Obituaries

Tomas Caballero Jr., 65, Deming resident passed away Friday, July 31, 2026 at Mountain View Regional Hospital in Las Cruces surrounded by his kids and eldest grandson.

He was born November 9, 1960 to Tomas Caballero Sr. and Angela Gomez in Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico. Tomas was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Tomas was a man with incredibly strong work ethic who dedicated 29 years to the City of Deming. He took pride in his work, especially when it involved heavy equipment "his toys" as he called them. Work was more than just a job; it was something he enjoyed doing.

Outside of work, he cherished the simple things in life. He loved watching western movies, spending time with his family and finding any reason for a good "get together". Tomas especially treasured his '86 Chevy Stepside, a vehicle that held a special place in his heart.

He was a talented welder who loved creating things with his own hands. He proudly called his projects "my creations" whether he was working on heavy equipment or building something from scratch, he put his heart into everything he did. Tomas was a very hard worker who never believed in simply sitting around. He was always willing to work; help and provide for those he loved. He was stubborn, loving, strong-willed, and had a heart bigger than most.

MARCIA DAY COOK, 86, former resident of Deming passed away Wednesday August 12, 2026.                              

Family and friends are welcome to gather at 10 o'clock Friday morning, August 28, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church where the Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:30 by Suzanne Lundy. Memorial Mass will follow at 11 o'clock with Fr. Prakasham Babu officiating.  The rite of committal and inurnment will be at Mt. View Cemetery.

Marcia was born January 15, 1940 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Maurice and Freda Day.  She married William Calvin Cook III on August 6, 1955 in Ft. Sumner, New Mexico.  Marcia and Bill were married for 67 wonderful years until his passing July 25, 2023.

Marcia and Bill came to Deming in 1960 from Lubbock Texas. Marcia worked at 1st New Mexico Bank for over 30 years. Her excellent skills in accounting, knowledge of complex banking processes, and dedication to service were a great asset in helping grow the bank.  Marcia earned multiple certifications in banking and served in several leadership roles during her tenure. Soon after moving to Deming, Marcia and Bill became active members of Holy Family Catholic Church. Marcia's deep devotion to Christ was exhibited by her service to Holy Family Church and the community.  She was a member of the Choir, Alter Society, Finance Committee, and any endeavor that needed a helping hand. 

With sadness, we announce the passing of David T. Benavidez on July 31, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the age of 83.

He was born on August 12, 1942, in Hatch, New Mexico. David will belovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the

privilege of knowing him.

Cremation has taken place and a full obituary, along with burial arrangements, will be announced at a later date.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222.                                                                                                                                                                                          Your exclusiveprovider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care."

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David T. Benevidez, please visit our floral store.

Debra Kay Garcia, 70, and Michael Garcia, 63, passed away together on August 6, 2026. Partners in life and love for nearly 38 beautiful years, their sudden departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of their family. Yet comfort is found in knowing they remain together eternally—just as they lived, side by side. Debra was born on April 3, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas, and graduated high school in Alaska before pursuing her college degrees. She approached education with remarkable dedication, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services/Psychology and later obtaining her Master of Science degree in Organization Development from Friends University. Balancing her academic pursuits while raising her two children was no small feat, but her strength and perseverance were unmatched. Beyond her professional achievements, Debra had a vibrant zest for life. She was a talented skier, an avid reader, and someone with a keen eye for interior design. Shopping was another passion she embraced with enthusiasm. She was funny, smart, analytical, emotionally intelligent, compassionate, forgiving, and incredibly strong—someone who could face any challenge head on and find a solution. Her career in the mental health community allowed her compassion and wisdom to shine, and after years of service to others, she retired proudly, leaving behind a legacy of care, insight, and resilience.  

David Thornton "Tony" Rhodes

April 29, 1942 – August 5, 2026

David Thornton "Tony" Rhodes passed away peacefully at his home on August 5, 2026, with his loving wife, Tina, by his side. He was 84 years old.

Tony was born on April 29, 1942. Throughout his life, he will be remembered for his independent spirit, his love of technology, his service to his country, and, most of all, the enduring love story he shared with Tina.

Tony and Tina were childhood sweethearts whose lives eventually took them in different directions. Many years later, their paths crossed again, and nearly 30 years ago they reconnected, beginning a new chapter together. Their story was one of love rediscovered—a reminder that sometimes life has a way of bringing two people back to where their hearts had always belonged.

Tony proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Navy, a part of his life and legacy that reflected his commitment and service.

Olivia Hernandez, 71, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Banner University Medical Center, in Tucson, AZ.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral and Chapels. "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

Gary R. Brines, 71, of Lordsburg passed away Monday, August 10, 2026.

Gary was born September 17, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan to Norman R. and Laurette (Ginsky) Brines.

He is survived by his sister, Lori McCain; niece, Racine Murillo; nephew, Jeremy Van Buskirk; ex-brother-in-law, John McCain and sister-in-law, Amanda Van Buskirk.

Gary loved going to the Senior Citizens' Center where he made many friends.

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 Gary Richard Brines, please visit our floral store.

Martha H. Baca, de 76 años, residente de Las Cruces y anteriormente de Deming, falleció el 4 de agosto de 2026 en su hogar en Las Cruces.

El visitacion tendrá lugar el viernes 21 de agosto de 2026 a las 10 de la mañana en la funeraria Baca's, donde se rezará el Santo Rosario a partir de las 11de la mañana. A continuación, se celebrará la misa de cuerpo presente a las 12 del mediodía en la iglesia católica Santa Ana, seguida del entierro en el cementerio Vista de la Montaña. El oficio religioso estará a cargo del padre Francis Gyau.

Martha nació en Aguascalientes, México, el 20 de febrero de 1950, hija de Virginia Luna y José Herrera. Disfrutaba pasar tiempo con su familia y con los numerosos amigos que hizo a lo largo de los años. Siempre se tomaba el tiempo para llamar y saber cómo estaban tanto sus familiares asi como los amigos que dejó en Deming. Era miembro de la iglesia católica Santa Ana, donde colaboraba como ministra de la comunión, y también formaba parte del grupo de oración del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús y San Pío.

A Martha le sobreviven sus hermanos: Luis (Rosa) Herrera, Armando Silvestre (Dora) Luna, Ramón Santamaría y Javier (Laura) Santamaría; sus hermanas: Catalina Herrera, Gabriela (Juan) López, María Zita Luna, Magdalena Luna e Irene Santamaría Flores (Abel); así como numerosos sobrinos, sobrinas y amigos.

Le precedieron en la muerte sus padres, Virginia Luna y José Herrera; su esposo, Julián Baca; su hija de corazón, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Baca; y sus hermanos, Alberto y Juan Luna.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha H. Baca, please visit our floral store.