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KDEM-FM 94.3 - KOTS-AM 1230 Radio

Elvira “Vera” R. Sierra

12/31/2021

Elvira “Vera” R. Sierra lived a beautiful 99 years before passing peacefully in her sleep on December 22, 2021. She was born in Mimbres, NM on April 17, 1922. She will join her loving husband of 52 years Eloy Sierra in heaven. Grandma “V” enjoyed watching baseball, singing, dancing and loved playing BINGO with family and friends.

She is survived by her oldest son Ernest Sierra and his wife Gloria Sierra and their children Ernie Sierra, Cherie Sierra, and Zack Sierra. Her youngest son Ray Sierra and his wife Denise Sierra and their children Melissa Sierra, Chris Sierra, Jennifer Sapien, Rachel Sapien, Robert Sapien and Stephanie Sapien. She was blessed with many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A rosary will be held in honor of “Vera” on January 6th at 6:00 p.m. at Terrazas Funeral Chapels in Santa Clara, NM. She will be laid to eternal rest in her beloved hometown of Silver City, NM on January 7th with funeral mass at 10:00am at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church and burial at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic cemetery. Reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus in Silver City, 1301 N Swan Street.

Norma J. Kime

12/31/2021

Norma J. Kime, 95, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Saturday, December 25, 2021 at University Medical Center in El Paso, TX due to complications with a stroke. She was born in Nankin, Ohio on April 20, 1926 to Virgil W. and Margaret Jolliff Creveling.

Norma worked as a medical transcriber at Hillcrest General Hospital from 1972-1975 as well as proprietor of Kime Carpet in Silver City. From 1975-1988 she worked and then retired from WNMU. After relocating to Las Cruces, she volunteered at Memorial Medical Center and received Auxilian of the Month in August of 2004. She returned to Silver City in 2012 and resided there the rest of her life. Norma enjoyed spending time outdoors in the mountains and throughout her life had many adventures and memories with her family. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by three sons, David “Dave” Kime and wife Elaine of Parker, CO; Thomas “Tom” D. Kime and wife Mary Ellen of Gilbert, AZ; Michael “Mike” E. Kime and wife Vicky of El Paso, TX; one daughter, Jeanie L. Gigante of Silver City; fifteen grandchildren, one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale E. Kime (’00) two half-sisters, and one-half brother.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, January 8th at 11am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary 2450 S. Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88011.

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

Robert A. Dannelley

12/27/2021

Robert A. Dannelley, 81, a lifelong resident of Grant County was called home Dec. 18, 2021, at La Posada Inpatient hospice in Las Cruces, NM. Robert (Bobby) was born September 20th, 1940, in Santa Rita, NM to Clay and Myrtle Dannelley both of Silver City, NM. He graduated from Western high school in 1958. He went on to join the Navy, where he served his country from 1958-1964. After returning, he went to work for Kennecott in Hurley, NM. He worked for a number of years driving a bull wagon for Raymond Crumbley. Bobby had a passion for horses and the cowboy way of life. He was a cowboy for several ranches, including the GOS, then out to Lake Valley for Walt Greeman, then on to the Flying A Ranch west of Silver City, and then to H Heart Ranch. He was an active member of the Hurley roping club. He worked for Fowler Brothers driving trucks and equipment. He would end out his working career with Southwest Concrete and Paving, where he drove transports and haul trucks. He will be remembered by many and deeply missed.

Robert is survived by his son Paul Dannelley, ex-wife and lifelong friend Jacque Dannelley, ex-wife Karen Hurst. Nephews and nieces; Bill (Linda) Frost, Boyd (Deanna) Frost, Duane (Shelly) Frost, Debbie Frost Widner, Lynda (Jay) Wysong, Helen (Randy) Peck, Tom (Marsha) Dannelley. Great nieces and nephews; Joe Frost, Loren (Amanda) Frost, Jason (Rachel) Frost, Rusty (Felicia) Frost, John (Laura) Frost, Jori Frost, Rankin (Vonda) Frost, Dal (Krista) Frost, Amber (Ty) White, Trey Widner, Christy (Nathan) Hoy, Keith Wysong, Kevin (Jessica) Wysong, Jill Mullins, Clay (Sierra) Dannelley, Ryan (Mikayla) Dannelley. Many great great nieces and nephews and several dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clay and Myrtle (Lightfoot) Dannelley, brother Richard Dannelley, sister Edith Frost, son Floyd Dannelley Sherwood, and companion Marie Wells.

