2001
Obituaries and Articles
Compiled by Marcena Thompson
Return to Obituary Index
Our special thanks to
The Las Cruces Sun News©
256 W. Las Cruces Avenue
Las Cruces, NM
88005-1804
February 2, 2001
WRIGHT
Delores Wright (She died Feb. 2, 2001 in Santa Fe.)
David McCollum- Publisher, Harold Cousland-Editor, Sun-News, Las Cruces. When
state Rep. Delores Wright, D-Chaparral, was fighting for her constituents in
Dona Ana County, it was hard to ignore her. She believed passionately in the
causes that most interested her, and made sure anybody she came across
understood the depths of her beliefs. She could talk at length and convincingly
about the pieces of legislation she sponsored and shared her enthusiasm for the
legislative process, whether she was winning or losing on any particular bill.
Even though she had fought health problems in recent years, she had taken her
persistent attitude to the Capitol to again represent District 52 after winning
a very close race in the Nov. 7 general election. Her death Friday morning
toward the end of the Third week of the Legislature's current 60-day session was
sudden and came as a shock to her family, to her fellow legislators and to her
many friends around New Mexico.
Since 1993, she had been serving in the U. S. House of Representatives. She also
was a member of the Gadsden Independent School District Board of Education for
eight years, part of that time also serving in the House. She was one of the
early believers and practical achievers who saw the potential for growth in
Chaparral, part of which is in Dona Ana County and part in Otero County. As a
real estate agent and developer, she helped spur that growth.
Rep. Wright first proved she was a fighter for her beliefs even before she was
elected to the Legislature. She worked vigorously for many years to help make
sure that New Mexico's water rights and availability were kept in this state and
protected from El Paso, Texas, just across the state line. And, even after New
Mexico's rights were upheld through litigation, she served as a watchdog against
further attempted water grabs from out of state.
In the last two or three years, much of her effort was devoted to planning and
raising money for her pet project; a recreation complex for children in
Chaparral. She assiduously sought and obtained funds at the local, state and
federal levels for the complex, which in her honor should almost certainly bear
her name. Delores Wright was a public servant with passion. She will be greatly
missed in Dona Ana County and in the New Mexico Legislature. This was in the
Sun-News Saturday, Feb 3, 2001. She died Feb 2, 2001 in Santa Fe. Only two sons
were mention, Jeff Rose from her first marriage and Alex Wright second marriage
to Larry Wright. Her body laid in state in the Capitol rotunda, and her ashes
were returned to Chaparral. I still need to find out when she was born and
where. Submitted by Marcena Thompson
*
Las Cruces Sun News
Feb. 3, 2001
BYERS
Sandra "Sandi" K. BYERS, 57, of Las Cruces died Wednesday, January 31, 2001, at
her home. She was born August 15, 1943, in Chanute, Kansas to Leslie R. and Edna
Carpenter BYERS. She had been an area resident the past fourteen years and was a
Cosmetologist. Survivors include two sister, Patty KARP and Charlotte FINK both
of Las Cruces; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her
parents and two infant siblings. Cremation has taken place. Inurement of remains
will take place at a later date in Kansas. Baca's Funeral Chapels.
*
DWYER
Herbert Harold DWYER, 89, of Las Cruces, died Wednesday, January 31, 2001. Mr.
DWYER was born in Kansas to John C. and Tilda TINSLEY DWYER. He was a test pilot
for Lockheed prior to his retirement. Mr. DWYER is survived by his wife Margaret
of the family home; his five sons, Eldon DWYER of Columbus, NM; Gale (Linda)
HERBERT DWYER of Downey, CA., John C. (Carmen) DWYER of Whittier, CA., Douglas
(Jan) DWYER of Fallbrook, CA., Richard (Dustie) DWYER of Chino, CA., his
brother, Emery (LaVerne) DWYER of La Puente, CA., his sister, Viola GRAHAM of
Derby, KS., and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cremation has
taken place. Rev. Gary BOWSER of Fairacres Baptist Church. Graham Mortuary.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
Feb. 3, 2001
SANDOVAL
Visitation for Thomas G. SANDOVAL, Sr., 32 of Las Cruces will be Sunday at Getz
Funeral Home with prayer Monday at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial will
follow at Masonic Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Georgina SANDOVAL of Las
Cruces; son, Thomas SANDOVAL, Jr., Las Cruces; brothers, Louis SANDOVAL, of El
Paso, and Eddie Joe SANDOVAL and Johnny SANDOVAL both of Alamogordo; sisters,
Theresa TERRAZAS of Las Cruces, and Susanne TORRES, Veronica REYES and Gloria
SANDOVAL, all of Alamogordo, and Natalia MONTOYA of Grand Prairie, TX.
*
Lordsburg
ADAMS
Carol ADAMS, 54 of Lordsburg died Friday. Arrangements are pending with
Lordsburg Funeral Home.
*
Deming
TORRES
Funeral services for Federico (Lico) S. TORRES, 91, of Deming will be at St.
Ann's Catholic Church. Intement at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are with
Baca's Funeral Chapels. TORRES died Thursday at his home. Survivors include
sons, Danny S. TORRES of Wilcox, AZ., and John S. TORRES and Luis S. TORRES,
both of Deming; daughter, Carol S. TORRES of Las Cruces; eight grandchildren and
two great-grandchildren.
*
PEtrEE
Funeral services for Dale Eugene PEtrEE, 64, of Deming will be at Baca's Funeral
Chapel. Interment at Mountain View Cemetery. PEtrEE died Wednesday. Survivors
include his wife, Betty PEtrEE of Deming; sons, Dale Eugene PEtrEE, Jr. of
Deming, Kenneth Wayne PEtrEE of Grants and Johnnie Lee PEtrEE of Las Cruces;
daughter, Ronda Jo NABOURS of Tucson, AZ.; brother, Malcolm PEtrEE of
Albuquerque and Windell PEtrEE of Lovington; sister, Faye CURTS of Mt. Lake
Terrace, WA; and six grandchildren.
*
Hurley
MORROW
Visitation for Jessie Celia "Granny" MORROW, 93, of Hurley will be at Bright
Funeral Home. Graveside services at Memory Lane Cemetery. MORROW died Thursday
at St. Bayard Medical Center. Survivors include sons James LITTLETON MORROW of
Grand Prairie, TX, Olin Winston MORROW of Timerville, VA., and William Dalton
MORROW of Santa Fe., daughters, Naomi GRISBEE of Ft. Worth, TX., Nona EASTMAN of
Hemet, CA., Romana LEGGETTof Converse, LA., sister, Addie WALLER of Broken
Arrow, OK., and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
*
Santa Clara
RODRIGUEZ
Visitation for Benito Gaytan RODRIGUEZ, 80, of Santa Clara will be at Santa
Clara Catholic Church. Interment at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery. Arrangements
with Baca's Funeral Chapels. Rodriguez died Friday at his home. Survivors
include his wife, Cecilia RODRIGUEZ of Santa Clara; son, Benito RUELAS RODRIGUEZ
of Bayard; daughters; Mary Lou RODRIGUEZ LOPEZ and Guadalupe RODRIGUEZ GONZALES,
both of Santa Clara; brother, Arturo HERRERA of Las Cruces; Sister Concepcion
RODRIGUEZ MARQUEZ of Bayard; 10 grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
*
Las Cruces
July 12, 2001
VALDEZ
VALDEZ, Roberto, 43, of Anthony died July 11, 2001, in Tucson, AZ. He was born
Dec. 26, 1957 in El Paso, TX. to Jose Antonio and Cruz TORRES VALDEZ. At the
time of his death he was a student at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in
Tucson, AZ., and was a member of the Catholic Church. Survivors include his
loving wife, Teresa SIFUENTES VALDEZ, of the family home; one son, Robert VALDEZ
and wife Claudia of Anthony; one daughter, Ana MORALES and husband Armando of
Chaparral; his parents, Jose Antonio and Cruz VALDEZ of Anthony; five brothers;
Javier LOPEZ, Victor VALDEZ and wife Yvonne all of Anthony, Joe VALDEZ and wife
Dora CERVANTES of Santa Teresa, Frank VALDEZ and wife Ronnie of Berino, Alfredo
VALDEZ and wife, Veronica of Westway; three sisters, Juana LOPEZ of Santa Fe,
Guillermina DIAZ and husband, Alejandro of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Connie
RAYMOND and husband, Tony HOLGUIN of Las Cruces. West Chapel of Baca's Funeral
Chapel. Rev. Mar tin CORDERO officiating.
*
July 23, 2001
MONTOYA
MONTOYA, Tomasa "Tommie" B., 79 of Las Cruces, died July 19, 2001. She was born
Sept. 21, 1921 in Mesilla and proudly served her country in the U.S. Army during
WW2. Tommie was a former member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Ladies
Auxiliary at Memorial Medical Center and VFW Post 3242. Tommie was a lifelong
resident of Las Cruces and longtime parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary
Cathedral. Survived by one son, Arturo "Art" MONTOYA of Las Cruces, four
daughters, Cecilia Angel and fiancée John trYON, Anna BRITO and husband, Bobby,
Frances LOPEZ and companion Jaime HERNANDEZ, Maria "Trini" FORNI and husband,
Mark all of Las Cruces; brother, Jesus "Chuy" BARELA and wife, Petra of Las
Cruces; Isabel LUCERO and husband, Ignacio of Las Cruces; seven grandchildren,
Sonya and Veronica Angel, Christina SALDOVAL, Dennis and Robby BRITO, Gabe and
April MONTOYA; nine great-grandchildren, Joshua DIMAS, Janice MELENDREZ,
Kimberly and Angel SANDOVAL , Pablo SOTO, Domonic.
