Obituaries

Russell Leon Valencia, 82, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM.  Russell Leon Valencia was born in Silver City, NM on May 23, 1942. He was born in the home of Ann P. Maxwell to Atha E. Chesnut of Corbin, KY.

He met Rachel Juarez in Silver City and on June 9th, 1962 the two were married at Santa Rita Catholic Church. They lived in Dodge City, KS (where their daughter Michele was born) and also Santa Rosa, NM where Rachel was a teacher. In 1971 Russell and Rachel built their home in Silver City where their son Russell and daughter Kim were born. Russell worked at the mine in Chino and then retired after 20 years of service.

Russell loved his family. His hobbies were gardening, car shows, playing the guitar and harp. His favorite Scripture was Mathew 20:16 "So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen".  His favorite quotation was: "Enjoy me today, for you may not have me tomorrow". He would often say this as he would remind us that his favorite flower the Day Lily only blooms for one day. This saying rang true as his family cherished every last moment with him.

Catherine R. Hill, 71, of Silver City passed away Monday, June 10, 2024 at Millie's Assisted Living. Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Catherine R. (Reams) Hill, please visit our floral store.

Wanda Dee Gifford, 82, a longtime resident of Deming, NM, passed away Thursday morning, June 6, 2024 in El Paso, TX.

Visitation will be held Friday morning, June 14, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Funeral services will follow at 8:00 a.m., with Bishop Adam Westenhofer presiding. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Wanda, aka Grandma Darlin,' was born on July 17, 1941, in Eugene, Oregon, to Raymond Francis and Esther Violet (Gephart) Norman. Wanda proudly served in the US Army, WAC from 1959-1962. Her commitment to duty extended to her role as a loving wife and mother. In 1962, Wanda met and married Frederick Gordon Gifford in Albuquerque, N.M. In 1968, they established their home in Deming, NM where they raised their seven children. Wanda's life was one of love, faith, and service. As a devoted wife and mother, she dedicated her life to her family. Wanda's love and nurturing spirit were unmatched. In 1968, Wanda was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her faith in the gospel guided her life.

Catherine Sabra Smith (nee Munson) passed away on June 3, 2024, in Los Lunas, New Mexico, at the age of 93. She was born on December 12, 1930, in Deming, New Mexico. 

 Catherine was a dedicated educator who left a lasting impact on the field of education. She started her career as a teacher in Silver City, then later Cobre High School where she taught English and served as the Journalism sponsor for both the yearbook and newspaper. She was instrumental in developing a teacher's aide program for high school students aspiring to become teachers. She later became the Principal of Hurley Elementary School and was actively involved in the National Education Association of New Mexico (NEA-NM). Catherine's advocacy for education extended to her roles on the New Mexico Board of Education and Public Education Committee. After retiring from state service on, she served on the Governing Council for the School of Dreams Academy in Los Lunas. 

Annamarie Nagel passed away peacefully this month in Gila, New Mexico.

Born on December 19, 1959, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Annamarie had a profound appreciation for the beauty of life, which she captured through her love of photography. She was passionate about animals and found joy in the serenity of nature. Annamarie is survived by her daughter, Samantha Nagel, and her father, Thomas O'Brien. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jaqueline Fahey.

For all those who would like to attend a celebration of her life, a service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 420 NM-211, Gila, NM 88038, at 10:00am on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the El Refugio Women's Shelter at www.eridv.org/how-to-help , a cause close to Annamarie's heart.

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

Guadalupe Sanchez Jr., 60, of Phoenix, AZ sadly passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

A well-known tile installer for many years, he is survived by his only son, Guadalupe Reyes and three daughters, Stephanie, Melissa and Erica Sanchez; and eleven grandchildren. He is also survived by his significant other, Susan Reyna, as well as his father, Guadalupe Sanchez Sr. and mother, Linda Santos; three brothers, three sisters and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Junior loved fishing, gardening, listening to music and many other things. He was a strong, driven man and a fighter ‘til the end.

He was greatly loved and will be missed by many.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

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

Cornelio Ozeta Jr. 75, formerly of Lordsburg, passed away Thursday May 23, 2024 in Hilo, Hawaii where he has lived since 1990.  Arrangements are pending.

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

Verdos Ervin Mullins passed away on December 7, 2018, in Rio Rancho, NM.  Verdos was born to John Tolbert and Honor Elizabeth Mullins on August 20, 1934, in Tucumcari, NM.

Verdos was passionate about traditional country music.  He started playing a stand-up bass at the age of 12 and by the time he turned 14 years old, he was playing professionally.   Verdos played on the radio station KSUN with his father.  The band would play Top 20 songs but he would always go back to his love of traditional country.  Verdos said, "The band was set to play a gig that night, but the night before, someone had broken the guitar player's guitar.  So, I went out looking to borrow a guitar.  When I knocked on that door, there stood Wanda Adair.  I explained the situation and asked if I could borrow Wanda's sister's guitar."  From then on, they were inseparable.  They married on April 21, 1950, in Gallup, NM.  Verdos and Wanda had a lifetime of loving each other.  They travelled playing music together and were members of the Church of Christ.