A memorial graveside service with military honors will be held for Robert Dannelley, on Monday, January 03, 2022, at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, New Mexico, starting at 2:00 pm.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Maria Antonia Medrano De Sandoval

12/27/2021

Maria Antonia Medrano De Sandoval, 69, a resident of Deming, NM entered eternal rest on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, TX.

Maria was born on February 26, 1952 in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico to Francisco Medrano and Maria Santos Rosas. She is survived by her husband, Roberto Sandoval; three sons, Uriel Sandoval of AL; Roberto Sandoval of NM and Daniel Sandoval of AL; four daughters, Dana Sandoval of NV; Sarai Sandoval of AL; Lidia Sandoval of AL and Karen Villagran of FL; numerous grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by both of her parents and one daughter, Berenice Sandoval.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 5-6pm with the evening service beginning at 6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapel.

Funeral service will then be on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 11am at Terrazas Funeral Chapel with Pastor, Eri Ahumada officiating.

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

Serving as pallbearers are Roberto Sandoval, Uriel Sandoval, Daniel Sandoval, David Villagran, Juan Martinez and Alex Araniba.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapel.

Pinkie Ruth Skinner Rickerson

12/24/2021

Pinkie Ruth Skinner Rickerson 100, of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest December 17, 2021. She was born July 5, 1921 in Carrizozo, NM. Pinkie married the love of her life, Winzell Harry Rickerson, March 2, 1940; they were married until his passing in 2006.

Remarkably, she was an astute business woman who owned and operated her own beauty salon. Her love for food and family came together every week as she cooked elaborate meals to bring everyone together. As a woman of multiple talents, Nannie (as she was known by all) was skilled at crocheting an intricate blanket, cooking stacked red enchiladas, and cheering for her beloved Dallas Cowboys - all at the same time. She had an intense love for animals and treated her pets like family. Her love was absolutely endless for her family members and friends and no one left her presence without receiving God’s blessing over them.

After an incredible 100 years of beautiful life, Pinkie is survived by her daughters in-law, Judy Rickerson and Sandy Rickerson; her grandchildren Cheryl Rickerson, Curtis Rickerson (and Terri), Kevin Rickerson (and Kim), Juleen Parks (and Chad), Tracy Rickerson, Shane Rickerson (and Allison), Brandon Rickerson, Duane Zamora (and Kelly); great-grandchildren, Kandra Young (and Milo), Kylie Garcia (and Jacob), Torey Rickerson, Taylor Rickerson, Madeline Parks, Justin Parks, Kaylyn Rickerson, Britni Critchfield (and Zac), Micalie Thompson (and Trey), Zac Rickerson (and Chandler), Kolter Rickerson, Shaylee Rickerson, Chase Rickerson, Sydney Zamora; and great-great-grandchildren Cooper Young, Karli McKinley, Kynzlie Franklin, Olivia Critchfield, Luna Thompson, Gracie Thompson. Pinkie is also survived by many additional family members and friends who brought much joy and love to her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Winzell Harry Rickerson, Sr., her parents, five brothers and one sister, and her three sons, Winzell Harry Jr., Robert Owen, and Donald Curtis.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Angus cemetery later in the Spring. Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Robert “Bobby” Muñoz

12/24/2021

Robert “Bobby” Muñoz, 76, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM. He was born May 26, 1945 in Gallup, NM to Gabriel Muñoz and Susan Torres Muñoz.

Bobby became a master barber in 1965 and in the 1970’s opened his business, Bobby’s California Concept. He continued there till 1978 when he moved his shop to Bayard and was very successful. Then in 1994 his wife Betty joined him and they named the business Bobby and Betty’s Hair Concept. They worked together till they recently retired. They were always together and enjoyed working side by side. Bobby was loved by his customers and always looked forward to seeing them. It was like having friends over all the time. He will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty of the family home; his mother, Susan Renova of Arenas Valley; two brothers, Artie Muñoz of Pinos Altos; Eugene “Gino” Muñoz of Arenas Valley. He was preceded in death by his father, Gabriel Muñoz.

