Obituaries

Socorro Chaparro Medina "La Hormiga", 92, a resident of Silver City, entered eternal rest on, Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Fort Bayard Medical Center. He was born on July 22, 1933, to Juan Medina and Maria DeLaCruz Medina, in La Noria, Parral Chihuahua, Mexico.  He migrated to the United States as a Bracerro.

 It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father and cherished grandfather Socorro Chaparro Medina "La Hormiga", whose kindness, strength, and unwavering support shaped the lives of all who knew him.

He was a man who found joy in the simple, meaningful moments in family gatherings filled with laughter, quiet conversations that offered wisdom, and the pride he felt watching his children and grandchildren grow. He had a deep love for the mountains, where he found peace and purpose, often spending time camping beneath open skies and cutting wood with his own hands. Through these moments, he taught those around him the value of hard work, discipline, and self-reliance, lessons that will carry on for generations.

Elizabeth Joan Wooten, age 90, a faithful servant of the Lord, was called home to be with her Savior on May 2, 2026.  A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and neighbor, Joan spent her life nurturing others with care and grace.  If she knew you, she was praying for you.

Joan was born on January 19, 1936, in Fordyce, Arkansas to the late Loyed A. and Lenora C. (Jordan) Langley.  She was also preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 51 years, Robert H. "Bob" Wooten, her daughter Bobbie Ann Wooten, and her sister, Mary Williams.

Though Joan was born, raised and educated in Fordyce, she always said that her life never truly began until she met Bob. They met on a blind date in her junior year of high school. She joked that he was the first boy she ever kissed and he would be the last. . . and he was. They married soon after she graduated in 1954. 

Bob and Joan started their family there in Fordyce where Joan started her career as a secretary as well.  She worked for the Fordyce News Advocate and the Fordyce Lumber Company before the small family of five relocated to New Mexico.  They lived in Roswell, Los Alamos, and finally Silver City, but Joan was always able to find work as a secretary - first with the oil companies in southeastern New Mexico, then with the scientific labs in Los Alamos, and finally with Phelps Dodge in Silver City.  Joan always valued the friendships she made with the great people out at Tyrone.  She retired from PD in 1996.

Ernestina B. Martinez, 93, a resident of Santa Clara, NM, entered eternal rest Monday, April 27, Ernestina "Tina" Beltran Martinez, beloved wife, mother, and friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on February 15, 1933, in Hanover NM, to Salvador Beltran and Angela Tafoya. 

Tina lived a life defined by faith, family, and a boundless generosity of spirit.

For 32 years, she served her community with a warm smile as a cashier and in the bakery at Bailey's Food Market — a role that suited her perfectly, as her love of cooking and baking was legendary. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, and those lucky enough to sit at her table knew they were loved.

Tina's faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted and active member of Santa Clara Catholic Church, she gave of herself tirelessly — teaching catechism and marriage classes, bringing communion to the homebound, participating in the funeral ministry, and sharing in the joy of bingo with her fellow parishioners. Her dedication to her church family was a reflection of the deep love she carried in her heart.

Gonzalo F. Milo, 85, Deming resident passed away Monday April 27, 2026 at his home.

Visitation will be Friday May 8, 2026 at 9:30 in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church where recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10 o'clock in the morning with Deacon Art Gutierrez officiating.  A memorial mass will follow at 11 o'clock with Fr. Tony Basso, officiating.  Inurnment will be at Mt. View Cemetery.

Gonzalo was born on October 17, 1940 in Deming to Maria Falcon and Gonzalo M. Milo.  Our Father Gonzalo, also known as "Chalo" had a varied career, beginning with underground mining at UV Industries in Fierro, where he drove the Railroad Ore Car.  We have fond memories of bringing him lunch and watching him dump the ore by the side of the road.  He later worked for the road department operating an asphalt roller compactor and eventually retired as an Orderly from Mimbres Memorial Nursing home.  Even after retirement, he frequently returned to the nursing home to visit patients who needed company.  Chalo was an avid gardener and loved cruising through the Milo Barrio while listening to oldies, ensuring the neighborhood was secure.  He also enjoyed traveling throughout Mexico and visiting small towns.  He was a kindhearted man with a rough exterior who never wanted to impose on anyone.  He loved a good joke and greatly appreciated the many family members who looked after him, brought him food, and spent time talking with him.  He leaves behind great memories and cherished moments.

William "Bill" F. Hartwell (Born May 18, 1964)  On March 3, 2026 William passed peacefully yet suddenly, joining his parents, Fred and Ellen "Smooch" Hartwell and his best friend Carlos Trujillo, all formerly of Douglas, AZ.  The guys are either rebuilding engines or helping St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.  The youngest of four, Bill leaves behind a brother (Robert Hartwell), two sisters (Sandra Davis and Adona Guerrero), six nieces and nephews, sixteen great nieces and nephews and five great greats born in the last three years, too young to be fascinated by his Looney Tunes tattoos or the rumble of laughing with "Uncle Bill"

The son of a Phelps-Dodge machinest, Bill was in his 24th year operating heavy equipment for the same company, now called Freeport-McMoRan.  He ran a shovel at the Chino mine with competitive skill, intense focus on safety, and camaraderie.  His integrity and humor as a coworker and trainer was greatly appreciated.  Bill was never afraid to do thing the right way, make a joke or investigate something new.

Nioma Molina, 88, of Las Cruces and formerly of Deming, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces. Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nioma (Lucero) Molina, please visit our floral store.

Maggie R. Simpson, 94, of Silver City passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Fort Bayard Medical Center. Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maggie R. Simpson, please visit our floral store.

G. Furlon Richey, 70, of Reserve passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at his home. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of G. Furlon Richey, please visit our floral store.