Obituaries

Josie Gutierrez Gallardo, 84, of Bayard entered eternal rest on June 15, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Visitation for Josie will on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 5 to 6 pm at Baca's Funeral Chapels. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 6 pm, led by Diane Silva. The Funeral Liturgy will be on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Bayard, NM with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. The Rite of Committal burial will follow at 11am at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Robert. Those having the honor of being casket bearers will be Marisa and Joseph Gallardo, Amador and Madelyn Reyes, Kristina and Steven Jacob Fletcher, TJ Muniz, and Eddie Barela.

She was born on December 30, 1940, to Manuel and Maria Gutierrez in Hanover, NM. She grew up with 2 brothers and 3 sisters. She graduated from Cobre High School in 1960. She married the love of her life and high school sweetheart Robert M. Gallardo on March 6,1963. They lived in California for two years while Robert was in the U.S. Navy and then moved home to Bayard NM, where they resided for the remainder of their lives.

Ashley Renee Torres, 38, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Gila Regional Medical Center.  She was born September 13, 1986 to her parents, Arnold Costales and Tamara (Beem) Torres in Silver City, NM. 

Ashley had a heart that knew no bounds. She found joy in the simple things and even greater joy in doing for others. Whether it was preparing a home-cooked meal with love, offering a helping hand without hesitation, or just lending an ear when someone needed to talk, she gave freely and selflessly. Her kindness touched everyone who had the blessing of knowing her.

She had a passion for cooking, always experimenting in the kitchen to create dishes that brought people together. Her coloring books were a canvas for peace and creativity, where she found quiet joy and relaxation. But most of all, Ashley loved spending time with her family and friends. Her laugh, her stories, and her warm presence created memories we will hold in our hearts forever. 

She is survived by her loving father, Arnold; her sister Monika Torres of Redlands, CA; her brothers, Vincent "Vinnie" Contreras (companion Hailey Rickleff) of Chandler, AZ and Dustin Contreras of Tucson, AZ;  her maternal grandmother, Lawana Beem; her boyfriend, Gilbert Hernandez of Silver City, NM; countless family and friends who's life were brightened by her spirit.  She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Tamara; her paternal grandparents, David and Elpidia Torres; maternal grandfather, Donald Beem; her uncles, Robert, Edward and David Torres; her Great-grandmother, Frances.

An obituary is not available at this time for Albert Benjamin Padilla. 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 Albert Benjamin Padilla, please visit our floral store.

Phillip Bill Herbert, 70, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Silver City, NM, with family by his side.  Phillip was born May 20, 1955 in Naschitti, NM to Robert Sr. and Joann Herbert. 

Phillip grew up in Turnerville, NM.  He resided in Bayard most of his life.  Phillip enjoyed playing bingo, being outdoors, camping, fishing, going for a cruise and mostly spending time with his family.  He was well known in Grant County.  Phillip will be remembered as a generous, dependable man, uncle, brother, cousin, friend. 

He is survived by his niece, Crystal Nez and son-in-law Fernando Copey of Bayard; his six sisters, Yvonne Misquez of Farmington, NM, Lisa Herbert of Naschitti, NM, Gloria Bobo of Gallup, NM, Julie Herbert of Silver City, NM, Patricia Herbert of Bayard, NM and Carol Herbert of Bayard, NM; also his numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert, Sr and Joann Herbert; his brother Robert Herbert, Jr.; his two sisters, Janet and Loretta Herbert. 

Robert John Sandoval 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert John Sandoval, who left us on March 20, 2025, at the age of 52 in Modesto, California. 

Robert was born on March 23, 1972, to Robert Gutierrez Sandoval and Helen Cordova Sandoval. He was raised in Silver City, New Mexico, and was the beloved younger brother of Trina Gojkovich. 

A proud patriot, Robert served in the United States Army from 1990 to 1992 and was honored to be a veteran. After his service, he pursued higher education in Phoenix, Arizona, earning his degree from DeVry University. He later moved to California, where he built a successful career as an Electronic Maintenance Technician and earned certifications in engineering. 

On June 29, 2002, Robert married the love of his life, Heather R. Sandoval. Together they built a life filled with love and devotion. They welcomed their first son, Robert A. Sandoval, on August 25, 2004, and their second son, Xavier M. Sandoval, on January 24, 2007 — both of whom were his greatest pride and joy. 

In Loving Memory

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dylan Brice Holliday, a U.S. Navy Veteran, who entered eternal rest Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Gila Regional Medical Center.  Born on June 19, 1989.  He is survived by his mother, Terri Scott; his siblings, Shawmaree (Tim) Motes, DeeCee Spurgeon, William (Megan) Spurgeon, Cassidy Holliday and Cody Holliday; his nieces Aaliyah and Makayla Spurgeon, Baylee, McKynna and Maggie Motes; his nephews, Ezekial (Little Dee) Spurgeon and Reece Holliday.  Dylan's life was marked by kindness, generosity and a deep love for family and friends. 

Life and Legacy

Dylan was a beacon of light to all who knew him.  His journey began in a close-knit community, where he cultivated lifelong friendships and cherished bonds.  As a child, Dylan's curiosity and enthusiasm were evident in everything he did, from academic pursuits to his athletic endeavors. 

Lee Anna (Hill) Buffington

Ann Buffington, the daughter of the late Thomas Elgar and Effie Mae Hill was born on March 23, 1927 in Clarkton, Missouri.  She went home to be with the Lord on June 10, 2025.

She grew up in the Austin Community, Piggott, AK.  She attended grade school there and later graduated from the Greenway High School in 1946.  She married Virgil Buffington on June 12, 1949.  To this union 2 sons were born.  They lived in St. Louis, MO and Piggott, AK for a few years, moving to Lovington, NM in 1954.  In 1967 the family moved to Silver City, NM.  Ann retired from the Town of Silver City where she worked in the Utility Billing Dept.

She professed faith in Jesus as her Savior at age 17.  Through the years, she has served in the church by various means such as teaching in Sunday school classes for children and adult women's class, and by helping in vacation Bible schools.  She has been member of First Baptist Church in Silver City since 1968.

Merlin L. Baird, 91, a longtime resident of Lordsburg passed away Sunday June 8, 2025.  Arrangements are pending.

 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Merlin L. Baird, please visit our floral store.