*
BARNER
BARNER, Louis Lee, 73 of Las Cruces died Wed. July 18, 2001 at La Posada,
Mesilla Valley Hospice. Born June 18, 1928, in El Dorado, KS and had been an
area resident since 1983. Served his country honorable in the U. S. Air Force
reserves and retired as a boiler mechanic from Southern New Mexico Correctional
Facility. Survivors include his wife, Louise M. BARNER of the family home; one
son, Jeffery B. BARNER and wife, Diane of La Crescenta, CA.; two daughters, W.
Lee SMITH of Milliken, Colorado, and Cindy trAUSCH and husband, Randy of Tucson,
AZ.; one brother, Ray BARNER of Ft. Wayne, IN; one sister, Lois LANDIS of Mesa,
AZ., two stepsisters, Donnna FURLON of Greenville, MA., and Dortha YOST also of
Ft. Wayne. Other survivors include fourteen grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by a son, Thomas Eugene BARNER. Cremation
has taken place. Baca's Funeral Chapels and Baca's Mimbres Crematory.
*
VILLA
VILLA, Antonio P., 74 of Las Cruces died Thu. July 19, 2001 at Memorial Medical
Center. Born Jan. 10, 1927 in Las Cruces to Antonio and Carlota PINON VILLA. He
was a farmhand, a member of Laborers Local Union # 16 and the Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Corina M. of Las Cruces; two sons, Ramon of
Glendale, AZ., Antonio of Las Cruces; two brothers, Victor VILLA of Mesilla,
Benny VILLA of Sacramento, CA.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Ramona AGUIRRE. Baca's Funeral
Chapels. Interment at San Albino Cemetery.
*
Deming
YOCUM
YOCUM, Fredric Ira, 77 Deming passed away Thu. July 19, 2001 at Memorial Medical
Center. Born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania on April 17. 1924 to Robert A. YOCUM and
Mary Jane KILMER YOCUM. WW2 enlisted in the US Army, Sept. 1942 and was Sgt. in
the 748th Tank Battalion with General Patton's 3rd Army in Europe which
participated at the Battle of the Bulge. Made his home in Greater Miami, FL, and
was owner of Fredric YOCUM Printing Co. He was active in civic affairs and was
past president of the Hialeah Civic Benevolent Association and former member of
Fraternal Order of Police Associate and Milander Lions Club. Member of Hialeah
Moose Lodge and Legion of the Moose. Retired from the printing business in
August 1987. In 1993, he and his wife Geraldine moved to Deming, where he was a
member of the Chamber of Commerce and also a volunteer at the Deming-Luna Co.
Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center. Also member of VFW, American Legion and
DAV, Deming Gem and Mineral.
*
SAENZ
SAENZ, Ernesto A., 76, of Deming, died Sat. at his home. He was born in Ontario,
CA. to Juan SAENZ and Ignacia ARIA SAENZ. He married Maria Guadalupe TERRAZAS in
1951. He was a ranch hand and had been a resident of Deming since 1975. He was a
member of St. Ann's Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife; three sons,
Ernesto, Juan SAENZ, both of Deming and Toribio SAENZ of Mexico; a daughter,
Nancy SIERRA, of Las Cruces; three brothers, Palemon and Raymundo SAENZ, both of
Mexico and Gabino SAENZ of CA., three sister, Emma TERRAZAS of Ft. Bayard,
Martha HERNANDEZ of Juarez, Mexico, Maria Elena TERRAZAS of Mexico. Preceded in
death by his parents, brothers and sisters, Ramon, Rodrigo, Olaya and Maria
Luisa.
July 25, 2001
JACKSON-BOOTH
JACKSON-BOOTH, Ida Jean, 68, of Las Cruces and formerly of Hatch died Mon. July
23, 2001 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born Sept. 4, 1932 in Ada, OK to
Clifford and Ollie Josephine Hale DUNLAP. Survived by her son; Frank JACKSON and
wife, Rena, daughters; Rebecca BOOTH, Frankie LUCERO and husband, Marcos,
Pauline SHIPLEY and husband Dale; Roxanne NESRSTA, Janice BOYDSTON and husband,
Alan, Rita JACKSON and husband, Leroy, Elizabeth JACKSON and husband Jerry Don,
Rhonda JACKSON and Janet JACKSON, sister, Ruth CARPENTER. Preceded in death by
her parents, brother, Alvie Lee and sister, Inez. Getz Funeral Chapel.
*
EVANS
EVANS, Susan C., 92 of Las Cruces passed away on Mon. July 23, 2001 at Casa Del
Sol Nursing Facility. She was born in Waukegan, ILL. on Dec. 19, 1908 to Sidney
Moses CALKINS and Chloe MITCHELL CALKINS. She married Wm. E. EVANS who preceded
her in death in 1977. She was very active in the China Painting Club, Las
Cruces, chapter 20 Order of the Eastern Star and the Las Cruces Assembly 149
social Order of the Beauceant. She was the bedside teacher for the Gadsden
School District for ten years. Survived by her children, Patricia E. HOWELL, of
Las Cruces, Mrs. Janice E. BURROWS and her grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Graham Mortuary and Mesilla
Valley Crematory.
*
LEON
LEON, Antonio O., 25, of Las Cruces died Sat. July 21, 2001 in Buckeye, AZ. as a
result of an automobile accident. Born March 8, 1976, in Ft. Hancock, TX to
Carlos and Gloria OJEDA LEON. He spent his childhood years in Mexico where he
attended grade school. He graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1994,
received a Bachelor's Degree in Technical and Mechanical Engineering from NMSU
in May 2001. At the time of his death he was employed as a Construction Engineer
with Zachary Construction Co. in Arlington, AZ. Survivors include wife, Nancy
CONTRERAS LEON of the family home; one daughter, Zaire Teresa LEON; one unborn
child; his parents; one brother, Carlos de Jesus LEON; two sister, Kenia and
Maria Janet LEON, all of Las Cruces. West Chapel of Baca's Funeral Chapels, Las
Cruces. Interment at Tortugas Cemetery.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
Wedesday August 1, 2001
BROWNFIELD
John V. BROWNFIELD, 53, lifetime Luna Co. rancher died at his home in Las Cruces
on July 28. Services at First United Methodist Church in Deming. Cremation has
taken place. Born in Las Cruces on Jan. 25, 1948. He was raised on the family
ranch in Deming. He graduated from NM Military Instiute in 1966 and NM Military
Institute Jr. College in 1968. Graduated from NMSU in 1971 with a BS in
Biology/Ag Engineering. Member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Served in the US Army as
a 2nd Lt. stationed in Ft. Hood, TX. Returned to the family ranch in 1973.
Served on many local boards such at Farmers Home Admin, US Soil Conservation
Service, Farmers Inc, NM Military Institue Alumni Advisory Board, Sun Products,
and Luna Co. Hospice. He was recognized as the Outstanding Conservation Rancher
in Deming Southwest Conservation District in 1982. Co-owner of several
businesses, Goodsight Inc. cattle ranch in Deming, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in
Silver City and Sun Products in Deming. Survived by wife, Marsha and two sons,
D. Keith and Jesse L. of Las Cruces, brother A. D. Brownfield, # of San Antonio,
TX, sister, M. Lea Brownfield of Mesilla. Preceded in death by his father A. D.
Brownfield Jr. and mother Grace L. Brownfield. Baca’s Funeral Home. Deming.
*
CHERYE
Geraldine "Geri" CHERYE, 81, died at home on July 27, 2001. Born April 25, 1920
in Adrian Missouri to Oscar and Fern Wagner. Graduated from Kansas City
University School of Nursing and served in the Army Nurse Corps during WW2.
While on leave to the French Rivera, she met Fred CHERYE and married 6 weeks
later on Sept. 12, 1945 in Gundelshiem, Germany. Geri and Fred made their first
home in Adrian, MO, than moved to Chicago, ILL. Later they moved to NY and then
Connecticut. July 1970 they moved to Las Cruces where Geri retired from
nursing.Active with the Picacho Hills Women’s Golf Association and Picacho Hills
Women’s Bridge Group. Survived by her husband Fred of 56 years, one son, Rick of
Austin, daughter, Cherylee TOMBAUGH and husband Al of Las Cruces, brother,
Willis WAGNER of Des Moines, Iowa, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren.
Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery. Graham Mortuary.
*
FLOREZ
Esther PEREZ FLOREZ, 84, of Las Cruces died July 29, 2001. Born Sept. 23, 1916
in Placitas, NM to Jose and Luz PEREZ. She loved gardening and being a foster
parent. Survived by her sons, Ray, Andy, Jerry and wife Genevieve, George and
Wife Rose and Arthur all of Dona Ana, David and Valentine both of Las Cruces,
brother, basilio FLOREZ of Ysleta, TX, also 24 grandchildren, 44 great
grandchildren, 4 great gg grandchildren, two unborn on the way. Preceded in
death by daughter, Frances F. ZUNIGA. Getz Funeral Home.
