Obituaries

Richard Joseph Reece, 82, of Bayard, NM passed away Aug.13, 2025 at home with family. He was born on March 14,1943 to Melvin and Elizabeth Reece in St. Joseph, Missouri. His family moved to Santa Rita, NM when he was a child. He graduated from Cobre High School in 1961 and married his sweetheart, Dianna, in 1963. He attended Western New Mexico University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management and Data Processing. Richard served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, mostly as a flight simulator technician, and after conclusion of his service, he returned to Grant County and worked in the local mines specializing in technical and engineering positions as well as data processing. He retired from Phelps Dodge in 2001, filling his time with hobbies and visits from his growing family.

Felix Flores Torres, 74, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Monday, August 18, 2025 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM.  He was born July 21, 1951 in Silver City, to his parents, Gilberto and Agnes (Flores) Torres.

A full obit will appear on Saturday's paper.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 26th from 9:30-10am at Our Lady of Fatima Church.  The funeral mass will follow at 10am with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating.  Concluding service, interment will take place at Pinos Altos cemetery where he will be laid to rest.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com. 

Veronica Marie (Ponce) Hernandez, 54, of Cypress, California went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 19, 2025.

Veronica was born on October 29, 1970 in Silver City to Robert and Lillian Ponce.  She was the youngest daughter in a family of four.  At the time of her birth, her sister, best friend, and Her Dad remember her being the "the prettiest pink baby."  Veronica was raised in Silver City where she graduated from Silver High School in 1988.  The day after her graduation, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona to attend cosmetology school and live with her sister.  After completing her studies, she married and settled in Cypress, California with her former husband, Steve Hernandez where they began their life together.  Veronica lived in Cypress for 35 years and was a member of Calvary Chapel.  She enjoyed singing (her mom loved her voice), loved her dog, and was very proud of her children.

Daphne Sue Walton, 69, of Silver City passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Sunset Vista Assisted Living Place.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daphne Sue Walton, please visit our floral store.

Pamela "Pam" D. Koons of Wister, Oklahoma, was born on January 27, 1947 in Boston, Massachusetts to Francis (Frank) G. and Miriam (Rines) Daley and passed away July 26, 2025, at her home in Wister, Oklahoma at the age of 78. 

She is survived by her two sons, Shannon Koons and his wife Shellie Koons, James Koons and his wife Joanna Koons; her three grandchildren, Avery Koons, Abby Koons, and Jordan Price; her Sister, Margaret (Karen) Daley; Numerous other loved ones and a multitude of friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Miriam Daley; her husband, James E. Koons, Jr.; a son, Joseph Michael Koons; a brother, Christopher Daley.

Pam, was a cherished longtime resident of Silver City and she had recently moved to Oklahoma, dedicated her life to her family and home. She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Poteau, OK. Pamela took great joy in the company of her loved ones, embodying the roles of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her warm spirit and kindness will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Ralph M. Holguin, 68, a resident of Santa Clara entered eternal rest on August 12, 2025.

Ralph was born on March 16, 1957 to Manuel and Susie Holguin.  He enjoyed cruising his Trokita with his roll dog Chingaso by his side while listening to Los Rieleros del Norte and oldies.  Ralph was known for his signature mustache and resembling General Emiliano Zapata.  He was an OG member of Santa Clara Car Club and later joined his daughter Casey in Viejitos Car Club worldwide.  Ralph also enjoyed spending time fishing, working on cars and hanging out with his grandkids.

Ralph is survived by his four children, sons, Steven (Jessica) of Tucson, AZ, Ralphie (Amber) of T or C; daughters, Angela (Rocky) of Silver City, Casey (Jason) of Silver City; brother, Huero (Janet) of Silver City; sister, Rosalie of Santa Clara; 19 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; A special dog, Chingaso.  He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel, mother, Susie, brothers, Reynaldo and Ruben Holguin, brother-in-law, David Munoz.

Mitchell d. Garcia, 62, of Silver City passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025.  Services are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mitchell Diaz Garcia, please visit our floral store.

Frank A. Duarte, 81, of Silver City passed away at home Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank Arroyos Duarte, please visit our floral store.