A funeral service will be celebrated on Monday, December 27th at 1pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Dr. Gilbert Arizaga officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at Bayard cemetery. Pallbearers are Jimmy Abalos, Billy Lawrence, Larry Villines, Eugene “Gino” Muñoz, Eugene “Gino” Muñoz Jr., JoJo Morales. Honorary pallbearers are Eugene Muñoz III, James Muñoz, Bobby Arthur Muñoz and Mike Keller.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Ronald “Ronnie” Reese

12/23/2021

Ronald “Ronnie” Reese, 63, passed away at Gila Regional Medical Center on December 20, 2021. Ronald was born in Beeville, TX on September 11, 1958 to Elmer and Sylvia Reese.

Ronald enjoyed the outdoors, he loved being creative and working with his hands. Ronald spent numerous years working in maintenance in the Grant Count area and excelled. He had also earned a welding degree from Western New Mexico University. Ronald was known to many as a kind and loving person, opening his home to those in need.

He is survived by his mother Sylvia Reese-Morales and husband Nacho Morales; two sisters, Billie Gabaree of Silver City; Julie Ponce (Chris) of Arenas Valley; one brother, John Reese (Jeanie) of Bakersfield, CA; nephews, Justin Reese (Jenifer) of Santa Fe, NM; Joshua Reese of Bakersfield, CA; and Christopher Ponce of Silver City; niece’s, Jennifer Rayl (Michael) of Bakersfield, CA; Nicole Parnell (Jake) of Bakersfield, CA; Brandi Conner (Josh) of Bakersfield, CA; and Erica Ponce-Maynes (John Paul) of Tucson, AZ, and many other great nephews and nieces. Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Reese, sister Graciella Alcorn.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 29th from 1-2pm at Hurley Infant Jesus Shrine with the holy rosary to commence at 2pm with Deacon Richard Maynes Jr. reciting. The funeral mass will follow at 2:30pm with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. Concluding service and interment will be at the Hurley cemetery. Pallbearers will be Austin Graves, Tim Graves, Luke Graves, Brandon Reese, Cory Reese, Tony Wilson, and Christopher Ponce. Honorary pallbearers will be the rest of his family and friends.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

Ray Lee Kiel

12/21/2021

A retiree in Glenwood, NM for almost 40 years, former teacher and coach, Ray Lee Kiel, passed away at 2 pm, 12/14/2021, from complications of a quadruple bypass.

His parents were William Ray Kiel (04/10/1976 - 66 years old), born in Richland MO & Cornelia Viola Montgomery (passed 11/16/2001 - 88 years old), born in St Louis MO. They were married for 49 years. Together they have seven children. They were Ray Lee (deceased at 90 yo), Donald Francis 87yo, living in MO; Everett (Bud) Woodrow (died at 74), Sonia Marie (Lamm) Dodds (died at 78yo), Diana Rose Weston 79yo, living in MO; Carol Jean (Miller) Kiel 77yo, living in MO; Susan Verna (Millikan) Schnatzmeyer (died at 65).

Ray Lee Kiel is survived by his wife of 70 years, Silver City native Lequita Alma (Greenwood) Kiel, 85 yo, residing in retirement in Glenwood, NM; his eldest son, Kyle Everett Kiel, 67 yo, also residing in retirement in Glenwood, caretaking his mother, Lequita; his grandson, Gavin Ray Kiel, PhD, 36 y/o, works in research at MIT in Cambridge MA; his granddaughters, Jessica Varvil, 40 y/o, of MO; Michelle Kiel, 38 y/o, of MO; Risa Leanne Kiel, 35 y/o, of Menifee, CA; 4 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Billye Andrews, 90, from Superior, AZ; and Ray Lee Kiel was uncle to 20 nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his only other son, Michael Ray Kiel, who passed at age 29, near O'Fallon, MO.

