Obituaries

Lawrence Roy Montoya Jr., 52, a resident of Arenas Valley, NM, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his residence.  He was born on September 12, 1973 to Lawrence Montoya Sr., and Gloria Hernandez Candelaria.

In his lifetime, Lawrence was a man of many talents and an incredibly hard worker. He brought his dedication and skill to his work with Texaco, Freeport-McMoRan, Turner Brothers, Roto-Rooter, and Satellite Solutions. As a gifted handyman and mechanic, he successfully owned and operated "Montoya Handyman Services" for many years.

Lawrence found his greatest joy in spending time with his family, friends, especially his children and grandchildren. He loved the simple moments that became treasured memories—riding his motorcycles, going fishing, playing his guitars, flying drones, and having family cookouts. With a deep love for the outdoors, you could almost always find him outside in his yard happily working on a project or fixing whatever needed repair. He also had a well-known love for a good cup of coffee and something sweet. His love for his family and friends was entirely unconditional, and he dedicated his life to caring for those he loved most.

Amy Ann Becerra, 64, a resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Fort Bayard Medical Center.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Amelia Marin "Molly" Talavera, 97, lifelong resident of Lordsburg passed away Monday May 11, 2026.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Amalia "Molly" Talavera, please visit our floral store.

Henry P. Torres "Siete" passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Henry was born on November 20, 1955, in Chama, New Mexico.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cecilia Torres and his children, Tina Gutierrez (Rosendo Perea), Jasmine Marrufo (Alberto Herrera), Able Torres, Adeline Marrufo, James and Tyler Neudecker. He is also survived by his loving mother, Socorro P. Torres; sisters, Yolanda, Dora, Olivia (Martin), Elizabeth (Miguel), Nohemi, Cintia (Guilbaldo), Ivon (Salvador), Minerva (Blas), Lucia (Sergio) and a very special person, Beatrice Hernandez; brothers, Jaime and Jose (Gladys).

Siete was a devoted friend and a loving family man, whose warmth touched everyone he met.  He had a welcoming spirit and an open heart for all who had a pleasure of knowing him.  Siete cherished the outdoors like hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed traveling, the thrill of gambling and spending time at the Javelina Lounge.  He was an intelligent, hardworking devoted father, husband and son. His memory will continue to bless the lives of those he leaves behind.

Gilberto Arroyos, 51, Deming resident passed away on May 2, 2026.

Burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11 o'clock in the morning.

Gilberto was born on March 5, 1975 to Carmen Arroyos at El Paso, TX. Gilberto was a beloved son, brother, father, and friend whose presence brought strength and comfort to those around him. He was known for always looking out for his mother and for the deep love he carried for his family. Gilberto enjoyed working on homes, playing baseball, being outdoors, and keeping himself busy. He took pride in staying active and helping others whenever he could.

As a father, Gilberto did the best he could, and his love for his children was always present. He was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Gilberto is survived by his mother, Carmen; his sister, Maria; his brothers, David, Abraham, and Daniel; his children, Samuel, Caleb, Hannah, and Nathan; as well as numerous grandchildren, cousins, aunts, and uncles who will continue to cherish his memory.

Alex M. Sandoval, 63, of Silver City passed away at home Friday, May 8, 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 Alex M. Sandoval, please visit our floral store.

Gloria M. Chavez, 82, a resident of Bayard and formally of Deming passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born January 24, 1944 in Deming, New Mexico to Tomas Medina and Bertha Dominguez.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 9 o'clock in the morning till 10 at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Deming, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary will commence at 10 led by Deacon Art Guiterrez. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 o'clock at St. Ann Catholic Church followed by the rite of committal and interment at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Tony Basso will be officiating.

Here are some reflections on the life of our mother, Gloria. A devoted homemaker and a pioneer in her field, she dedicated herself to teaching children with disabilities through Southwestern Services for the Handicapped. She successfully taught programs and collaborated with YARC teenagers to bridge the gap between children with disabilities and without disabilities in the Grant County area. She even drove a bus to ensure every child had a way to get to the program and back home.

Later in life, Gloria earned her bachelor's degree with honors from WNMU. Following graduation, she joined CYFD in Silver City, where she positively impacted the lives of many children. She eventually became a Supervisor in the Deming office and, after retiring, was specifically called back to continue her valuable service.

Cristina A. Milo, 64, lifelong resident of Deming entered eternal rest on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at her home. She was born May 16, 1961 in Deming, New Mexico to Manuel F. Milo and Elena Aguirre.

Visitation will begin on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5 to 6 o'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapel with a funeral service to commence at 6. Cremation will follow and she will be laid to rest with her daughter Melissa Almanza on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11 o'clock in the morning at Mountain View Cemetery. Pastor Koreen Guillermo will be officiating.

Cristina is survived by her mother Elena A. Milo; her 2 children, Orlando "Lonnie" Almanza (Veronica Ramirez) and Cynthia (Orlando) Jimenez; 4 grandchildren, Xavier and Angel Almanza, Alex (Margaret) Almanza, and Melici Jimenez; 2 great-grandchildren, Aliyah and Zayden Almanza; 2 siblings, Armando Milo and Olga (Tony) Tapia.

She is preceded in death by her father Manuel Milo; her daughter, Melissa Almanza; and a brother, Manuel Milo Jr.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cristina A. (Aguirre) Milo, please visit our floral store.