*
RODRIGUEZ
Fernando (Nando) R. RODRIGUEZ, 67, died Thurs. July 19, 2001 at home. Born in
Las Cruces March 31, 1934 to Guadalupe and Anselma RODRIGUEZ . Served in the US
Army. Survived by his wife, Jenny, three sons, Fernando of AZ, Pete of Wisconsin
and Johnny of CA; 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; two sisters, Vicken
MURILLO (Joe) and Maria Vita ESPINOSA (Fred). Besides his parents, he was
preceded in death by four brothers, Jose, Lupe, Arnaldo and Javier. Baca’s
Funeral Home. Interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
*
SANCHEZ
MANUEL H. SANCHEZ, 74, died Mon. July 30, 2001. He was born May 26, 1927 in
Kansas City, KS to Manuel and Gregoria HERNANDEZ SANCHEZ. He retired for
maintenance dept. at NMSU in 1989 and a devoted parishioner at Our Lady of
Health Catholic Church. Suvivors include his wife of 56 years Guadalupe A.;
sons, Enrique A., Samuel A., Frederico Freddie A. and Manuel A. Jr. all of Las
Cruces; daughters; Dolores s. GARCIA, Ramona S. HEREDIA both of Las Cruces;
brothers, Eduardo H, Eugenio H., both of Las Cruces; sisters, Celia S. LUCERO of
Mesilla, Angelita S. BENAVIDEZ of Fresno, Ca; 14 grandchildren; 15 great
grandchildren. Getz Funeral Home. Cremation done and interment at St. Joseph’s
Cemetery at a later date.
*
MEDOFF
Thelma Irene MEDOFF, 88, died July 29, 2001 at her home in Las Cruces. Born Dec.
27, 1912 to Irving and Minna BUTT in Brooklyn, NY. Survived by her sons, Mark
and Bud, by their wives Stephanie and Natalie, and grandson Brooks all of Las
Cruces; granddaughters Debra MARKS, husband Ross, Melissa MC CAULEY, husband
Chris, Rachel HARRISON husband Robert, and Jessica MEDOFF; great grandsons,
Kagen and Mason MARKS. As a young woman, she put her husband of 47 years,
Lawrence R. MEDOFF through medical school in Chicago. She entered college in
1958, graduating with honors from the University of Miami with a BA in
Psychology in 1962. Received her Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from
Barry College in 1966. She was a case worker for the Miami Special Youth project
and later was named Director of Psychological Testing at Barry College, where
she served on the faculty and did individual counseling and testing for 16
years. She reviewed books for the Miami Daily News for may years and was
accomplished painter and writer. Avid duplicate bridge player and achieved her
Life Master designation as a member of American Contract Bridge League Unit 380
in Las Cruces. Getz Funeral Home.
*
Mesquite
GONZALES
Mauel T. (Pappy) GONZALES, 70, died July 29, 2001. He was born June 22, 1931 to
Miguel and Maclovia GONZALES in Elder, Colo. He was a co-founder and builder of
San Martin de Porras Catholic Mission in Butterfield Park, NM. Retired after 31
years of Federal Civil Service at White Sands Missile Range. He was a
Cursillista since 1985. Survived by his wife of 53 years Mary; son, Mauel
(Sonny) and wife Sylvia, daughters Tina FIERRO husband Albino, Lucille MONTOYA
husband Don, Carolyn (Carrie) TELLES husband Ruben. 11 grandchildren and 10
great grandchildren. Interment at St. Joseph’s Catholice Cemetery. Getz Funeral
Home.
*
Dona Ana
MADRID
Magdalena F. MADRID, 62, died July 30, 2001. She was born May 28, 1939 in Las
Cruces to Casimiro and Maria PARRA FERRALES. Graduated for Las Cruces High
School in 1955. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Leo G; two sons,
Lawrence of Tucson, AZ, Ruben of Knoxville, Tenn; one daughter, Linda F. SMITH
of husband Ralph W. of Las Cruces; five brothers, Frank, Guadalupe and Arturo
FERRALES all of Las Cruces, Jose of Tortugas, and Manuel of Tucson, AZ; three
grandchildren Eli Matthew MADRID, Heather and Madison SMITH. Preceded in death
by her parents; one brother, Casimiro FERRALES Jr. and one sister; Bernadine
LUCERO. Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Baca’s Funeral Chapel.
Services at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church.
*
Deming
MUNOZ
Sony Rey MUNOZ, 35 died in Tallahassee, FL died July 11, 2001. Born July 12,
1966 in Deming. Survived by his father Santiago MUNOZ 3rd and wife Carla of Las
Cruces; stepbrother, Kevin EDGINGTON, mothe Sylvia ST. John of Tallahassee, FL;
one sister, Sandra WILDER, niece Elizabeth LONGEVER both of Tallahassee, ;
paternal grandparents Santiago and Genoveva MUNOZ of Las Cruces; her paternal
great-grandmother, Antonia VALENZUELA of Mendota, CA; uncle Gabriel MUNOA and
wife Yolanda of Anthony, TX; David MUNOZ and wife Irene of Las Cruces; aunts,
Alicia HERRERA of Las Cruces, Elva MONUZ and Jerry RIOS of Las Cruces, Yolanda
MUNOZ and Uncle Pete of Las Cruces. Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery and
services at Hillcrest Chapel.
*
Anthony
GOMEZ
Librado GOMEZ, 48, died July 30, 2001 at Providence Memorial Hospital in El
Paso, TX. Born April 22, 1953 in El Paso to Librado and Concepcio De La Rosa
GOMEZ. He was a farm laborer and member of the Catholic Church. Survivors
include one son, Arturo Librado Jr; his mother, Concepcion both of Anthony;
three brothers, Valerio of Sunland Park, Jacinto of El Paso, Richard of
Canutillo, TX; five sisters, Emilia DOMINGUEZ of Chicago, Manuela GOMEZ, Maria
DELGADO and Juana GOMEZ all of Anthony, Marina GOMEZ of El Paso. Preceded in
death y his father; one brother, Jose , one nephew, Isaac DELGADO. Interment in
Anthony Cemetery. Baca’s Funeral Chapel.
*
August 8, 20001
BROWN
Fita MONTOYA BROWN, 80, died Aug. 2, 2001. She was born in Pena Blanca, NM, June
28, 1921 to Miguel and Trinidad MONTOYA. She started her career in 1943 as a
nurse with the US Army. From the small town of Pena Blanca, she found herself
climbing down the rope ladder of a U. S. ship with a duffel bag on her back onto
Normandy Beach. She remained in Europe until the end of the WW2. After the war
she married David M. BROWN and settled in Santa Fe, NM. Fita was a superb nurse
who devoted her career to the Indian Hospital as a public health nurse. She
moved from the position of a floor nurse to become the Director of Nurses at the
Santa Fe Public Health Service Indian Hospital where she held this position
until she retired. During her career as a Director, she was awarded the Dept. of
Health Education & Welfare Public Health Service, Superior Service Award on May
14, 1976, in a ceremony in Washington, D. C. for her life long dedicated service
to the Indian people and the PHS in the field of Clinical nursing. Her husband
preceded her in death in 1972; siblings, Miguel, Deolinda, Celina, Josefina,
Margarita, Annabelle, and Ella. Survived by a sister Molly ANDRES and brother,
Antonio MONTOYA; one son Maury and wife Susan BROWN of Las Cruces, three
daughters, Jennifer and husband Joel JONES of El Paso, Karen and Jim WEAVER of
Hazelton, Idaho, Melanie and Mark Cole of Santa Fe; 8 grandchildren. Interment
at National Cemetery in Santa Fe with military honors.
*
HIERS-ROBINSON
Cynthia A. HIERS-ROBINSON, daughter of Jean Hiers, died Aug. 4, 2001 after a
short illness. Her husband, Eugene ROBINSON and her father Col. Maurice D.
HIERS, preceded her in death. Cynthia was born May 26, 1947 in Baltimore, MD.
Graduated in 1970 from NMSU with Bs in Biology. She served two years as a Naval
Communications Officer at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, returned to complete a Master of
Art in Educational Management and Development at NMSU in 1983 completed some
course work towards a Ph. D. She worked for the City of Las Cruces in the
Wastewater Dept. from 1975-1978. Next 23 years she taught wastewater resources
and related subjects at NMSU’s Dona Ana Branch and became a full professor in
1997. She married Eugene ROBINSON in 1974 and lived in Las Cruces. When not
teaching at NMSU, she enjoyed vacationing at Martha’s Vineyard Island on the
Great Tisbury Pond. survivors are her mother, Jean HIERS of Las Cruces; sister;
Jeannine SAMPLE of Alexandria, VA; brothers; Maurice HIERS Jr. of Northoro, MA
and Richard HIERS of Albuqueruqe. Graham Mortuary and Mesilla Valley Crematory.
*
NUNEZ
Jose Guadalupe "Lupe" NUNEZ, 74, died Monday Aug. 6, 2001. Born Jan. 20, 1927 in
Parral, Chihuahua, Mex. and had been an area resident for fifty years. Retired
as custodian from NMSU. Survivors include wife of forty-six years, Victoria
AGUIRRE NUNEZ; two sons, Samuel and wife Paula, Guadalupe Jose and wife Maria
all of Las Cruces; four daughters, Ana NYGRE and husband Terry of Tucson, AZ;
Gracie GARCIA and husband Carlos of Espanola, Sylvia BRIONES and husband Sal of
Las Cruces, Lucy PENA and husband Sergio of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mex, eight
grandchildren, his parents preceded him in death, Sanuel and Anita SAENZ NUNEZ.