Ray was born in 1931, grew up in St Louis, MO, joining the Air Force at 17, serving 4 years as a recruiter. He was a permanent party in Corpus Christi, TX, El Paso, TX, and Silver City, NM, where his tour of duty ended and he married his "child bride". Lequita Kiel, a Silver City native.

Upon discharge, he enrolled at Western New Mexico College, choosing to remain in Silver City earning a degree in industrial arts in 1958, then doing his student teaching at Cobre High School in Bayard, NM. He was included in the Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, and his Master’s in Education from WNMC in 1960.

While in Silver City, he worked several jobs, between 1952 and 1960, including being a driver for the town laundry, an entry kiosk at the drive-in, and as an assayer at Hurley and Tyrone mines.

He began teaching industrial arts and coaching, taking his first job at Peoria High School, AZ in 1960. In 1972, he moved out of the Valley, up to Prescott, to take over as Chairman, and teaching in, the Industrial Ed Department at Yavapai Junior College.

While at Peoria, Ray built an Automotive curriculum, to include a full-on auto shop. He also taught drafting, in the auto classroom. Neither of those programs existed when he arrived. While there, in the early years, he also taught art and typing. Through his tenure at PHS, he coached all the boys' sports and was head varsity track, field, and CrossCountry coach. He filled his summers with classes at Northern Arizona University.

A memorial will be held for Ray Lee Kiel on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Community Center in Glenwood, New Mexico, starting at 2:00 pm.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.

Lisa A. Garcia

12/21/2021

Lisa A. Garcia, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Gila Regional Medical Center.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend. She was our beloved,always cheerful and loving confidant and beacon. She passed away peacefully in God’s Love and grounded in her faith, a faith she lived to the very end. She was a Born Again Christian, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, To solemnly proclaim her faith.

Our family is deeply saddened and heartbroken as we will miss her very deeply, but we are comforted by God’s divine plan for the future. She is preceded in death by her mother Emily Garcia, sisters Bernadine and Beverly Garcia, brothers Eugene and Jimmy Becerra. She is survived by her husband Rudy Dominguez, her father, Miguel Orlando Garcia; her daughter, Desiree Vega and family – Patrick Vega Jr., Eric Joshua Dominguez, Destinee Marie Vega, and Trinity Nevaeh Vega; her son, Joseph Orlando Garcia and family – wife Jessica Taylor, son Emilio Jose Garcia, and daughter Josephine EmilianaRose Garcia. She is also survived by her sister Valerie Salazar, brothers, Bernie Garcia, Ronnie Garcia, Leroy Becerra, Frank Becerra, and Lewis Becerra.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Thursday, December 23rd at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Pastor Tim Heyer officiating.

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

Bobby Jackson

12/14/2021

Bobby Jackson passed away peacefully on December 10th.

Bobby was born March 10, 1951 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bobby attended Silver schools, graduating from Silver High School in 1969 where he played both football and baseball.

Bobby graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with his undergrad and a Masters from Western New Mexico University. He began his career as a counselor at WNMU and later taught 35 years at Silver High as a Special Education teacher. After retiring from SHS, he returned to teach at Opportunity High School. Bob was a kind and gentle person who loved teaching. His students remember him as a fun loving and caring mentor. He was always excited and enthusiastic about helping with all of the extracurricular activities and events. Bob was very active in the WNMU Alumni Association and always made time to help with the WNMU softball team. He enjoyed playing slow pitch, playing guitar and singing for family and friends. Bob will be remembered for his kind smile, loving heart, quick wit and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife Chris, of 45 years, daughter Jade Brown, nephew and son, Chris Brown sisters in law Kathy (Curtis) Bullington, Carrie (Eric) Brown, nephew Stephen Brown, Brandon Brown, Keith Bullington, and nieces Erika Bullington, Martine Brown as well as great nieces Penny and Piper, and great nephew Isaac. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jo Jackson.
Visitation will be Friday, December 17, 2021 from 1:30-2pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels.

A funeral service will commence at 2pm with family officiating.

Concluding service cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to Endowment Scholarship Fund at Western New Mexico University.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory.