Obituaries

An obituary is not available at this time for Ventura Machado Escobar. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

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In Loving Memory of Stella Jasso

February 2, 1942-October 23, 2025

A life beautifully lived, a heart deeply loved.

Stella Jasso, a lifelong resident of Deming and a beloved gem of the community, passed away surrounded by her loving family. Stella's life was one defined by love, laughter, and service—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The most uplifting woman to all who crossed her path, Stella had a gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. She believed that no one should ever be left out, and that there was always a seat at her dinner table. Her laughter was contagious, her hugs unforgettable, and her words of encouragement could lift anyone's spirit.

A fighter and a survivor, Stella bravely battled—and beat—breast cancer, showing remarkable strength, grace, and faith through it all. Her resilience inspired everyone around her and proved that joy and hope can endure even in the hardest moments.

Tina Grace (Anway) Leyba, 67, of Santa Clara passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, TX. Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tina Grace (Anway) Leyba, please visit our floral store.

THOMPSON: Marie Thompson, 86, was born in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, on July 15, 1939, to Walter and Genevieve Shupe. She attended school in Colonia Juarez and played basketball. Her team was chosen to play in the national tournament one season, which she talked about often. She loved her life in Mexico, especially being with her dad. After high school, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she met her husband, Jimmy, and they were married and sealed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa, Arizona, Temple, on Sept. 8, 1959. In June 1960, they had their only child, Dean, who married Kim in 1982.

After moving around the state of New Mexico with Jimmy working construction, the family settled in Silver City. Marie returned to college and earned a degree in teaching from Western New Mexico University. She began teaching second grade, which she did for the next 34 years at Jose Barrios Elementary School, where met fellow teachers Linda Placencio and Clo Rael, with whom she became lifelong friends. The three created curriculum for students to become entrepreneurs and would sell the product the students decided on at the end of the process. She also composed songs for curriculum about New Mexico, which students performed each year.

Jennie "Marie" Thompson, 86, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Robertina Anchondo, de 62 años, falleció el lunes 20 de octubre de 2025 en el Memorial Medical Center en Las Cruces.

Se llevará a cabo un velorio el jueves 23 de octubre de 2025 a las 4 de la tarde en el velatorio de Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, seguido del sepelio el viernes 24 de octubre de 2025 en el cementerio.

Robertina nació el 22 de septiembre de 1963, hija de Flora Estrada Salgado y Procoro Navarro Delgado en San Juan, Municipio de Tlalxapa, Guerrero, México. A Robertina le encantaba pasar tiempo con su familia, especialmente con sus nietos, cocinar para la familia, ir de compras y viajar.

Le sobreviven su esposo, Amador Anchondo; sus hijos: Eberardo (Carmen) Anchondo, Andy (Nyny) Anchondo, Ociel Anchondo y Alejandro López Navarro; 11 nietos; y sus hermanos: Leopoldo (María), Roberto (Rosa), José Luis, Pascual, Artemia (Javier), Isabel, Rosa (Adrián Villafuerte) y Estela Navarro.

Lucy Jane Riger, "Jane", passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at her home in Silver City, NM surrounded by loved ones.

Jane was born on January 11, 1946, to Lucy Belle Shull and Francis Marion Shull in Rochester, New York. She enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Rochester. She loved to roam the woods with her friends and camp in the Adirondacks with her family. She graduated from Penfield High School and received a bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1967 from The University of Colorado at Boulder. After graduating, she moved to San Francisco, where she earned her teaching certificate from San Francisco State University and met the man who would become her husband, Paul Riger. Jane and Paul shared a love of adventure, eventually embarking on a year-long international trip via freighter and motorcycle to Morocco, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, where they married in a civil ceremony in 1971.

After returning to the Rochester area, Jane and Paul had two daughters. With the energetic enthusiasm that was characteristically hers, Jane participated in feminist groups and developed a love for gardening. She was keenly intellectual and always up to date on current events. An avid reader, she devoured history books, particularly those about the American west.

Fannie Karline Tillman Smyer, 81, passed away on October 19, 2025.

She was born on August 6, 1944, to Karl Tillman and Katherine Acres Tillman. She graduated from Deming High School in May 1962.

Fannie married Frank Smyer on June 5th, 1965, and this summer they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they had three daughters, Karla, Kelly, and Katherine.

She ran for Luna County Treasurer and served from 1982-1986. She was later elected to the Deming Public School Board, where she served from 1995-1998. She was then elected as a Luna County Commissioner for District 2, serving from 1999-2007. While a commissioner, she helped to bring the Learning Center to Deming. In semi-retirement with the County, she managed the Make Luna County Beautiful office, believing fully in its mission.  As a board member for the Southwest Regional Transit District, she helped to expand the Corre Caminos routes into Luna County, bringing its citizens public transportation. She is a long-time member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.