Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved David Smith on Monday, September 1, 2025, in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. 

David began his life on February 15, 1950, in Deming, New Mexico. David's childhood was spent at the El Paso Natural Gas, Deming Station. After attending school in Deming, David served in Vietnam earning The Bronze Star. After Vietnam, David worked for Walter Shultz and then worked construction on the Playas Smelter. After marrying Jouett Everhart in 1974, David attended NMSU and worked summers on the Hatchet Ranch south of Hachita, NM. Upon graduation with a degree in Agricultural Economics, he worked fulltime on the Hatchet Ranch with his brother-in-law, Bill Everhart. When the ranch sold in 1991, David and his family returned to Deming where he began his career in education. At Deming High School, he taught welding and later taught math and history at Deming's alternative school as well as being the tennis coach. Many of David's students attribute their success to David's mentoring and care. David enjoyed the outdoors as a hunter and fisherman. He loved to travel, was an avid reader, and treasured many activities with his beloved grandchildren.

Frances Molinar Chavez, 78, a lifelong resident of Deming, NM passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in El Paso, TX.

Frances born to Eusebio and Teodora Chavez on October 4, 1946 in Deming, NM. Frances was an elementary teacher for the Deming Public Schools teaching at Columbus and Smith Schools. She enjoyed shopping, sewing, reading, and crocheting. She was often in her garden and yard with her fruit trees and flowers. After retirement she spent her time traveling and watching Hallmark and Lifetime movies. She enjoyed and cherished her time with family and friends. Frances was an active member and loyal to St Ann's Catholic Church and a member of the Scared Heart Group. Although she did not have children of her own, she had numerous nieces and nephews who she loved as her own.

She is survived by her nieces, Lorraine Rodriguez (Manny) of Deming, NM and Melissa Chavez of Vail, AZ and a special cousin, Cecilia Flores (Miguel) of El Paso, TX. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Helen Chavez and her great nieces and nephews, Brain and Ryan Rodriguez, Samantha and Marcus Lugo, Carmen, Logan, and William Rodriguez, Aaron, Kasandra, Sarah and Alexandra Chavez, and Nicole Gros. Proceeding her in death are both her parents Eusebio and Teodora Chavez; 2 brothers, Pedro and Angel Chavez and a nephew, James Chavez.

Elsie Galaz Roman, 106, was born to Manuel and Margarita (Valencia) Galaz on April 18, 1919, in San Lorenzo, New Mexico. 

At fourteen years of age, she was enrolled by her father at St. Mary's Academy in Silver City, NM until she graduated.  She was mentored and supervised by St. M. Borromeo.  She was always overwhelmed by St. Borromeo's wisdom and knowledge.  During this period of time, she learned much about life from her peers, family and faculty.  Working at St. Mary's helped pay for tuition, dorm, etc.  Upon graduation as Valedictorian, she received a scholarship to attend Marymount College in Kansas City. 

During these times, the Great Depression was occurring.  She instead attended Western New Mexico University and worked with professors to pay tuition.  She was living in San Lorenzo during these times.  She was given permission to ride an old school bus from the Acklin Store.  She would walk the two miles in inclement weather to catch the bus. 

While at WNMU, she was tapped into Cardinal Key Women's Educational Fraternity.  After three intense years of teacher training classes, her requirements were met.  She was hired at the age of 18 to begin teaching.  She had taught K-8 grades, special education, bi-lingual, physical education and was one of the First Women coaches in Cobre Schools.  She earned a B.S. degree and a Masters in Elementary education and became a principal after obtaining a Masters in Administration Degree.  She taught in San Lorenzo, San Juan, Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces and Bayard.  She was inducted into the WNMU Education Hall of Fame in 1995. 

Nonie Nicole Arvizo, 40, a resident of Lordsburg, NM, entered eternal rest Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Elsie Galaz Roman, 106, a resident of San Lorenzo, NM, entered eternal rest Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Millies Assisted Living in Silver City, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777

Lou Dell Margaret Waters Ruskey-Halsey

Dec 28, 1931 to Aug 17, 2025

Lou Dell Margaret Waters Ruskey-Halsey passed away Sunday morning Aug 17th at 8:54am and is now on her final celestial journey.  Her end of life suffering is over.  Her long life is a cause for recognition and celebration. She lived a full and colorful life -- as mother, grandmother, (and now great-grandmother), as sister and aunt; as painter, opera singer, piano player, and social worker.  She was a pioneer, like her ancestors, who crossed the Great Plains with a team of oxen during the westward expansion. But she converted that trailblazing zeal into her own children, her community, and her artwork.  She hailed from 6-generation Colorado family.  She helped pull herself and her family upwards out of the Great Depression by the straps of her cowgirl boots, with a keen sense of morality and a do-good work ethic in the tradition of the Rocky Mountain West.  She is mother of 8 children, 9 grandchildren, and so far, 3 great-grandchildren with her first husband, Francis "Frank" Ruskey (married 24 years, 1952-1976).  She is step mother to 2 stepsons and 3 step-granddaughters with her second husband, Gary Ruskey-Halsey (married 34 years 1991-2025).

Rafael "Ralph" M. Medina Sr, 69, of Silver City passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, TX. Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rafael "Ralph" Martinez Medina Sr, please visit our floral store.

William Curtis Keith, 62, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 29, 2025. Curtis was born on January 4, 1963 to William Clarence Keith and Lula Elizabeth Stevenson. Curtis was preceded in death by his father, Willliam Keith, his wife, Pam Keith and his stepson, Curtis Wayne Allen.

Curtis was a Commercial Glider Pilot and an avid hunter and fisherman. He had many hobbies he enjoyed, he loved to cook for those he loved and was always happy to play guitar and sing for anyone who wanted to listen.

He is survived by his mother, Lula Keith of Deming; his son, Kevin (Candice) Keith and their 2 children, Meadow and Willow of Texas; a stepdaughter, Melissa (Ken) Ballard and their 2 children, Kendra and Wilbur of Texas; a stepdaughter-in-law, Nancy Allen and her child, Kelsie and a great grandson, Owen; 4 brothers, Robert (Connie) Keith of Deming, Kendall (Christy) Keith of Texas, Clinton (Tammy) Keith of Deming, and Pamela Richins of Deming. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Curtis will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Curtis until we meet again.