Obituaries

Chester Darwin Russell, 78, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, July 19, 2026 at his residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Jack Martinez Jr., 60, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, May 3, 2026, at La Posada Assisted Living, in Las Cruces, NM. He was born on April 2, 1966, to Josie (Avila) and Jack Martinez, Sr.  He married the love of his life Denise in 1988.

He was a very caring man and a sweetheart to everyone.  He loved to draw and work on cars until he lost his eyesight.  He went to NMSU for auto mechanics. He battled a lifelong fight with diabetes and fought until the very end.  He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, but a fan of all sports. His teams were the Atlanta Braves, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Lakers.  He also loved Star Wars. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Denise (Montes), He is survived by his uncle Narciso (Chico) Avila, his sisters Prissy Martinez, (Gordo), and Gloria (Shorty) Sifuentes, Mary Anderson.  His daughter Tiffany Martinez (Frogg), his grandchildren Anayece (Ani), Rogelio Jr. (RoRo), Rhyinn, Aries, his nephews Mario, Brian, Sam, Richie, Xavier, and special niece Amy, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

No services will be held at the request of the family.  He will be laid to rest with his parents and wife, at a later date.  He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Honorary pallbearers are Danny Avila, Alfred Chavez, Gordo Lucero, Patrick (Frogg) Valdez, and Charlie Escalante.

  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral and Crematory Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend, Traeton T, Zumwalt, went by "Trae" for short left this world on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the age of 23.  He was born on February 26, 2003, to Melanie Zumwalt and Thomas Polanco, in Silver City, NM.

Trae was known for his kind heart, infectious smile and adventurous spirit.  He brought laughter, light and unforgettable memories to family and friends throughout his life.  Whether spending time outdoors, sharing stories, or simply being present, Trae left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his father Thomas Polanco, of Silver City, NM, his sisters Kristen Macias, and Tristan Oaxaca, and brother-in-law Victor Oaxaca all of Silver City, NM, his  grandmother Karen Zumwalt, of Silver City, NM; his aunts, Lillian Grady, Cathie (Jimmy) Knight; uncles, Steve Polanco and Alfred Polanco; his nephews Jonathon Chavez, Andre' Oaxaca, Aztan Oaxaca, Avikx Oaxaca, his niece, Azania Oaxaca; along with numerous cousins, extended family members, and many friends who loved him.   He is preceded in death by his Mother Melanie Zumwalt, Uncle David Polanco, and Grandfather George Zumwalt.

Katherine Whitfield passed away peacefully with her loving husband, Charles Whitfield by her side.

Katherine was born July 3, 1944.  Graduated from UNM, moved to Silver City, and accepted a position in the Home Economics Department in Cliff.  Years later she dedicated herself to be a full-time homemaker, loving wife and mother.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Whitfield, and her daughters, Cindy Krystyniak and Christy Hindorff.

In honor of Katherine's memory, ladies, if you want to donate, take your husbands out for dinner.  Nothing more valuable than a solid marriage, which is more important than gold. 

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" -575-537-0777-

Guadalupe Diaz, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, missionary, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 3, 1941, in Durango, Mexico, Guadalupe later fulfilled her dream of building a new life for her family when she came to the United States. In 1971, she made Silver City, New Mexico, her home, arriving with her four children and creating a legacy of faith, strength, and unconditional love that will continue for generations. 

Guadalupe was a devoted Christian whose life reflected compassion, humility, and unwavering faith. She dedicated herself to her family, always placing God at the center of her life. Her home was a place of prayer, hospitality, and encouragement, and she touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her faith was not only something she believed, it was something she lived every day. Guadalupe devoted countless hours to missionary and volunteer work, sharing the love of Christ wherever she was called. She faithfully served orphaned children in Palomas, Mexico, volunteered in Vacation Bible Schools in both Silver City and Mexico, and used her gift as a bilingual translator to assist physicians providing medical care through mission efforts. She also faithfully ministered to her church family by writing birthday cards to members of the congregation, ensuring each person felt remembered and loved. Whether serving the poor, comforting those in need, or offering a kind word and a helping hand, Guadalupe lived as a true example of Christ's love and compassion. 

Traeton Zumwalt, 23, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, July 16, 2026.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral and Crematory Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Susano L. Rodriguez Jr, 83, of Hurley passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces. Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Susano Lucero Rodriguez Jr, please visit our floral store.

Abraham Rocha, de 93 años residente de Deming, falleció el martes 14 de julio de 2026 en el Centro Médico Regional Vista de la Montaña de Las Cruces.

La visitacion tendrá lugar el lunes 20 de julio de 2026 a las 9 de la mañana en la funeraria Baca's, seguido por el rezo del Santo Rosario a las 10 de la mañana, dirigido por Irma Jaurequi. La misa de cuerpo presente se celebrará a las 11 de la mañana en la iglesia católica Santa Ana, y el entierro se llevará a cabo inmediatamente después en el cementerio Vista de la Montaña. El oficio religioso estará a cargo del padre Prakasham Babu.

Abraham nació en Parral, Chihuahua, hijo de Guadalupe Rocha y Bernardo Lucero. Don Abraham como era conocido por muchos, le gustaba pasar tiempo con su familia; cuando iban a visitarlo, solían encontrarlo en el restaurante El Camino Real, donde pasaba gran parte de su tiempo. Para quienes, él era como un miembro más de la familia.

A Abraham le sobreviven su hijo Francisco Contreras (Marisela Chavarría), su hija María Contreras, 9 nietos, 19 bisnietos, así como numerosos sobrinos y amigos.