Obituaries

George Frederick Tobin Jr., 75, Deming resident passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at his home.

Services are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Frederick Tobin Jr., please visit our floral store.

An obituary is not available at this time for Dona Gale (Ball) Irwin. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dona Gale (Ball) Irwin, please visit our floral store.

Linda McCarty, a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024 at the age of 77. Known for her kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit, she touched the lives of everyone she met. Linda was always there to lend a hand, offer words of comfort, and show love to her family and friends. She was a source of strength and warmth, known for her listening ear, and kind heart.

She is survived by her son, Kevin (Monica) McCarty, her son-in-law Martin Schrodt, her grandchildren Bree, Preston, Penelope, and Sylvia, her brothers, Bob (Earlene) and Doug (Margaret) Hall, and many nieces, nephews and cousins whose lives she brightened. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Allen Hall, her children, Michelle Schrodt and Michael McCarty, and her brothers, Dean and John Wayne Hall.

Linda will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Service will be held on Saturday morning, October 12, 2024 at 10:00 at the Assembly of God (D1) in Deming, NM. Located at 600 S. Gold Street.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda Kay (Hall) McCarty, please visit our floral store.

Josie S. Elizalde, 81, of Santa Clara passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Mesilla Valley Hospice 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 Josie Sanchez Elizalde, please visit our floral store.

Russell Lee Upton, Sr. 66, of Silver City, NM passed away September 28, 2024 in Silver City. At Russell's request, cremation has taken place. No services are scheduled at this time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell Lee (Sr.) Upton, please visit our floral store.

John Arthur Smith, 83, longtime Deming resident passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Visitation for Senator John Arthur Smith will begin Friday, October 18, 2024 from 9 to 10 o'clock in the morning at Holy Family Catholic Church (612 S. Copper St. Deming, NM 88030) with the Holy Rosary to then be recited at 10 led by Suzanne Lundy. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 with Fr. Prakasham Babu, Pastor, officiating. Services will be live streamed. The family of Mr. John Arthur Smith ask that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Deming Luna County Cancer Support Foundation and any other donations that can be made towards the County of Luna in which he represented and loved for many years.

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

Edward G. Ruxton 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family September 24, 2024 in Deming NM.

Edward was born to Lillian (McKee) and Henry Ruxton on February 10, 1938 in the Bronx, New York. He was the eldest sibling of eight. He worked various jobs throughout his career at Albany Medical Center and later as an addiction counselor for the judicial system. He had an insatiable appetite for books especially with world history. He loved his motorcycles, a great café, and the arts. He was most comfortable with the sun on his face and the stars above hiking in nature with appreciation and love. Above all he loved his family, friends, and his community. He volunteered these past few years at the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum.

He is survived by his former wife, Eileen Ruxton and their three children, Mark Ruxton, Deirdre Blackshear and Denise Ruxton Dimoro; his siblings, Patsy Carnazza, Cathy Nocita, Judy Gillan, Ruth Ruxton, John Ruxton, Susan Quinn; eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren; son and daughter-in-law's and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gregoria "Ruth" Gonzales Valenzuela, 87, a longtime resident of Deming, NM, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Known affectionately by all as Ruth, she was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. A licensed cosmetologist, Ruth opened Ruth's Beauty Box in 1985, where she lovingly served her clients until her retirement in August 2024. Beyond her professional life, Ruth was a member of the Vida Club, an organization dedicated to supporting the community and providing college scholarships to local students—one of the many ways she touched lives beyond her own circle. In her spare time, Ruth found joy in crocheting, gardening, and line dancing with her beloved group, the Zia Zingers.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and family. Ruth is survived by her sons, Albert Medina (wife Sally), Emilio Valenzuela Jr., Ernesto Valenzuela, and Ruben Valenzuela (wife Diana); her daughter, Lydia Valenzuela; her brothers, Santos Gonzales, Loretto Gonzales, Ray Gonzales; and her sister, Connie (Concha) Aguilar. She will also be dearly missed by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.