Sterling Burk: A Master of the Scenic Route
Sterling Hilton Burk (July 17,1971-March 4, 2026) was a man who never let a short story get in the way of a good one. Born in Lamar, Colorado, to Kinan and Sandra (Ruebush) Burk, Sterling was raised in Deming and graduated from Deming High School.
To sit down with Sterling was to buckle up for a "Sterling Story", a legendary narrative journey that began with a simple fact and blossomed into a thousand somewhat related details. He had a way of getting so sidetracked that he'd eventually forget where he'd even started. But by then, it didn't matter; you were just happy to be along for the ride. These adventures were fueled by his laugh, a loud and unmistakable chuckle that was both difficult to describe and impossible to forget. He would laugh so hard he'd have to stop, lean back, and gasp for air, just to keep going. It was a sound that didn't just fill a room, it invited everyone else to feel the same joy he did.
Sterling was a man of an unequalled sense of appreciation for life, and he was happiest when he was outside. Whether he was hunting, fishing, riding a horse down a forgotten trail, or out on his four-wheeler, he loved the freedom, adventure, and quiet he found in the open air. He was always the first to help anyone in need, whether it was a moving adventure, or an afternoon helping mend a fence, taking care of animals, providing a ride, it didn't matter to Sterling, he was there to lend a hand. It was the right thing to do.
Sterling applied the same "do it right because it matters" philosophy to his career as he did his personal life. After graduating from Western New Mexico University, he began his career with the Grant County Assessor's Office as an Appraiser in 1996. In 2001, he moved to Las Cruces and joined the Dona Ana County Assessor's Office. As a Senior Appraiser and a New Mexico Certified Appraiser, Sterling earned a reputation for professionalism and integrity coupled with kindness and an extraordinary willingness to help others. During his tenure, he developed deep bonding friendships with his coworkers, especially Ruben Reyes and Chris Valenzuela, who became his lifelong best friends/brothers. For 24 years, Sterling faithfully served the citizens of Grant and Dona Ana counties, leaving behind a professional legacy as solid as his character.
Family and Farewell
Sterling is now reunited with his grandparents, Aylmer and June Ruebush; Norman and Juanita Burk; and his father, Kinan Burk. He is survived by: His mother, Sandra (Ruebush) Burk; his brother, Stuart Burk; his best friends, Ruben Reyes, Chris Valenzuela, and Milen Bartnick; a large, loving family of uncles, aunts, and cousins; and a community of friends, all of whom will deeply miss the sound of his laughter and the long, winding paths of his conversation.
Service Information
We will gather to celebrate Sterling and perhaps share a few stories of our own on March 16, 2026 at !0:00 AM at Baca's Funeral Chapel (811 S. Gold, Deming, NM). A visitation will follow immediately at the chapel.
In Sterling's honor, the family encourages you to tell a story today, get hopelessly lost in the details, and laugh until you lose your breath.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sterling Burk, please visit our floral store.
