Obituaries

Insko.  Phillip M. Insko passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 87.   Phil was born on November 23, 1938, in Noblesville, Indiana and spent his childhood in Lapel, Indiana.  He joined the Navy from 1956 to 1968 and proceeded to give the Army Reserve 9 years of service. At the same time, he worked for TRW Automotive in Lafayette, Ind as a Supplier Development Engineer for 30 years. Phil retired in 1998 and moved to Deming NM so that he could play golf year-round. It was in Deming that he met his companion Anne Reedy of 25 years.  Phil volunteered at the Deming Literacy Center for several years. He enjoyed weekend trips to sites in New Mexico and Arizona.  He was a good friend to many on the golf course and at the Adobe Deli where he helped the staff out on busy nights. His kindness and caring attitude and his humor will be missed. 

Phil is survived by his brother Daniel Insko, Lapel Indiana; His sister Judy Insko, Indiana; His sons Michael (Jamee) Illinois, Kevin (Vickie) Kentucky and Jeff (Katy Bodenmiller) Michigan 

His stepson Eric Clark (Katherine) Virginia and stepdaughter Amy Clark from Virginia. 

Phil was very much dedicated to Veterans particularly disabled vets. If you would like to donate to Phil's honor, his favorite charities were Wounded Warrior and the Gary Sinise Foundation. 

Juanita "Janie" Lucero, 81, of Hanover, NM, entered eternal rest on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Gila Regional Medical Center. She was born on June 22, 1944, to Jesus and Belen (Rodriguez) Murillo, in Santa Rita, New Mexico.

Janie worked as a waitress at the Drifter Restaurant for over 20 years.  She was currently employed at the Silver City Senior Center where she worked as a cook.  Janess, as many would call her, lived life to the fullest and rarely acted or showed her age.  She was a classy lady, full of character, energetic, and ready to party.  Not only did she have a heart of gold, always ready to help anyone in any way she could.  She was not afraid to tell someone how she felt and never sugar coated anything.  She touched the hearts of everyone that knew her. Janess was known for her love of MUSIC and having house parties with her family and all her many friends in Hanover.  She enjoyed spending time with her special friends, Tim and Martha Jimenez, and her special nephew Ray Rodriguez Jr. Her favorite saying was; "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow"! 

She is survived by her sons Sammy (Carmen) Carrasco, of Tucson, AZ, Fred (Lisa) Lucero, of Arenas Valley, NM; daughters Eva (Robert) Grado, of Tucson, AZ, Jackie Rojas (Felix), of Tucson, AZ, Geraldine Carrasco (John), of Silver City, NM, Erika Lucero, of Silver City, NM, Renae Lucero, of Silver City, NM; her brothers Jose Murillo, of Las Cruces, LM, Lorenzo Murillo, of Las Cruces, NM; her sisters, Sylvia (Ray) Rodriguez, of Hanover, NM, Teresa Padilla, of Las Cruces, NM,  Angelina (Carlos) Cuestas, of  Tucson, AZ, her nine grandchildren, Jake, Veronica, Gabriel, Sammy Jr., Clarissa, Tenisha, Ray, Jordine, Diego, and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband Fred Lucero, her parents Jesus and Belen Murillo, her brothers, Jesus R. Murillo, Max R. Murillo, her sister Ernestina Murillo.

Olivia Marshall, 62, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Born April 11, 1964, Olivia grew up in Deming, New Mexico where she was born and spent her childhood, and also spent time in Mimbres and Silver City with her family. She later went to college in Las Cruces and lived in Houston, TX.

Olivia graduated from Deming High School with honors and earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration with honors from New Mexico State University—an education that reflected her sharp mind and steady determination. She built a distinguished career as a Business Analyst for Shell Oil / International, bringing intelligence, strength, and purpose to her work and to the life she created for those she loved.

On March 9, 2002, Olivia married her lifelong love, (Oza Marshall), in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they formed a family grounded in devotion, high standards, and deep affection—one in which each child and grandchild was made to feel seen, valued, and uniquely cherished.

Olivia found joy in the quiet pleasure of reading, especially novels and books, and she was never happier than when surrounded by family. One of her favorite things was to spoil her grandchildren and spend time with those she loved most. Her home and her heart were places of welcome; she was known for a rare hospitality and a caring spirit that remembered and celebrated the milestones of others—every baby, anniversary, and birthday—making friends and family feel honored and held close.

