Obituaries

William Harley Smyer 

September 15, 1979 – June 30, 2026 

William Harley Smyer, affectionately known as Harley, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the age of 46. 

From the time he was four years old, Harley was on the ranch alongside Uncle Bill, where he developed a lifelong love for the cowboy way of life. He was a horseman, a welder, and a good windmill man who helped keep the ranch running. Harley loved everything about ranching, riding horses, gathering and working cattle, branding, and the everyday work that came with caring for the land...except fixing fence. The ranch wasn't just where he worked; it was where he belonged.

Harley is survived by his son, Dylan Gunter; his mother, Carolyn Foster (Billy); his brother, Jeffrey Smyer (Billie); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Mary Smyer, and his cousin, Lane Smyer.

Kate Fisher Iturralde, 96, a former resident of Santa Clara, now of Las Cruces entered eternal rest Monday, June 29, 2026 at her residence.  She was born April 1, 1930 in Silver City, NM to Milton Fisher and Isabel Vallejos.

Kate also called "Sadie" Iturralde raised her children in Santa Clara NM. She worked at WNMU Cafeteria as a dessert chef. She was a prolific writer of poetry and historical references.  Authored The Yellowcake Genie, and published in several poetry collection books. She was a devout Catholic and prayed her rosary daily. Her roots can be traced to the Upper Gila Chiricahua Apache Peoples. She welcomed everyone into her home offering a cup of coffee and a listening ear. She was a strong advocate for the Cold War Patriots.  Kate was a much-loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie, and friend.  She never knew a stranger as she traveled from NM, AZ, CO, NV, and South Carolina, with the families of  hardrock underground miners. Special mention her favorite niece Priscilla Chaires.

Kate is survived by two sons, Salvador "Sal" Iturralde and companion Elizabeth of Las Cruces; Robert Iturralde of Radium Springs, NM; two daughters, Gloria Iturralde of Radium Springs, NM; Cynthia Iturralde of Las Cruces, NM; seven grandchildren, Armando Torres, Isabel Elson, Marielena Torres, Geraldine Iturralde, Starlett Iturralde, Fernando Padilla Jr., Gabriel Padilla; thirteen great grandchildren; special extended family, Steven and Denise Robles and Sammie Ramirez; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Robert "Bob" Flores, Jr., 85, resident of Santa Clara, NM, entered eternal rest on July 1, 2026, at his residence.  He was born on November 19, 1940, to Robert Flores Sr. and Nora Flores (Treviso), in San Antonio, Texas.

Bob moved with his family to Silver City, NM when he was 7 years old. He was raised playing numerous sports (boxing, baseball, and running) and was always active in the community alongside his father. Bob enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 years old and came back to work with his father. Together they supported local youth activities, and he helped with his father's plumbing business, Reliable Plumbing.

Bob was known for his outspoken personality, always willing to talk to anybody; he never met a stranger. He also had a tremendous work ethic and was never able to sit back and watch without lending a helping hand. He continued his love for running by qualifying for and running in the Boston Marathon in 1984. He also enjoyed the outdoors; he loved to fish and hike in search of arrowheads. After many years working in maintenance at the Fort Bayard Medical Center, he was fortunate enough to retire and enjoy his last years doing what he loved most.

Robert T. Flores, Jr., 85, a resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, July 1, 2026.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral and Crematory Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Kate Fisher Iturralde, 96, a former Santa Clara resident, now of Las Cruces entered eternal rest Monday, June 29, 2026 at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Charles Anthony Saenz, son of Gold Star Mother, Mary Saenz, passed away on Saturday, June 27th at his Las Cruces home. Charles was born May 8, 1962 and was raised in Deming. After joining the Army in 1984, he led a successful military career earning the rank of Sergeant and concluded his active-duty military service in 1997. He reverted to the New Mexico National Guard thereafter. Following military service, he was employed in many occupations including Corrections Officer, Mineworker, and a variety of maintenance work. Charles enjoyed camping, hiking, woodworking, and fishing. He loved his family and found happiness through his shared memories with family and friends.

Charles is survived by his children; Angel Damian Saenz, Julian Carlos Saenz Ricardo Morales and Mycaela, siblings; Benny Saenz, Jose "Chino" Saenz, Estela (Alex) Uzueta, Nancy Saenz, Joann Saenz, Norma Carter and Debi (Alfred) Quintero.

He is preceded in death by his mom, Mary Saenz, son; Richard Saenz, brothers; Patricio, Daniel & Richard.

Visitation will take place Monday July 6, 2026 at 9 o'clock in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapel. Recitation of the Holy Rosary to follow at 10 o'clock in the morning. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church with internment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Fr. Prakasham Babu officiating.

Kathleen (Kathie) Gates-Porath, 77, passed away in her Deming home of natural causes.  Kathie was born to Joyce (Ross) and Clifford Gates in La Crosse, Wisconsin on January 18, 1949.  She was a graduate of Central High School and ITT of La Crosse.  She was a military wife and moved often.  It was then she fell in love with the Southwest.  Their last assignment was in Grand forks, North Dakota.  There she raised her boys and welcomed grandchildren.  Her favorite summer activity was vacation trips, first with her children and then with her grandchildren.  Her favorite winter activity was throwing the best Christmas ever.  Her house was the place to be.  After retirement from the University of North Dkota Grand Fork she became a resident of Deming, New Mexico.

She was full of love, life and laughter.  This she shared with everyone around her, at church, playing cards or meeting new people while traveling.  She was dedicated, faithful and selfless.  She was out going, a member of First United Methodist Church, taught Tai Chi at the senior center, gave rides to non-drivers and was active in her community.  She so enjoyed traveling the entire country with her soulmate Frank Dockx.

Maria Dolores Cruz Cardona was born on April 8, 1969, in Zacualpan, Nayarit, Mexico, to Everardo Cruz and Maria Felix Cardona. She was raised alongside her siblings, Amalia, Everardo, Victor, Estella, Rogelio, Tranquino, Samuel, Jesus and the rest of her loving family. Maria peacefully passed away at the age of 57 on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Las Cruces, New Mexico surrounded by her loving family.

Maria lived an adventurous life in Mexico before moving to California at the age of 15. While living in California, she worked as a seamstress and later as a waitress. She enjoyed dressing up, spending time with family and friends, and dancing whenever she had the chance. Her vibrant spirit and joyful personality made her a beloved friend and companion to many.

Later in life, Maria met the love of her life, Salvador Gutierrez. Together they built a beautiful family and were blessed with three children Rubbit, Angel, and Kimberly.

After the birth of her youngest child, Maria moved to Deming, New Mexico, where she lovingly raised her children and created a warm and welcoming home. It was in Deming that she deepened her faith, developed a close relationship with God, and became devoted to serving her church community. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the kindness, compassion, and generosity she showed to everyone around her.