Interment at San Albino.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
August 10, 2001
Bernio
DOMINGUEZ
Emilia HERNANDEZ DOMINGUEZ, 62 of Berino, died Wednesday, Aug. 8. She was born
Nov. 18, 1938 in Chihuahua, Mex. to Blas and Cruz HERNANDEZ. Emilia was a member
of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Berino, where she was a Catechism
Teacher. She is survived by her sons, Manny and wife Mary, Jessie and wife
Celia, Blas and wife Rachel and Joey and wife Vanessa all of Berino, Frank and
wife Anita of Mesquite, Eddie and wife Norma of Las Cruces; daughters, Loren
SCHOONOVER and husband Edward of El Paso, and Adela MUNOZ of Berino; brother,
Bla HERNANDEZ ; sister, Sevastiania VALENZUELA, Margarita and Estella AGUIRRE,
20 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother,
Rafael. Rite of Committal at Berino Cemetery. Getz Funeral Home.
*
La Mesa
MADRID
Roberto "Beto" C. MADRID, 76, of La Mesa died Aug. 8, 2001 at his home. Born
Sept. 15, 1924 in Anthony to Arcario and Canuta CANDELARIA MADRID. Survivors
include his wife Hortencia "Tencha" APPELZOLLER MADRID, one son, Robert Jr. wife
Diane of Tucson, AZ, five brothers, Edward CANDELARIA of Anaheim, CA; Ramon
MADRID of Brea, CA; Jose MADRID of Anthony; six sisters, Josefa AVALOS and
Herminia MADRID both of Las Cruces, Maria ALDAZ and Magdalena TELLEZ both of
Anthony, Nellie BARRON of El Paso and Angie JOHNS of Daleville, Alabama; three
grandchildren, one great-granddaughter. Preceded in death by his father, Arcario
MADRID in 1958; his mother, Canuta C. MADRID in 1964; one brother, Alejandro
MADRID in 1998. Interment at Anthony Cemetery. Baca’s Funeral Chapels.
*
Las Cruces
REYES
Maria DE LA LUZ REYES, 26 of Las Cruces died Monday Aug. 6, 2001. Maria was a
homemaker and been a area resident for over a year. Survived by her husband
Manuel, one son, Jesus REYES, three daughters Maira, Alma, and Karina REYES all
of Las Cruces; mother and father, Eloy and Juana BARRON; two brothers Jesse and
Eloy BARRON Jr.; three sisters Sandy, Jenny and Abigail BARRON. Interment at
Masonic Cemetery. Getz Funeral Home.
*
Truth or Consequences
WAKEFIELD
Lillian Wakefield, 90 of T or C died Tuesday at NM State Veterans’ Home.
Preceded in death by her husband William L. Wakefield. Survivors include her
daughter, Elsie L. HENDERSON of T or C; three grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. No services are planned at this time. Sierra Funeral Home.
*
Caballo
WILLIAMS
James Travis WILLIAMS, 81 of Dona Ana and Sierra Counties died July 29, at his
home in Caballo. A private burial has taken place at the Hatch Municipal
Cemetery. Sierra Funeral Home.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
August 10, 2001
Bernio
DOMINGUEZ
Emilia HERNANDEZ DOMINGUEZ, 62 of Berino, died Wednesday, Aug. 8. She was born
Nov. 18, 1938 in Chihuahua, Mex. to Blas and Cruz HERNANDEZ. Emilia was a member
of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Berino, where she was a Catechism
Teacher. She is survived by her sons, Manny and wife Mary, Jessie and wife
Celia, Blas and wife Rachel and Joey and wife Vanessa all of Berino, Frank and
wife Anita of Mesquite, Eddie and wife Norma of Las Cruces; daughters, Loren
SCHOONOVER and husband Edward of El Paso, and Adela MUNOZ of Berino; brother,
Bla HERNANDEZ ; sister, Sevastiania VALENZUELA, Margarita and Estella AGUIRRE,
20 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother,
Rafael. Rite of Committal at Berino Cemetery. Getz Funeral Home.
*
La Mesa
MADRID
Roberto "Beto" C. MADRID, 76, of La Mesa died Aug. 8, 2001 at his home. Born
Sept. 15, 1924 in Anthony to Arcario and Canuta CANDELARIA MADRID. Survivors
include his wife Hortencia "Tencha" APPELZOLLER MADRID, one son, Robert Jr. wife
Diane of Tucson, AZ, five brothers, Edward CANDELARIA of Anaheim, CA; Ramon
MADRID of Brea, CA; Jose MADRID of Anthony; six sisters, Josefa AVALOS and
Herminia MADRID both of Las Cruces, Maria ALDAZ and Magdalena TELLEZ both of
Anthony, Nellie BARRON of El Paso and Angie JOHNS of Daleville, Alabama; three
grandchildren, one great-granddaughter. Preceded in death by his father, Arcario
MADRID in 1958; his mother, Canuta C. MADRID in 1964; one brother, Alejandro
MADRID in 1998. Interment at Anthony Cemetery. Baca’s Funeral Chapels.
*
Las Cruces
REYES
Maria DE LA LUZ REYES, 26 of Las Cruces died Monday Aug. 6, 2001. Maria was a
homemaker and been a area resident for over a year. Survived by her husband
Manuel, one son, Jesus REYES, three daughters Maira, Alma, and Karina REYES all
of Las Cruces; mother and father, Eloy and Juana BARRON; two brothers Jesse and
Eloy BARRON Jr.; three sisters Sandy, Jenny and Abigail BARRON. Interment at
Masonic Cemetery. Getz Funeral Home.
Las Cruces Sun News
August 11, 2001
NEVAREZ
Dorothy B. NEVAREZ, 87, died Wed. Aug. 8, 2001. Born Nov. 29, 1913 in Las Cruces
to Jesus and Adela FITCH BERNAL. Dorothy was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual
Help Society. Survived by her two sons, Gibert and wife Hilda of Las Cruces and
Joseph and his wife Patricia of Prescott, AZ; daughters, Irma TORRES and husband
Lawrence of Sun Valley, CA, Stella SNODGRASS and husband Milton of Las Cruces,
Cynthia NEVAREZ of Rialto, CA; sister, Minnie SANCHEZ of Las Cruces who is the
last of 11 children from the union of Jesus and Adela and by 8 grandchildren, 10
great-grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Joe C. NEVAREZ
and by her parents. Getz Funeral Home, interment at San Jose Catholic Cemetery.
*
Truth or Consequences
LEIGON
Visitation for Wm. D. "Bill" LEIGON, 89, of T or C at First Baptist Church.
Interment at Tucumcari Memorial Park cemetery in Tucumcari. LEIGON died
Wednesday. survivors include his wife Faye A. LEIGON of T or C; daughter, Mary
Faye SNELL of Richmond, TX; brothers, Ralph LEIGON of Las Vegas, NV and Barney
LEIGON of Carlsbad; sister, Lucille SCHOONOVER of Liberal, KS; one grandson and
one great-granddaughter. French Mortuary of T or C, Inc.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
August 14, 2001
Gasfield
BOUVET
Remigio R. BOUVET, 70, of Garfield died Saturday Aug. 11, 2001 at Memorial
Medical Center in Las Cruces. Born Dec. 8, 1930 in Garfield to Benjamin and
Pueblita GARCIA BOUVET. Remigio was in the US Army and served our country in the
Korean War. He was a long self-employed farmer. Survived by one son Florencio
BOUVET, two daughters Pueblita and Josephine BOUVET all of Las Cruces, five
sisters, Margaret TORRES of T or C, Herminia TORRES of Albuquerque, Antonia
CORDERO and husband Tino of Garfield, Mary BACA and husband Ruben of El Paso,
TX, Beatrice BERNAL and husband Ronnie of Las Cruces; one granddaughter Maryssa
BOUVET. Preceded in death by wife Maria Q. BOUVET, brother, Martin, Luis, Elias,
and Joe Mike BOUVET, sister, Josephine GULLICKSON. Getz Funeral Home. Interment
at Garfield Cemetery.
*
Truth or Consequences
LA BOUNTY
Richard George LA BOUNTY, 75, of T or C died July 27 at his home. Survivors
include his son, Richard James LA BOUNTY of West Minister, Colo., daughters,
Mary Jane CHRISTNER of Webster, Wis, and Faye PFUNDHELLER of Beloit, Wis;
brothers, Wm. Charles LA BOUNTY of Superior, Wis, and John Jack LA BOUNTY of
CA., several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment at Veterans
Cemetery in Spooner, Wis. with full military honors. Sierra Funeral Home.
*
Deming
YOQUELET
Visitation for Eve L. YOQUELET, 90, of Deming will be held Wednesday at Baca's
Funeral Chapel. Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn, IN. YOQUELET died Monday
at her home.
*
Radium Springs
SCHILLER
Fred SCHILLER, 53, of Radium Springs passed away Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001. He was
born March 8, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY to Mortimer & Lorraine ASCH SCHILLER. Fred
came to the Las Cruces area in 1982 as an Attorney with the Weinbrenner Law
Firm. He was currently with the Miller, Stratvert and Torgerson Law Offices.
Member of the Florida, New Mexico and Arizona Bar. Survived by his wife, Cynthia
RISNER SCHILLER, daughter, Aschley SCHILLER both of the home, mother, Lorraine
SCHILLER of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, brothers; Bruce and wife Karen of Ft.
Lauderdale, FL, and Mark & wife Roberta of Montrose, NY. Preceded in death by
his father. Graham Mortuary Chapel, interment at Masonic Cemetery.