Celia "La Guera" Ruiz Obituary

Celia B. Ruiz, 76, a resident of Deming, entered eternal rest to be with the Lord on Friday, May 22, 2026, in the tranquility of her home surrounded by all her loving family.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11 o'clock in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapel. Officiating the service will be Raul Granillo. The service will conclude with burial at Mountain View Cemetery.

"La Guera," as many lovingly knew her, was born on November 22, 1949, in Las Cruces, Namiquipa to Eufemio "Flavio" Barrera and Celia Barraza. She married the love of her life, Leonel S. Ruiz, on June 14, 1971. In 1986, they moved to Deming where together they raised their four children: Gildardo, Jaime, Sandy, and Jessica.

Celia worked for several years at Border Foods and later dedicated 20 years of service to Deming Electronics. She was known for her caring and empathetic heart, as well as her love for cooking. She often showed her love by preparing and delivering warm meals to family and friends who were ill or in need.

Lucia Orozco Muñoz, 89, of Silver City entered eternal rest in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, May 22, 2026.

She was born on December 21, 1936 in Ascensión Mexico to Jose and Esperanza Orozco. Lucia loved the warm summers and would often be out and about. She enjoyed visiting friends and family, cruising, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Lucia married Eduardo Muñoz on July 7, 1957. They were blessed with 5 children: Benny Muñoz (Margo), Alice Turietta (Paul), Tommy Muñoz (Julie), Oscar Muñoz (Joann), and Olga Muñoz (Chris).

Bernadette Esparza Tovar, 79 of Bayard, NM passed away surrounded by her family Saturday, May 23, 2026.  She was born September 12, 1946 in Hanover, NM to Margarito and Polly Esparza.

Bernie was a woman of faith, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and devout Catholic of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. A member of the Guadalupana Society and serving as president for several years.  An active volunteer in the funeral ministry along with teaching catechism and preparing students for their 1st Holy Communion.

Her kindness and warmth touched the lives of many.  Bernie was the heart of her family and a steadfast pillar of Our Lady of Fatima.  Her faith was the foundation of everything she did.  She was the first to offer a heartfelt prayer for anyone in need.  She taught her loved ones how to walk with God.  She leaves behind a rich legacy of Faith.

She enjoyed cooking for her family.  Cooking the best green chile, stuffed galletas, calabacitas, tortillas, and the best empanadas.

She is survived by her beautiful children, Annette Diaz (Martin), Cindy Campos (Dennis), Alex Tovar (Audrey) and Regina Vega (Frank); thirteen grandchildren, Conrad, Antoinette (Logan), Brandi (Shirley), Angelica (Frank), Regan (Davi), Alyssa, Destiny (Iaiah), Paige (Raymond), Alejandro (Alejandra), Presley, Jared (Rishae), Jeremy, and Jesse; thirteen great grandchildren; she is survived by her brothers, Richard Esparza (Elizabeth), Ernesto Esparza, and her sister, Angie Murillo.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex Tovar ('2023), and her parents, Margarito and Polly Esparza.

In Loving Memory of

Irene Morales Padilla

August 18, 1937 — May 19, 2026

Fittingly, as the sun rose on the early morning of May 19, 2026, Irene M. Padilla, lovingly known to many as Nena, began her gentle ascent to reside with our Almighty God, whose warm and healing embrace soothes our souls, heals our weary bodies, and wipes away the burdens and concerns of our earthly world, allowing us to rest in eternal peace and tranquility.

Born on August 18, 1937, in Mogollon, New Mexico, Irene was the cherished daughter of Luis and Leonor Morales. She was raised surrounded by the love of a large and close-knit family and carried that same love, devotion, and compassion throughout every season of her life.

Irene shared an unbreakable bond with each of her siblings: Rudolpho Marin, Luis Morales, Henry Morales, Albert Morales, Arturo Morales, Ramon Morales, Viola Herrera, Tina Peru, Mary Lou Padilla, and Reina Rios. Family was the center of her world, and she loved each of them deeply. Her warmth, strength, kindness, and beautiful smile touched all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Juanita "Janie" Lucero, 81, of Hanover, NM, entered eternal rest on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Gila Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are pending with, Terrazas Funeral Chapels in Santa Clara "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.