Obituaries

Esly Jahamay McGrew 34, a loving Daughter, Sister, Mother and Friend entered eternal rest on September 15, 2026 in Deming.

Esly was born on October 22nd, 1991 in Caborca Sonora Mexico to Yesenia Lopez and Jesse Lopez. If you ever met Esly, you know that she was a God-fearing woman who loved those closest to her endlessly. Her faith remained strong and an important part of who she was. She was a prankster who had an infectious laugh and lived her life making others smile. One of her favorite pastimes was taking long drives into the mountains while worshipping the Lord. Esly attended Deming High School class of 2010 where she made countless friends and where some friends became family. Esly was her sister's partner in crime, she was the best auntie any child could ask for, she had a nurturing instinct for all children around her. Her world became brighter when she became a mother herself to her sweet Leah. Esly was the definition of a devoted mother; the love she showed her daughter was endless and selfless. Esly was known for her personally but she was also a loyal, kind and caring woman. Everywhere she went she made her presence known. Esly loved to help people, and was the perfect fit at Vida Therapy where she welcomed patients of all ages with her beautiful smile. Her co-workers will tell you that she was a hardworking woman and her place of work was not just another job but they all became a part of her family.

Milo Richard Lambert

March 16, 1933 – September 11, 2026

Milo Richard Lambert, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and man of deep faith, passed away on September 11, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born on March 16, 1933, in Kamas, Utah, Milo eventually made his way to Silver City, New Mexico, where he lived and raised his family for 59 years. Silver City became home, and the community, mountains, and landscape of southwestern New Mexico became an important part of the life he built here.

Milo had a lifelong love of geology and the earth beneath our feet. That passion led him to work in the mines, where he could pursue his fascination with rocks, minerals, and the geological world he found so captivating. His work was more than simply a way to make a living—it connected him to something he genuinely loved.

Faith was another cornerstone of Milo's life. His relationship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shaped his values and provided him with a deep sense of purpose throughout his life. His faith was woven into the way he lived, loved, and cared for his family.

Corporal Alfred W. Milligan, USMC, has been called to guard duty to the streets of heaven effective Sept. 4, 2026. He died after a long battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and T-cell lymphoma, complicated by his exposure to toxic chemicals while stationed at Camp Lejeune.

Alfred was born on Oct. 30, 1939, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, to William Milligan and Pauline Light. He was the first of their eleven children. His early years spent on his mother's family farm imparted a life-long love of gardening. 

He received his first degree in highway draftsmanship from the University of Pennsylvania, and drafted repairs on several renowned bridges, including the Bear Mountain Bridge over the Hudson River, by his future wife's hometown.

After a stint in the United States Marine Corps, he enrolled into California Polytechnic State University, which offered free tuition, and he received a master's degree in mathematics. Alfred continued his education at the University of Arizona where he received a Doctor of Philosophy, and also met and married Patricia Milligan (1942-2022) - his wife of 55 years. 

The couple had a daughter, Kendra, and moved to Silver City, where Alfred was hired as a professor at Western New Mexico University (WNMU). The family put down their roots on a plot of land and homesteaded with a large garden, an orchard, and a cow they shared with longtime neighbors, the Peters Family.

Austin Walsmith, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest, September 15, 2026, at in Silver City, New Mexico.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels, "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

Beatrice "Betty" V. Legarda, a resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas, TX.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels, "Trusted care for the ones you love"  ~ 575-537-0777.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mario A. Rodriguez.  His life was not always an easy one, and his journey carried struggles that many may never have fully understood, but beyond those struggles was a son, a brother, a man who was loved deeply.

To those who knew him, he was so much more than the difficult chapters of his life.  He was someone who shared so much with his family, our childhood, our memories, our laughter and our family story.  Though his path took him places we never expected, he will always have a place in our hearts and will always be part of our family.

He leaves behind his loving family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.  He is survived by his mother, Kimberly A. Ablin and significant other, Ray E. Crespin; his father, Mario A. Rodriguez, Sr.; brother, Christopher R. Calloway; sisters, Emily R. Crespin and husband, Ruben D. Parra, Judith R. Jameson and husband, Josh Jameson, Heidi Gonzales; grandmother, Judy R. Gonzales.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Eric C. Rodriguez and grandfather, Felipe J. Gonzales.

In Loving Memory of Thomas Christopher Ornelas

January 31, 1998 – September 12, 2026

Thomas Christopher Ornelas, 28, of Lordsburg, New Mexico, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Lordsburg. Thomas was born on January 31, 1998, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Ana and Rudy Ornelas Sr. He was raised in Lordsburg; the community he continued to call home throughout his life.

Thomas attended Lordsburg High School and later worked as a laborer for the City of Lordsburg. Those who knew Thomas knew him as a loving, kind, selfless, outgoing, and incredibly loyal person. He loved deeply, cared for the people around him, and had a way of making his presence known wherever he went. Above all, Thomas was a God-fearing man whose faith remained an important part of who he was.

Thomas enjoyed the simple things that made life good. He loved music, UFC, especially cheering on Justin Gaethje, wrestling, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his beloved dog, Brodie. More than anything, he treasured being surrounded by the people he loved. Some of his happiest moments were spent hanging out, laughing, and making memories with his brothers Marco, Jesus, and Micheal; his sisters Chanel, Gabby, and Tristyn; and the rest of his family.

Lewis Galway, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest, Tuesday, September 15, 2026.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral and Crematory Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love"  ~ 575-537-0777.