Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Lupe Guzman Ornelas

Lupe Guzman Ornelas, 89, of Lordsburg, New Mexico, entered eternal rest on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Agave Post Acute Care Center in Glendale, Arizona.

Lupe was born on October 1, 1936, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to Jose Guzman and Celestina Sanchez. She spent most of her life in Lordsburg before moving to Phoenix, Arizona, in 2022 to be closer to her medical care.

On August 14, 1953, Lupe married the love of her life, Alfonso "Miller" Ornelas. She worked for many years as a hostess and cashier at the American Motor Inn & Restaurant. A devoted Catholic, Lupe was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was also a member of the church choir. Her faith, kindness, and love for her family were the foundation of her life.

Lupe was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who treasured every moment spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfonso "Miller" Ornelas; her son, Jason Miller Ornelas; her parents, Jose Guzman and Celestina Sanchez; and her sisters, Irene Guzman, Belen Romero and her Great-Granddaughter Arianna Diaz. 

Guadalupe Rodriguez Diaz, 85, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Saturday, July 11, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Michelle Jean Cuhen, 51, of Silver City passed away in Tucson, Arizona, July 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 Michelle Jean Cuhen, please visit our floral store.

In Loving Memory of Gloria Najera

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and friend, Gloria Najera

She was born to Guadalupe Flores and Guadalupe Tello on April 18, 1950 in Mexico City. In 1989, she came to the United States from Mexico City in search of a better future for her family. In 2005, she made Deming, New Mexico, her home, where she continued to build a life filled with love, faith, and family.

She was a loving sister to Luisa, Consuelo, Rosa, Lucha, Antonia, Jose, Jorge, Jesus, Juan, and Francisco. She was a devoted mother to Jesus, Jose Luis, Sergio, Salvador, Alejandro, and Maria, who were the center of her world.

She was also a proud and loving grandmother to Francisco, Edgar, Alma, Griselda, Gustavo, Ruby, Angel, Kimberly, Elizabeth, Edward, and Stephanie. She cherished every moment she spent with her grandchildren and created countless memories that they will treasure forever.

Arlene Ann Cooley, 79, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Silver City Care Center.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral and Crematory Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Olivia "Chicken" Salas, 83, of Silver City passed away at home Sunday, July 12, 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 Olivia "Chicken" Salas, please visit our floral store.

Lupe Guzman Ornelas, 89, a resident of Phoenix, AZ, entered eternal rest Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Agave Grove Post Acute, skilled nursing facility, in Glendale, AZ.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral and Crematory Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Lupe C. Ornelas

December 12, 1934, to July 8, 2026

Lupe C. Ornelas passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at Scott's House Hospice facility in Santa Fe. She was born on December 12, 1934, in Santa Rita, NM to Abran M. and Josefa P. Chacon. Lupe was educated in the Cobre School district and was active in clubs at Hurley High School. She lived in the Santa Rita area for all her early life until she moved with her family to Silver City in 1966 as the Santa Rita townsite closed. Lupe loved life in Santa Rita and delighted in having a view of the Kneeling Nun visible from the window of her home in Silver City. Lupe was a devout Catholic and a parishioner in Santa Rita and then attended St. Vincent de Paul after her move to Silver City.

Lupe married Victor H. Ornelas of Silver City on January 16, 1953. They had just celebrated their 68 years of marriage when Victor passed away in February 2021. Lupe was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and godmother to many. She was born to be a caregiver as she lovingly provided long-term care for several people in her life including her sister Connie, her parents, our Uncle Tommy's mother, Cecilia Ryan and our dad, Victor. She provided this care freely with her only complaint being that she could not do more for those in her care. Lupe worked in the WNMU cafeteria and the "Cooler" for over 20 years and made many life-long friends there. She encouraged her children's education and proudly saw her children, many nephews, nieces and grandchildren graduate from Western and other colleges and universities.