*
Mesilla
LOPEZ
Pedro B. LOPEZ, 96, of Mesilla died Aug. 1, 2001. Born March 19, 1905, in Silao,
Guanajuato, Mex. Retired as a section hand from Southern Pacific Railroad after
45 years of service and was a devotee of Our Lady of Guadalupe and member of the
Catholic Church. Survivors, wife of 69 years Teresa B. LOPEZ, daughters, Mary
TRUJILLO and husband, Pete, Yolanda LUNA and husband, Tony, Laura GARCIA and
husband Edward, Ascension LOPEZ and wife Alicia, Margarito LOPEZ and wife Elena,
Alfonso LOPEZ. Preceded in death by his parents; three children, Freddie, Velia
and Pedro LOPEZ, Jr., one brother, Pedro R. LOPEZ, one sister, Angela LOPEZ.
West Chapel of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Interment at San Albino Cemetery.
*
Las Cruces
CARREON
Raymond (Guero-Wero) LUCERO CARREON, 79, died Aug. 11, 2001. He was born in
Mesilla on April 11, 1922, to Manuel and Virginia CARREON. He was preceded in
death by his wife, Esperanza and son Raymond, Jr. Mr. CARREON owned and operated
Mesilla Plumbing and Heating for over 30 years. Retired from the State of NM as
a Plumbing Inspector. His family helped pioneer the settlement and development
of Mesilla and he contributed much to the growth of Las Cruces through his
building and plumbing expertise. With only a 7th grade education, he been
working to help support his family; he would eventually join the Civilian
Conservation Corps at Hot Springs, (presently T or C) to assist in expanding the
Elephant Butte Dam area. Enlisted in the Army during WW2 and was part of the NM
Field Artillery Battalion Battery A485, where he was awarded several medals.
When he returned for the Pacific Front he married Esperanza HERNANDEZ. Survivors
include children; Lawrence CARREON of Albuquerque, Pat CARREON RALSTON, Robert
CARREON and wife, Laura, Irene COOMES and husband Todd all of Las Cruces, Teresa
trEADGOLD and husband Galen of Dallas, Priscilla PADGETT and husband Bob of
Tucson; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; brothers, Angel CARREON and
Arturo LUCERO of Mesilla and sister Candelaria PADILLA of Albuquerque.
Cremation. Getz funeral Home.
*
CHAVEZ
Visitation for Cuca H. CHAVEZ, 81, at Baca's Funeral Chapels. Interment at Dona
Ana Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Felipe CHAVEZ, Sr.
Survivors, Son, Felipe H. CHAVEZ Jr., Tortugas; daughters, Maria Teresa
CONTRERAS of Leasburg, Celina TALMANTES of Las Cruces; stepson, Rigobeto CHAVEZ
of Dona Ana, Edmundo CHAVEZ, Humberto CHAVEZ all of Las Cruces; 27
grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. Baca's Funeral Chapels.
*
POLIAT
Nell POLIAT, 89, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001 at La Posada Hospice Facility. She
was born Nov. 14, 1911 in Detroit, Michigan to Solomon and Ida ZIEGELMAN
WESSMAN. She was supervisor of the medical accounting dept. at Wayne State
University, prior to her retirement. Member of Temple Beth El, Hadassah and
active in Mesilla Valley Hospice since its inception. Survived by her sister,
Gertrude MENZ, of Winston-Salem, NC, and her niece Rita LIVINGSTON, of Las
Cruces. Preceded in death by her husband, Herman POLIAT on April 25, 2000.
Gravesides services will be in Levonia, Michigan with Ira Kaufman Chapel. Local
arrangements are with Graham Mortuary.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
August 15, 2001
WOOD
Prentiss Luther WOOD, 94, of Las Cruces died Sunday, Aug. 12, at La Posada
Hospice Facility. Mr. WOOD was born Nov. 24, 1906 in Erath Co., TX, to John and
Lela GAITHER WOOD. He and his wife Ruby trEADWAY WOOD were married in Bluff
Dale, TX. July 13, 1929. He attended Tarelton College and during the late 20s
and early 30s, Mr. WOOD was associated with Ross Wolfe in the Wolfe Nursery
Venture, but the depression late forced temporary discontinuance of the business
so Ruby and Prentiss moved to NM where Prentiss spent the next 40 years as the
horticulturist for STAHMANN Farms. They moved to the La Union and Anthony area
in 1933. He worked for STAHMANN Farms as a pecan specialist until 1972 and was a
pecan consultant in NM, TX, AZ, OK, and Mexico until 1990. He was a member of La
Mesa Methodist Church. Survived by his son, Ross Don WOOD and wife JoAnne
CONNALLY WOOD; daughter, LaVerne WOOD GRIFFITHS all of Las Cruces; sister, Nora
Frances WOOD EOFF and nieces Wynell and Aubry DOBBS all of Ruidoso, his
grandchildren, Monica WALL and husband John of Mapleton, UT; Vicki and her
husband Phil MILLENDER of Hobbs, Lori HESTER and her husband Mike, of N.
Richland Hills, TX, Ken WOOD and his wife Cindy of Mansfield, TX, Michael
GRIFFITHS of Woodbridge, VA, Cory and Laurena SANCHEZ GRIFFITHS of Las Cruces;
and 16 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Ruby trEADWAY WOOD;
sisters, Ola Glyn ROQUEORE, Opal MILLER; brothers, Robert Lee WOOD and Leonard
WOOD of Stephenville, TX. Graham Mortuary Chapel, interment will be private.
*
Deming
RAMIREZ
Funeral service for Elosia C. RAMIREZ, 70, of Deming will be held at St. Ann's
Catholic Church. Interment at Mountain View Cemetery. RAMIREZ died Monday at her
home. survivors include her husband, Francisco Y. of Deming; sons, Ramiro,
Francisco, Jr., both of Deming, and Nahum of Las Cruces; daughters, Hilda
JIMENEZ, Chela QUARRELL, Argelia PALOMAREZ, Ana Maria PRIETO, all of Deming,
Martha OGAS of Hurley and Josie JAMES of Las Cruces; brothers, Ramon, Jesus,
Hugo and Humberto CUEVAS; sisters, Felicitas and Herminia CUEVAS; 39
grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. Baca's Funeral Chapels.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
August 17, 2001
Las Cruces
ANDERSON
Ethel Julie ANDERSON , 103, of Las Cruces died Monday, Aug. 13, 2001 at her
home. She was born Aug. 2, 1898 in McCloud, OK and had been a longtime area
resident. Mrs. ANDERSON retired from White Sands Missile Range in 1968 as a
Personnel Director with the U. S. Navy and was a member of the VFW Ladies
Auxiliary. Survivors include one brother, Austin B. KING of Arapaho, OK; two
nephews, Billy A. KING of Las Cruces and Le Roy KING of Fairfield, CA; numerous
grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Her husband, Alex ANDERSON in
1951, one son, Donnie ANDERSON in 1951 and one great-nephew, Jeffrey Eric KING
in 1993, preceded her in death. Graveside service in Weatherford Cemetery in
Weatherford, OK. Baca's Funeral Chapels.
*
QUINLAN
Verna M. QUINLAN, 90, of Las Cruces, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2001 at
Memorial Medical Center. Mrs. QUINLAN was born on Jan. 23, 1911 in Greenway, AR.
to Samuel and Mimie Bell MATTHEWS. She moved to NM in 1925 and came to Las
Cruces in 1973. She worked clothing sales prior to her retirement and was a
member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. Survived by her son, Patrick
QUINLAN and wife Jean, her grandchildren, Edward P. QUINLAN and wife, Tammy, all
of Las Cruces; Kelly SIMON and her husband, Daniel of Glendale, AZ; her brother,
Alto MATTHEWS and his wife, Geneva of Silver City, and his sister, Lou SQUIRES
of Tucson, AZ. Preceded in death by her husband, Edward S. QUINLAN, who died in
March 1978 and her brothers, Clyde and Coy MATTHEWS. Graham Mortuary. Interment
at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
*
RETA
Fernando C. RETA, 80, of Las Cruces died Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2001 at The Adobe
Assisted Living Center. He was born May 30, 1921, in San Antonio, TX and had
been a longtime area resident. Mr. Reta served his country honorably in the US
Army during WW2 and was the recipient of the Purple Heart. He retired from White
Sands Missile Range as a locksmith in 1978. He was a member of Our Lady of
Guadalupe Corporation, American Legion Post # 10, VFW Post # 10124 and founder
of the Conservation Corps Organization in Las Cruces. He also assisted the Good
Shepherd Convent in Mesilla Park and was President of the Big Band Club.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Y. Reta of the family home; four sons, Sonny
L., Anthony L. and wife Rachel, Raymond L. and wife Lina all of Las Cruces,
Manny L. of Mesilla Park; one daughter, Mary L. BRUNT and husband Cole of Las
Cruces, nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sisters, Sara and Nona
HERNANDEZ and Julia DE LA CRUZ. Baca's Funeral Chapels. Interment at Tortugas
Cemetery with military honors.
*
LEISTIKOW
William H. LEISTIKOW, Jr. 65, of Las Cruces died Wednesday Aug. 15, 2001 at
Memorial Medical Center. He was born March 13, 1936, in Webb City, Missouri and
served in the US Army from 1958 to 1960. He was a n area resident for over
thirty-five years and also served locally in the Army reserves. he devoted 24
years of his life to the City of Las Cruces Police Dept. and retired as Corporal
of the Traffic Div. in 1991. Survivors include his wife of over thirty-four
years, Mary O. LEISTIKOW and their daughter, Christine STARR and husband Kenneth
all of Las Cruces. Getz Funeral Home. Interment at Masonic Cemetery with
military honors.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
August 17, 2001
Placitas
SANDOVAL
Maria Guadalupe SANDOVAL, 59 of Placitas, died Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2001 at
Memorial Medical Center. She was born July 31, 1942, in Pueblo Tisonazo Durango,
Mex. and had been the Hatch area since 1980. Mrs. SANDOVAL was a homemaker and a
member of Our Lord of Mercy Catholic Church in Hatch. Survived by five sons,
Eulalio GALLARDO and wife Brenda of Amarillo, TX, Luis GALLARDO and wife San
Juana of Roswell; three daughters, Guadalupe GOMEZ and husband Benito, Andrea
trEJO, Juana ESCOBEDO and husband Reymundo all of Hatch; three brothers,
Bernardo, Seferino and Jose Asencion GUTIERREZ MARTINEZ all of Mex.; six
sisters, Herminia GUTIERREZ, Serapia GUTIERREZ, Esther HERNANDEZ, Mere FLORES
all of Mex., Emilia LECHUGA, and Cuca GUTIERREZ both of CA.; fifteen
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Interment at Garden of Memories
Cemetery in Hatch. Getz Funeral Home.
