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces.

Eduardo was born on March 8, 1933 in Durango, Mexico to Armando Ramirez and Carmen Velasquez. He is survived by his wife, Maria J. H. Ramirez; one son, Eduardo Otero and his wife Lidia Rodriguez of Carlsbad, NM; one daughter, Olga Otero Garza and her husband Valentin of Columbus, NM; one brother, Lucio Ramirez; three sisters, Guadalupe Ramirez, Socorro Ramirez and Rosalinda Ramirez; five grandchildren, Eduardo Otero and his wife Rosaura, Abel Otero and his wife Tiffany, Clementina Otero and her husband Vicente Carreon, Michelle Otero and Eddie Otero and eleven great grandchildren, Edwardo E. Otero, Dante I. Otero, Ethan S. Otero, Nicholas S. Otero, Nathan J. Otero, Jade A. Otero, Jazmine Otero, Jordan Otero, Jadelyn Carreon, Yazlin Otero and Brailey Lambert. He is preceded in death by both of his parents.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 1-2pm at Holy Family Mission Catholic Church in Columbus, NM with the funeral mass beginning at 2pm with Father, Sergio Ramirez.

Concluding services with an interment will be at Valley Heights cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Eduardo Otero, Abel Otero, Eduardo Otero, Edwardo Otero, Dante Otero and Eddie Otero.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-546-0070. To send your condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapels.com