Obituaries

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.

Barbara Ann (Boyle) Salars was born on October 30, 1931, in Morris, Illinois, a farm town in the Northeast corner of the state. Raised in a strong Irish Catholic household, she was the youngest child and only daughter of Lawrence Andrew Boyle and Hazel Hartshorne Boyle. She had three brothers: Larry, Arthur, and David. The family farm was located on the banks of the Illinois and Michigan Canal that connected the Mississippi/Illinois Rivers and Lake Michigan. She enjoyed ice skating on the canal. She graduated from Morris High School in 1949 and then attended the College of St. Francis in Joliet, where she earned degrees in Chemistry, Education, and Home Economics. In college and later in life, she taught archery and bowling.

Her first job was as a 4-H agent in Will County, Illinois, and then she moved to Silver City, New Mexico, in 1956, where she became the 4-H agent. While a 4-H agent, she had the opportunity to become the Grant County Home Economist and ended up performing both positions. In 1957, she started the Vagabond 4-H club for older teenage girls, concentrating on world travel and cuisine.

Gilbert C. Rodriguez, 66, passed away on August 14, 2024 in Albuquerque.

The Prayer Vigil and Rosary will take place on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 12noon at Infant Jesus Shrine in Hurley followed by the Memorial Mass. Concluding services and burial will be at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at 2pm. Officiating will be Father Casmir Anozie.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gilbert Carl Rodriguez, please visit our floral store.

On September 22nd, 2024 the good Lord chose to take our family leader and guide, Larry Horning.

Larry Horning was born on January 10, 1941 in Vinton, Iowa to Lewis Lorraine Horning and Maxine Irene Lint. Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always quick with a witty joke of fun fact about a random strip of desert you'd passed on the New Mexico Highway. He spent his life doing what he loved – building things- cars, houses, community, and most cherished achievement, his family. Larry and Barbara (his pre-deceased wife) made great friends with nearly everyone they met. They led their lives with a special sense of community, going out of their way to help friends and family in need however they could. The world became a bit dimmer with Larry passed, but it's our opportunity to take his love of life and carry it forward.

He is survived by his daughter Eunice Turner of Deming, NM; brother Garth Horning of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Craig Horning of Deming, NM. Two loving grandchildren survive him, Tia Turner of Deming, NM, Ryan Turner and his wife Tamaira Johnson-Turner of Beaverton, OR, and his cherished four great grandchildren, Louey, Dean, Georgie Rae and Roan Turner of Beaverton, OR, whom he loved and cherished so greatly. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved and adored.

Cynthia Lou Nez, 63, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at her residence. Cynthia was born on March 8, 1961 to Haya and Mary Nez. After a 5-year battle with cancer, she is finally at peace.

She enjoyed going camping, fishing and cruising with her family. She also truly enjoyed playing bingo with her life long friend Phillip Herbert. Cynthia will be remembered as a loving and caring mother, sister, auntie, and friend.

She is survived by her daughter, Crystal Nez and her son in-law, Fernando Copey of Bayard; life long friend, Phillip Herbert of Bayard. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Christopher and David Nez.

No service to be held at this time.

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