*
Deming
BENAVIDES
Visitation for Jose "Pingo" DOMINGO BENAVIDES, 71, of Deming will be at Baca's
Funeral Chapels. Interment at Mountain View Cemetery with Veteran Honors
accorded. BENAVIDES died Tuesday at Thomason General Hospital in El Paso, TX.
Survivors include his wife Molly of Deming; sons, Ricardo BENAVIDES of Auborn,
WA., Carlos BENAVIDES of Seattle, WA., Daniel VASQUEZ of Germany, Victor VASQUEZ
of Ft. Worth TX., and Robert VASQUEZ of San Antonio, TX; daughters, Isabella
HEATH of Tacoma, WA., and Morina WILLIAMS of Smith, AL; brothers, Raul BENAVIDES
of Las Cruces, Andrew BENAVIDES of Peralta, Armando BENAVIDES of Deming and
Carlos BENAVIDES of Valencia, CA; sisters, Inez CEBALLOS, Ernestina SAINZ and
Hortencia TARAZON all of Deming, Teresa SHORE of Hollendale, FL and Aurora VEGA
of Ontario, CA, 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
*
Berino
GONZALES
Emilerio GONZALES, age 54, of Berino died Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2001 at Memorial
Medical Center. He was born May 3, 1947, in Mission, TX. to Jose and Santos
GALLEGOS GONZALEZ. GONZALEZ was a farm laborer and longtime area resident.
Survivors include his wife, Teresa AGUIRRE GONZALEZ of the family home; two
sons, Jose Alberto and Emeterio GONZALEZ; three daughters, Maria Margarita,
Guadalupe and Edith ZULLY GONZALEZ; his mother, Santos GONZALEZ all of Berino;
four brothers; Francisco, Antonio, Jose Manuel and Juan GONZALEZ; four sisters,
Maria de LA CRUZ, Maria de La LUZ, Amparo and Maria del Carmen GONZALEZ all of
Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mex., five grandchildren. Preceded in death by his
father, two brothers, Abelardo and Jose GONZALEZ, and his first wife, Maria
Dolores RAMOS. Interment in Anthony Cemetery. Baca's Funeral Chapels.
*
BRADD
Belva Elanor BUMGARNER BRADD, 93, died Tuesday, August 13, 2001, at Casa de Oro
Care Center. She was born June, 8, 1908 in Garner, TX. to Christopher and Deanna
SMITH BUMGARNER. In 1922, at the age of 13, Belva moved with her family to La
Mesa, where her family farmed. Belva and her identical twin Elwa both graduated
from Las Cruces Union High School in 1925. During the Depression, the family
moved to Hidalgo Co. where her father homesteaded at the foot of the Chiracuahua
Mountains. Belva taught for a short time at the box School, a small country
school near Animas. Belva and Elwa moved to Hollywood, CA. Belva lived in Ca.
for may years working as a bookkeeper. In the early 1970s Belva and Elwa retired
in Grant Co. near the village of Cliff. Belva and Elwa eventually had a home in
Glenwood where they lived for many happy years, gardening and bird watching.
Elwa died Aug. 12, 1989. In 1997 Belva moved to Las Cruces to be near her
nephew, Raymond BUMGARNER. Belva was preceded in death by her parents; her
siblings, Adron, Iva, Dean, Mattie Jane, May, Mabel; her beloved twin sister,
Elwan and nephew, Raymond survived by her nieces, Lenore HENINGER of Pomona, CA.
Virginia SHULL of Covina, CA; nephew, Terence STOKER of San Mateo, CA. and
Chester GARNER BESLEY of Holbrook, AZ. Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardena
Cemetery. Baca's Funeral Chapels.
*
August 19, 2001
SINGH
Paula G. SINGH, 91, a long time Mesilla Valley farmer, passed away
peacefully at her home on August 15, 2001. She was preceded in death by her
husband Lakha SINGH and son, Joe. surviving children are sons, Margarito and
wife, Lydia of Ft. Stockton, TX., Lucas (Chito) and wife Otilia, of Mesilla
Park; daughters, Isidra MONTES and husband Manuel of La Mesa, Vicenta GALLEGOS
and husband Jose of Arlington, TX., Rita SCHLOSSER of Albuquerque, Antonia
SINGH, Tomasa BALLENGEE and Teresa KEARNS, all of Las Cruces; Edna BUSTAMANTES
and husband Kayo of Mesilla; Catalina SCHAEFER of Las Cruces; 46 grandchildren,
numerous great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. Graham Mortuary
Chapel. Interment at Mesilla with Rev. Fr. Conrad PYTIK of San Albino Catholic
Church.
*
ORDAZ
Maria L. ORDAZ, 71, of Las Cruces died Wed. August 15, 2001, at Memorial Medical
Center. She was born June 7, 1930, in Miguel Auza, Zacatecas, Mex. and has been
an area resident the past twenty-four years. Survivors include two sons, Julio
and Hector ORDAZ both of Las Cruces; three daughters, Juana ORTIZ of Las Cruces,
Maria ROBERTS of Indianapolis, IN., Ana PARRENT of Pueblo, Colo.; three
brothers, Fermin, Jose and Jesus RENOVATO all of Zacatecas, Mex., 18
grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Fermin and Andrea ESTEVANE
RENOVATO, her husband, Julian ORDAZ and two sisters. Baca's Funeral Chapels,
interment at Masonic Cemetery.
*
Deming
CASTILLO
Memorial service for Socorro L. CASTILLO, 66, of Faywood will be held at Holy
Family Catholic Church in Deming. CASTILLO died Thursday at Memorial Medical
Center. Cremation has taken place. Survivors include her husband Ruben L.; sons
Edward (Buddy) of Mimbres, Pete of Silver City; daughter, Dawn CASTILLO of Ft.
Bayard; brother, Refugio (Cucu) GUTIERREZ of Deming; sisters, Rosa TINNEY,
Manuela LADD both of Deming and Inez GRAY of Clovis; 9 grandchildren and 2 great
grandchildren. Baca's Funeral Chapel, Deming.
*
August 20, 2001
PIECHOTA
Patricia "Rene" PIECHOTA, 70, of Las Cruces, passed away on Fri. August 17,
2001, at her home. Mrs. PIECHOTA was a homemaker. she was a resident of Las
Cruces for 20 years. Mrs. PIECHOTA is survived by her children, Bill and wife,
Sandy of Whiting, IN., Ann PIECHOTA of Lafayette, IN., and Toni PIECHOTA of Las
Cruces and one grandson, Wm. PIECHOTA; brother, Frank KELLY of Manchester,
England. Graham Mortuary Chapel and Mesilla Valley Crematory. In lieu of
flowers, contributions be made to St. Genevieve's Catholic Church.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
Nov. 5, 2001
Animas
SANCHEZ
Rodolfo (Rudy) R. SANCHEZ Sr., 64, died Friday at his home. the prayer vigil
will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lordsburg. Concluding services
and interment will follow at Shakespeare Cemetery. Sanchez was born March 19,
1936, in San Antonio tulle, Chihuahua, Mexico to Librado SANCHEZ and Guadalupe
RODRIGUEZ de SANCHEZ. His family includes his wife, Reina SANCHEZ of Animas;
four sons, Carlos and wife Ismelda of Lordsburg, Rudy Jr. of Las Vegas, NV,
Ruben and wife Maria of Morenci, AZ., Fernando of Phoenix, AZ; one daughter,
Irma SANCHEZ and husband Daniel ARVIZO of Lordsburg; three brothers, Manuel of
Deming, Antonio, Jesus; three sisters, Silvia CHAVEZ, Tomasa CHAVEZ and Melida
SANCHEZ de CAMPUZANO and numerous nieces and nephews. SANCHEZ was preceded in
death by his parents and brother, Librado SANCHEZ.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
Nov. 5, 2001
Bayard
SANTAMARIA
Soledad POLANCO SANTAMARIA, 86, of Bayard died Nov. 2, 2001 at her home. Born
April 2, 1915, in Gila to Julio and Hermila SANCHEZ POLANCO. She resided in Gila
and Vanadium before making her home in Bayard in the early 1940s. Survived by
five sons, Ernesto and wife Rachel, Jesus "Chuy" and wife Socorro, Alfonso and
companion Laura LUCERO, Edward and wife Lucinda all of Bayard; five daughters,
Lydia SANTAMARIA of Bayard, Delia JUARDO and husband Emilio of Deming, Dolores
"Dolly" SANTAMARIA of Las Cruces, Mary and husband Bill MALDONADO, Connie and
husband Tony SOLIZ all of Silver City; two brother, Manuel and Napoleon SANCHEZ
both of Silver City, one sister, Concha MAESA of Watsonville, CA. Other
survivors include twenty-one grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren. She
was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Zeke SANTAMARIA; three infant
sons, four sisters, Christina PONCE, Beatrice MATA, Elena GARCIA and Josefina
MEDINA. Baca's Hillcrest Funeral Chapel. the Rite of Committal and interment at
Gila-Cliff Mesa Catholic Cemetery.
