Obituaries

Mary Ellen ( Mary) L. Schwarzer

(née Sickles, formerly Fish)

March 11, 1959 - January 10, 2026

Mary Ellen Schwarzer, of Deming, NM, passed away unexpectedly at her home on January 10, 2026.

Mary Ellen was born in Manitowoc, WI to Marie Sickles (née Arndt) and Arthur Sickles. Mary grew up in Manitowoc, WI, later settling in nearby Two Rivers, WI where she set roots and raised her family. After the nest became empty, Mary adventured west, eventually marrying her soul mate Keith, and settled down in Deming, NM. With Deming as home base, Mary enjoyed many years taking trips, & seeing sights with her beloved husband Keith. Mary also enjoyed spending time with her family, pets, and all the friends they made along the way.

Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Marie Sickles, Sisters Karen (Sickles) Brown and Barbra (Sickles) Bailey, and her husband Keith Schwarzer.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Keith Robert Schwarzer, who passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026.

Born in 1946 in Los Angeles, California, to the late Donald E. and Elsie V. Schwarzer, Keith grew up in San Diego and graduated from James Madison High School in 1964. An active young man, he enjoyed playing tennis, basketball, and golf. Following high school, he attended Mesa Junior College for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force.

Keith served honorably for four years during the Vietnam War, stationed at Pleiku Air Base in South Vietnam. Upon returning to California, he settled in Atascadero and dedicated his professional life to working in a juvenile detention facility. Keith later married Mary Ellen Sickles (Fish), who passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. They eventually made their home in Deming, New Mexico.

In his personal life, Keith was known for his generous spirit as a Continental Divide Trail (CDT) Angel for many hikers passing through. Keith was also a dedicated member of the Luna County Volunteer Fire Departments for 17 years. He also had a passion for travel, particularly his many trips to Loreto, BCS, Mexico.

Phil Howard Pressler, longtime Lordsburg resident and retired educator passed away Thursday January 22, 2026 in the comfort of his home.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phil Howard Pressler, please visit our floral store.

Dominique Nicole Anzaldua, 33, passed away Thursday January 22, 2026.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dominique Nicole Anzaldua, please visit our floral store.

John G. Luna, 87, of Silver City passed away at home Sunday, January 25, 2026. Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Gutierrez Luna, please visit our floral store.

Hope Garcia Atencio, 72, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Alamosa, Colorado. She was born on November, 17, 1953, in Silver City New Mexico. She brought warmth and joy to all who knew her, and her loving spirit will be profoundly missed.

Hope was the cherished daughter of Casimiro Garcia and Diega Lujan Garcia. On the wings of love, she married Anthony "Michael" Atencio, her adored soul mate and best friend, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond, evident in their mutual endearments, "mi amor" and "mi corazon".

An amazing mother and grandmother, Hope's nurturing touch extended to her children. Nicholas (Florence) Benavides, Xavier Benavides, Roy (Michaela) Benavides, Eric Benavides, and Michelle (Chris) Chacon. As a grandmother to Kathleen Counts, Naythan Benavides, Luvie, Elijah, Ezekiel Benavides, Cheyenne Sapien, Roy Jr, and Ryan, and as a great-grandmother to Alonzo Benavides, Rayma Counts, Adian Counts, Liam Benavides, and Leeana Benavides. Hope's siblings, Anita Garcia, Josie G. Lucero and Helen Garcia, shared in her life's journey, as did her sister-in-law, Ana Marie Atencio, brother-in-law Arthur G. (Lorraine) Atencio and father-in-law Art Atencio. Her extended family of nieces and nephews held a special place in her big heart. She was preceded in death by her parents Casimiro and Diega Garcia as well as her brothers-in-law Frederic Atencio, and Daniel Eugene Atencio, and her brother Macedonio Garcia, and her first husband Carlos Benavides.

Sarah Alicia Flores, 26, a resident of Las Cruces, NM entered eternal rest Friday, December 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV.  She was born June 2, 1999 in Silver City, NM to Gabriel Flores and JoDee Sopiwnik.

Sarah was an eccentric and truly unique soul whose presence left a lasting impression on everyone they met.  She touched the lives of all who knew them through their deep kindness, quick humor, and pure, generous heart. Sarah had a way of making people feel seen, accepted, and loved exactly as they were. Born in Silver City and raised in Santa Clara, Sarah carried their roots close to their heart. She was a proud graduate of Aldo Leopold Charter School, Class of 2018, where her individuality and compassion shone brightly. Family meant everything to Sarah. She was a devoted caregiver to all of her nieces and nephews, a role that brought them immense joy and purpose. Her love, patience, and nurturing spirit created bonds that will be cherished forever. Sarah had a profound love for all of God's creations, especially animals. Her fur babies—Chichi, Emo, Bobby, and Oreo—were deeply loved and considered family. Sarah's compassion extended to every living being they encountered. Sarah will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her laughter, and the love she gave so freely. Though her time with us was far too short, the impact she made will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Gilbert Perez Garcia, 69, of Hanover, NM, earned his wings on January 19, 2026. Born on November 28, 1956, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Millie and Clotario Garcia, he was a devoted and loving father to 4 children. Chris, Daniel, Michael, Christina Garcia. If you asked Gilbert he would also tell you he had a 4th son. Nick Thompson lived with the family during his time playing basketball at Cobre High School and will always be considered one of the family.

Gilbert started his family at a young age and married Mona T. Garcia, who is the mother to all four of his children. Though they were later divorced, they remained friends and managed to find a healthy balance that allowed them to continue to parent together and even spend holidays and special occasions with their children.

Gilbert earned his Bachelor's Degree from Western New Mexico University and he worked in many fields throughout his life. Some of these included working at the local mines, a local bank, Gila Regional Medical Center, Fort Bayard Medical Center, and most recently he was a caregiver for An Open Door LLC, where he was able to spend his last days caring for a close personal friend.