Obituaries

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. 

Rogelio Carreon Renteria, de 76 años, residente de Columbus, falleció el lunes 3 de junio de 2024 en la residencia de su hijo en Deming.

La visitacion se llevará a cabo el jueves 6 de junio de 2024 a las 4 de la tarde en la Funeraria Baca's. El Rosario a las 6 de la tarde. Y despues será trasladado a Palomas el viernes por la tarde, donde está previsto que se lleve a cabo el velorio.  La Misa de cuerpo presente sera el sábado 8 de junio de 2024 a las 3 de la tarde en la Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Y el entierro en el Cementerio Municipal inmediatamente después de la misa.

Rogelio nació el 6 de julio de 1947 en Ascensión, Chihuahua, hijo de Consuelo Rentería y Vicente Carreón. A Rogelio o Cucú, como le llamaban sus nietos, le gustaba pasar tiempo con sus amigos y familiares. Le gustaba llevar a sus nietos a la tienda para comprar papitas, jugar a las cartas o al dominó con su esposa y su nieta, disfrutar de una buena carne asada con la familia y pasar tiempo paseandose por su querido pueblo de Palomas. 

Judy Ann Count of Silver City NM passed away peacefully at her home on May 31, 2024.

Judy was born October 12, 1944 to Merle and Agnes (Foote) Count.  Judy retired in 2010 from Gila Regional Medical Center working as a radiologist.  She enjoyed her pets, working, fishing and playing Bingo.  Judy was a member of Crosspoint Church in Silver City.

Judy is survived by her sisters, Jean Count Cook Leak of Freeport and Janet Count Erb Wheelock of Savanah.  Also surviving her are several nieces, nephews and cousins.  Judy was preceded in death by two infant children, Jane Marie and Travis Merle; her parents, Merle and Agnes Count; and two brothers, Lyle Count and Richard Count. 

As per Judy's wishes, there will be no funeral services.  Cremation will take place and inurnment will be in Clarksville, Michigan at a later date.

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