*
Las Cruces
CARR
Diane S. CARR, 57, of Las Cruces, died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001. She was born on
Dec. 1, 1943 in Hugo, OK. to Wafford HINSLEY and Nettie HARRED. Retired waitress
and was a collector of pigs, which she had from all over the world. Survived by
her husband of 40 years, Samuel CARR, son Robert and wife Michelle CARR of
Tucson, AZ, daughter Melissa OEFINGER of Las Cruces, brothers, Don HINSLEY of T
or C, and H. D. HINSLEY of Hugo, OK, sister, Opal HINSLEY of Las Cruces.
Preceded in death by her parents, 3 bothers, and one sister. Getz Funeral Home.
Interment at Masonic Cemetery.
*
Las Cruces Sun News
Nov. 7, 2001
BARELA
Cristobal S. BARELA, 79 of Las Cruces, died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2001.
She was born on Sept. 28, 1922 in Las Cruces to Jose and Ernestina BARELA. He
was a veteran of the US Army serving his country during WW2 where he earned the
American Theater Medal, (EAMET) Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct
Medal and the Victory Medal. He was also a retired plumber with Glover Plumbing
in Las Cruces. Survived by his wife of 55 years. Rafaela BARELA of the family
home. Five sons, Martin and wife Susie, Joe and wife Ellen, Larry and wife
Esther, Chris and wife Ann and Andy and wife Kathy also by his daughter, Mary L.
BARELA, brothers; Ralph and Vicente BARELA, sisters, Carmen B. LEYVA, Natalia B.
VIGIL, Ernestine and Josie B. BARELA. Eleven grandchildren and seven great
grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, sister, Consuelo B. MADRID and
brother, Wm. S. BARELA. Getz Funeral Home Chapel.
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MULLEN
Donald Lee MULLEN, passed away Nov. 5, 2001 after a ten month fight
with cancer. He was born in El Paso, TX., June 10, 1933. Married Myrtle SHELTON
in 1954 and settle in Las Cruces. Owner of T & M Sheet Metal. Later he owned
MULLEN Sheet Metal. Survived by his wife, Myrtle of the family home; mother,
Thelma TERRY, of El Paso, brother, K. O. MULLEN and wife Lilly of Las Cruces;
sons, Phillip and wife Shirley and Wayne all of Las Cruce; Richard and wife Cora
of Alamogordo; daughters, Debra PREECE and husband, Lee Wayne and Barbara MILLER
and husband Wesley all of Las Cruces. Graham Mortuary. Masonic Cemetery.
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RAZO
Martina RAZO age 86 of Las Cruces passed away Sunday, Nov. 4, 2001 at Casa de
Oro Nursing Center. She was born Nov. 11, 1914 in Ft. Davis, TX., to Santiago
MINJARES and Teodora RAZO. and had resided in Van Horn, TX until 1956. Survived
by one daughter, Gloria Lee HERNANDEZ and her husband Joe of Las Cruces and six
grandchildren; one brother, Jose MARTINEZ and his wife, Anna from Alpine, TX;
sisters, Maria MARTINEZ JACQUEZ of Alpine, TX., Magdalena MUNOZ and husband,
Sebastian of Las Cruces. Interment at San Albino Cemetery in Mesilla. Getz
Funeral Home.
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SAMFORD
Private graveside service for A. C. SAMFORD, 83, of Las Cruces will be held
Thursday in Mayhill. SAMFORD died Monday at Memorial Medical Center. Survivors
include his daughters, Charlotte CANNON, Sandra ALVAREZ, Claudia RIOPELLE all of
Las Cruces; sisters, Ethel FISHER of Silver City, Claudia HOLT of CA., seven
grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Arrangements are by Baca's Funeral
Chapels.
Las Cruces
AGUILAR
JOE H. AGUILAR, age 84, of Las Cruces died Tuesday, December 11. He was born
April 17, 1917 in Santa Rita to Antonio and Francisca HERRERA AGUILAR. Mr.
AGUILAR retired as a custodian from Eastern New Mexico University and was a
member of the Catholic Church. Survivors include one son, Joe L. and wife
Lucinda; one daughter, Mary Ann BACA STEVENS and husband Tom all of Las Cruces;
one brother, Rodrigo of Kingman, Arizona. Other survivors include seven
grandchildren, Marcus, Matthew, Tom and Naomi Aguilar, Yvette Cruz, Samuel and
Alex Marin; six great-grandchildren, Dane and Taylor Marin, Brandon Clark,
Lucky, Legend and Legacy Cruz. He was preceded in death by his parents; his
wife, Martina Lara AGUILAR; two brothers, Rafael and Tom; two sisters, Lucia
SERRANO and Juanita MORALES. Baca's Funeral Chapels. Interment at St. Joseph's
Cemetery.
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BARNES
SEDRA LOUISE BARNES, 91, died Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at Casa De Oro Nursing
Center. Mrs. BARNES was born in Chicago, IL on January 1, 1910 to Phillip Louis
and Alice STEWART SCARLETTE. She was a bookkeeper prior to her retirement. Mrs.
BARNES is survived by her daughter in law, Theresa BARNES, of Las Cruces, NM;
grandchildren, Connie LONG and husband, Bob, of Deming, NM; Keith BARNES and
wife, Kathy and Dale BARRETT and her companion Joe Lackey, all of Las Cruces;
her sister, Neva RENALDO of North Carolina and several great grandchildren and
great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in
death by her husband Alva BARNES, her son Alva, grandchild Meg BARNES, and great
great granddaughter, Cassie LEWIS. At her request cremation has taken place and
no services are scheduled. Graham Mortuary and Mesilla Valley Crematory, 555
West Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
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BROOK
Mary Lou Phares BROOK died December 7, 2001, at Good Samaritan Village. She was
born October 9, 1920 in Clinton, Louisiana, to Alphise Gholson CHANCE and David
Lewis PHARES. After leaving Clinton, she earned a bachelor's degree in home
economics from Louisiana State University where she followed her sister in being
recognized as outstanding freshman in the College of Agriculture. Following her
marriage to Arthur H. BROOK in 1941 she moved to various military installations
around the U. S., then to Texas, Maine and California. While in California she
earned a master's degree from San Jose State University and then taught junior
high school for a year followed by 18 years on the faculty at Long Beach City
College. After retirement she and her husband were volunteers for South Coast
Botanic Gardens and for a tutoring program. Whenever she had the opportunity,
she enjoyed watching the whales migrate.
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BOREN
ARCHIE VERNON BOREN, 89, died December 12, 2001 at Memorial Medical Center in
Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was born November 3, 1912 to William BUCHANAN and
Thena Corley BOREN in Lamar County, Texas. Mr. BOREN was a former resident of El
Paso, TX and has resided in Las Cruces for 15 years, with the last five years at
the Aristocrat Assisted Living Center. Prior to his retirement in 1977, Mr.
BOREN had been in the grocery business for over 50 years. Mr. BOREN was preceded
in death in 1983 by his wife of 47 years, W. Louise BOAtrIGHT Boren. His
sisters, Verda Lee BAILEY and Georgia BUSH, and his brother, Sam BOREN
predeceased him in death. Mr. Boren is survived by his three children: Judie A.
RENFROW (Rufus) of Tucson, AZ; William Riley BOREN (Frances) of Las Cruces; and
Janet L. CHICOINE (John) of Los Alamos, NM.
Mr. Boren is survived by 11 grandchildren, Lynn R. Odell, Christy Huizar, Scott Boren, Steven Boren, Michael Boren, Sara L. Pearcy and Erin L. Pearcy, Janette Clarke, Janelle Lowey and Jackie Chicoine and John Chicoine III. Mr. Boren also has eight great grandchildren.
Mr. Boren will lie in state from 12:00-8:00 p.m., Friday,
December 14, 2001 at Graham Mortuary with the family greeting friends from
6:00-8:00 p.m. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 15,
2001 at Evergreen Cemetery, 12400 E. Montana, El Paso, TX. Service arrangements
are with Graham Mortuary, 555 West Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
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CARLSON
LEONA MABEL CARLSON, died Wednesday, December 5, 2001. Leona was born in
Galesburg, Illinois on September 16, 1907 and was the oldest of Orville and
Julia Carr's seven children. She graduated with honors from Moline High School
in 1925 and then briefly attended Monmouth College. Later, she would teach in a
rural one-room country school at Cherry Park, Illinois before beginning
bookkeeping for a nearby livestock feeding enterprise. In 1932, while working as
a clerk at Knox College in Galesburg, she married Elmer Leonard Carlson who
preceded her in death on October 18, 1984 and is buried locally in the Masonic
Cemetery. The Carlson's moved to the Rio Grande Valley with their two sons in
1947.
They settled amid cotton fields on then-dusty University Avenue between Mesilla Park and the college and built a home. At that time, Leona entered into a limited partnership with furniture-upholsterer Guy P. Loomis where she made drapes and slipcovers for local residents. Later, she would regain her clerical skills and become bookkeeper for the Frank O. Papen Insurance Company on South Main. Being a lifetime member of the Republican Party, she then served as Postmaster at N.M. A. & M. College during the Eisenhower Administration. However, Democratic Party-stalwart Papen soon lured her back into non-federal employment at the First National Bank of Doña Ana County as his personal secretary where, in time, she rose to become Vice-President for Women's Affairs. During that era, Leona would often travel to Santa Fe to provide clerical support for Senator Papen during his stints on the State Legislature.
