Obituary notices.

Steven Lee Metzler, 76, a resident of Arenas Valley, NM

MetzlerSSteven Lee Metzler (SL) 76 (February 1st, 1947-September 29th, 2023)

Steve (SL) is known to us by many special titles, including but not limited to husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Recently referred to as “larger than life”, it would be observed through his life journeys amongst those of us that knew him and were kept strongly alive by his colorful photography, writing, and storytelling. 

Steve’s story began in a Nebraska blizzard in February of 1947 (imagine that, a blizzard in Nebraska….SL was born in a blizzard). He entered this world in a fashion reminiscent of the Norse and early Nebraska pioneers that he descended from, powerful and in the snow and ice. Steve grew in strength and even stronger, free will running through the green fields of Nebraska. As he moved through childhood and adolescence, he started to show signs of the renaissance man that he would become. He could be found with a sketch pad and pencil and most definitely around anything with wheels. He was also in a high school band where he learned to play a trumpet, which he would serve his country with when he was called by the United States of America. On February 21st, 1966, he joined the Armed Forces. After jump school, he officially became part of the 101st Airborne Division. The trumpet came into play when he was added to the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles” band. He enjoyed this immensely and also stood strong with the families of fallen heroes by being appointed to play taps at their funerals. When he served his term and returned to civilian life, he was quickly out on the scene where he just so happened to bump into a beauty called Susie standing by her………you guessed it…FORD MUSTANG! This is where the next chapter begins.

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Jackie “Jack” Ray Fortenberry, 67, a resident of Deming, NM

FortenberryJJackie “Jack” Ray Fortenberry, 67, Deming resident passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 in Las Cruces.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 11 o’clock in the morning at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Army. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.

Jack as he was fondly known as was born December 5, 1955 in Portland, OR to Hershel Lee and Jessie (Sparks) Fortenberry. The same day he graduated from high school, he was sent off and enlisted into the United States Army. Jack was very proud of his service to his country, even though he was never sent over seas he was standing by and always ready to go wherever it was he needed to serve. After his time in the service Jack returned home and began working. He held many jobs and was a very hard worker and a jack of all trades. He worked as hard as he could till, he could not no more. Jack loved being outdoors more than anything, from hikes in the mountains to listening to the soft flow of water from the lakes and rivers. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. A true outdoors man. Jack touched many lives through out his life and will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.

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Thomas Johnson, 68, a resident of Hanover, NM

JohnsonTThomas Johnson, May 1955 to September 2023
Proceded by Thomas G. Johnson (Father), and Jasamine Johnson (Granddaughter)
Survived by Wife Judy E. Johnson, Mother, Georgia Lee Johnson (Simpson). Brothers Sandy Johnson (wife Ava Johnson and Daughter Rachel Johnson), and Tracy Johnson (wife Marina Johnson).  Sons: Thomas E. Johnson, (Grandson Thomas Z. Johnson), Adam L. Johnson, (Grandsons Trae and Nolan Johnson), Michael T. Ritchie, (Granddaughters Madalynn G. and Cheyanne E. Ritchie), and Pete Williams. Daughters: Juwana Lee Kinnibrugh, (Granddaughters Keiana and Karlee Kinnibrugh), Sandra Morales, (Granddaughter Victoria Morales), Dianne J. Young (husband Rusty Young), Catina Briggs (husband Rob Briggs) Grandsons Tylor and Alton (Bubba) Backues. 

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Frances Cooke Browne, 91, a resident of Silver City, NM - pending

Frances Cooke Browne, 91, of Silver City passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023 at Millie's Assisted Living in Silver City, NM. Service arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frances Cooke Browne, please visit our floral store.

Armando O. Jacquez, 73, a resident of Silver City, NM

JacquezAArmando O. Jacquez passed peacefully from his life on September 26 in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by family.  Our loving dad, Grampy, and Compa. He was born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico on July 15, 1950 to his parents, Santiago and Maria (Ortega) Jacquez in Silver City, New Mexico. 

Mando joined the US Army at a young age and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning, he worked as an underground miner, then as a foreman for the town of Silver city, where he retired after 25 years. He met and married his “Hun” Norma Montes in 1974 and was married 45 years before he widowed. In Mando’s early years, he was best known for his arm wrestling, bearhugs, and such eagerness to show off his fighting skills. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and his Friday night socializing, and singing. As he got older, his Friday nights, turned into early Friday breakfast club with his brothers and close friends. He enjoyed watching his “westerns” and listening to music. Mando will be remembered for his strength, the size of his hands and his willingness to give you the shirt off his back. He adored his grandkids and loved his daughters and siblings. He will be greatly missed.

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Rudy Madrid, 89, resident of Silver City, NM - pending

Rudy Madrid, 89, resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Friday, September 29, 2023 at Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Randall Beachy, 70, a resident of Mimbres, NM

BeachyRRandall Beachy, 70, a resident of Mimbres, NM entered eternal rest Friday, September 22, 2023 at his residence.  He was born on September 10, 1953 to his parents, Randall and Agnes (Garlitz) Beachy in Cumberland, Maryland.   

He is survived by his companion Patricia Endicott of Mimbres, NM; his two sons, James Fowler (Amber) of Battle Ground, WA and William Beachy of Socorro, NM; his two daughters, Kara Hall (Randy) of Virginia, Brandee Mohr (Jim) of Belen, NM; his sister Teresa Tysinger (William) of Keyser, West Virginia; his six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Ronen Fowler; his four brothers, Edwin Beachy, Darrell Beachy, Francis (Frank) Beachy, Kenneth (Kenny) Beachy. 

Randy was an outdoors man. He liked to go camping, Fishing, Anything outdoors he liked to do. He was good with his hands always building or making something. He did Mechanics or Carpentry for most of his life. Towards the end he just enjoyed relaxing and spending time with his companion of 23 years Patricia (Pat). He loved when family would come to visit.

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

Betty Rhodes Oberhausen, 81, a resident of Deming, NM

Betty Rhodes Oberhausen, 81, Deming resident passed away Monday, September 25, 2023, surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home. She was born December 3, 1941 in Norfolk, VA to Clayton and Lola (Ball) Rhodes.

Betty leaves behind her loving family which include her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. David (Jennifer) Oberhausen, their children Mitchell and Logan, and 2 great grandchildren; Larry (Georgia) Oberhausen, their children Larry Oberhausen Jr, Trisha and Cheyenne Smith and 9 great grandchildren; Creston (Jennifer) Oberhausen and their children Alisa and Clayton; Danna Molina and her companion Ronald Millan and her children Creston and Ryan Molina and 2 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Sylvia Rhodes.

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