For several decades, Mrs. Carlson was continually active in,
held countless offices and received awards for community service with the Las
Cruces Women's Club (WIA), the local Cancer Society, the New Mexico Bank Women's
Association, the NM Federation of Women's Clubs and many other worthwhile causes
that needed an unwavering workaholic on their team. Leona is survived by her two
sons, Warren who was on the faculty of Humboldt State University, Arcata,
California and Stuart who resides with his family in Park City, Utah. A memorial
service will be held in the Stucky Auditorium at the Good Samaritan Village,
3025 Terrace Drive at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 15, 2001. Mrs. Carlson was
a long time member of St. James Episcopal Church in Mesilla Park, where for many
years, she enjoyed singing soprano in the choir. The family requests, in lieu of
flowers, that an act of kindness be rendered to the less fortunate in her name
or that a gift be considered for one of Leona's favorite charities, possibly the
New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches. Graham Mortuary.
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ELEPHANT BUTTE
BALDWIN
Funeral service for Lola Marie Baldwin, 77, of Elephant Butte, will be at Sierra
Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Vista Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Baldwin died Sunday. Survivors include her husband, Peter E. Baldwin of Elephant
Butte; sons, Peter L. Baldwin of Moriarty, Rick Hardaway of Medford, Ore.;
daughters, Susan Johnson and Pam Nazelrod both of Albuquerque; sister, Nettie
James of Nowata, Okla.; and four grandchildren.
*
Mesilla Park
BARELA
MARGARET S. BARELA, 62, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001. She was born on July 6, 1939
in Mesilla to Roberto Sanchez and Marciana Mirabal. She had been a retired
hairdresser working in the Las Cruces area. Margaret is survived by her two
sons, Aaron Barela and wife Lorena of Mesilla, NM and Paul Barela and wife
Angelica of Las Cruces. Daughter, Valerie Saggerson of Las Cruces, NM and by
sisters Martha Klein and Natalia Pockrandt both of Red River, NM. Five
grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by
her son Abel and by a brother Rudy Sanchez. Getz Funeral Home Chapel with Rev.
Carrol Blevins officiating.
*
Dec. 19, 2001
ALANZI
Visitation for Marcelino "Boy" R. Alaniz Jr., 38, of Las Cruces will be held at
6 p.m. Thursday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church where the prayer vigil be held
at 7 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at 10 pm. Friday at 10 p.m. in the same
church. Burial will follow at Anthony Cemetery. Alaniz died Dec. 14 at Memorial
Medical Center.
Survivors include his son, Tony Alaniz of Las Cruces; daughter, Crystal Alaniz
of Anthony; mother, Francisca R. Alaniz of Las Cruces; brother, Joe Ronquillo of
Anthony, Texas; sisters, Mary Lou Martinez of Amarillo, Texas, and Jenny Luna of
Aurora, Ill; and one granddaughter. Baca's Funeral Chapels.
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CADENA
ELVA G. CADENA, 46, lifelong resident of the Mesilla Valley, died Saturday, Dec.
15, 2001. She was born on March 4, 1955 in Las Cruces to Manuel Gutierrez and
Maria Gonzalez. Elva was with the Health Department of New Mexico until her
retirement. Elva is survived by her husband of 22 years Robert Cadena and by her
son Marcos Cadena both of the family home. Mother; Maria Gutierrez of Mesilla
Park, NM. Brother; Manuel Gutierrez Jr. and wife Martha of Las Cruces. Sisters;
Dora Delgado and husband Louie of Las Cruces and Delia Rivera and husband
Michael of Tennessee. Uncles; Tomas and Tony Gonzalez of Texas and Aunt Eloisa
Cavazos of Alabama also by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in
death by her father, Manuel Gutierrez. Getz Funeral Home. The funeral mass at
San Albino Catholic Church. Interment at San Albino Catholic Cemetery.
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HOWE
TY JASON HOWE age 29 of Las Cruces passed away Sunday, December 16, 2001 in Las
Cruces. He was born September 20, 1972 in Bismark, ND to Ronald and Linda Howe
and was raised in the Buckeye and Prescott, Arizona area. Ty was then a resident
of Durango, Colorado where he married his wife, Wendy. Ty has been a resident of
Las Cruces for 6 years and owner and operator of Big O Tires. Ty was a loving
and giving husband, son, father and friend who touched the lives of all who knew
and loved him. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. Ty lived and loved life
to the fullest. Survivors include his wife, Wendy J. Howe, their 19 month old
daughter, Taylor Ashton and their second daughter due in April. Other survivors
include his parents, Ronald and Linda Howe of Prescott, AZ; brother, Bryce Howe
of Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Sharla Mortimer and Malan Howe; paternal grandparents,
Wallace an d Bertha Howe of Presc
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KINCHELOE
HOWARD MALLOW KINCHELOE of Las Cruces died December 16, 2001. He was born July
6, 1913 to Orton T. and Mary Belle Mallow Kincheloe in Wichita, Kansas. He was
preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Jack and Eugene, and his first
wife, Shannon Stanley Kincheloe. He is survived by nieces, Lynn Stephen of
Wichita, KS, Judith Fechtner of Round Lake Beach, IL, and Karen Dabney of New
Smyrna Beach, FL, a step-daughter, Sarah Stallings of Boston, a step-son,
Charles Stallings of Raleigh, NC, a step-grandson, Clayton Coldren also of
Boston, and a loving wife, Edna S. Kincheloe of Las Cruces. Mr. Kincheloe was a
graduate of North High School in Wichita and attended Wichita State. When he was
in high school, he spent most of his time at the Wichita Municipal Airport.
There he became acquainted with Kansas Aviation pioneers like Walter Beech,
Roscoe Turner, Clyde Cessna, Jimmy Do olittle, Benny Howard, *
FELIX M. SALAS SR., age 92, of Las Cruces entered eternal life Tuesday morning,
December 25, 2001 at Las Cruces Nursing Center. He was born November 20, 1909 in
Concepcion de Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico and had been a longtime area resident. Mr.
SALAS retired as a maintenance man from New Mexico State University in 1975. He
was a member of the Catholic Church. Survivors include five sons, Felix Ramiro
and wife Petra, Mario, Felix Maximo and wife Tiburcia, Jesus and wife Bertha,
Pepe and wife Lorraine all of Las Cruces; six daughters, Maria ORTEGA of
Albuquerque, Leandra Estela PECORE and husband Norman of San Diego, California,
Carmen BENTLEY of Santa Cruz, California, Emma SALAS, Maria ENRIQUEZ and husband
Tomas, Sara SALAS and companion Jack GEREKE all of Las Cruces. Other survivors
include forty grandchildren; sixty-two great grandchildren and three great-great
grandchildren. He was preceded in death.
*
TORRES
LILLIAN VIRAMONTES TORRES, died Thursday, December 27, 2001. She was a resident
of Las Cruces since 1936, having been born on March 2, 1922 to Jose M.
Viramontes and Inez Enriquez in La Union, NM. Mrs. Torres, a devout Roman
Catholic, graduated from Loretto Academy as valedictorian in 1940, was a
professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order and served as Regent of the
Catholic Daughters of America. She also served Immaculate Heart of Mary
Cathedral as a Eucharistic minister, lector, and marriage preparation counselor.
She will be remembered for her remarkable generosity and hospitality to all who
entered her home, her cooking, her strong sense of family and as an avid bingo
player. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Torres was preceded in death by her
loving husband of 50 years, Lawrence Torres, infant son, and by her brothers,
Jose "Conke" Viramontes, Luis Viramontes, Arman do "Porky" Viramontes,
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Mesilla Park
SANCHEZ
CATARINA (KATE) APODACA SANCHEZ, 85, lifelong resident of Mesilla Park, NM died
Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001 at the home of her daughter Celina where she lived and
received loving care for the last five years of her life. She was born on Nov.
24, 1916 in Mesilla, NM to Antonio Apodaca and Josefa Alvarez. Kate was a
retired housekeeper working in many of the homes around Las Cruces. She is
survived by her son Luis Apodaca of Albuquerque, NM and by daughter Celina
Flores and husband Gonzalo of Butterfield Park. Sister Celestina Geck and
husband L.J. of Las Cruces also by 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren many
nieces, nephews and cousins. Kate was preceded in death by her husband Pantaleon
Sanchez. Getz Funeral Home. Rite of Committal will be at San Albino Catholic
Cemetery.
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Las Cruces Jan. 3, 2001
MATTHEWS
Derek ANTHONY MATTHEWS, 16, passed away Friday, December 28, 2001. He was a
lifelong resident of El Paso, Texas and Chaparral, N.M. He was a 10th grade
student at Gadsen High School. Derek is survived by his parents, Stephen
ASBHAGEN and Jackie MATTHEWS, brother Steven Lee MATTHEWS, sisters Patricia
Elisabeth ABSHAGEN and Samantha Nicole ABSHAGEN, Maternal Grandmother, Carmen
ARREDONDO, Paternal grandparents, Patricia and Salvator VENTURA,
Great-grandmother, Domitilia LUNA, Godparents, Lucio and Carmen LUNA, best
friend, Kenny CHESLOCK and long time girlfriend, Jenny HUGHES. Visitation will
be on Friday, January 4, 2002 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home
N.E. located at 4631 Hondo Pass. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. followed by a
scripture service, both on Friday at the Funeral Home Chapel.
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