Obituary notices.

Leonard “Wayne” Duncan, 65, a resident of Hurley, NM

DuncanLHeaven gained a top hand on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, when Leonard “Wayne” Duncan of Hurley passed away.

Wayne was born February 10, 1958, in Bisbee, Arizona to Leonard and Jo Ann Duncan. Spending most of his youth in Bisbee, his family later settled in the Mangus Valley area prior to Tyrone being built for Phelps Dodge where his dad was employed.

In 1983 Wayne moved his family to Animas, NM to begin working at the Phelps Dodge Smelter in Playas as an Electric Slag Cleaning Furnace Operator. After the Smelter closed in 1999, he became the Manager of the Green Belt Feedlot Operation, where he lived his passion in being a ranch hand.  Wayne continued to cowboy until he eventually retired to Hurley. He has met and made so many friends in his life journey and loved his family with his whole heart.

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Ramon H. Franco, 76, a resident of Deming, NM

Ramon H. Franco, 76, longtime Deming resident passed away Thursday July 27, 2023 at Mimbres Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will begin Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 4 o’clock in the afternoon at Baca’s Funeral Chapel where Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 6 o’clock in the evening. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following day at 10 o’clock in the morning at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with the rite of committal and interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Aloysius Orekie, Pastor, will officiate.

Ramon was born April 21, 1947 in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico to Cornelia Holguin and Manuel Franco. Ramon was the owner of the Bel Shore restaurant where he shared his cooking talents with many.  He enjoyed camping and in his free time he loved spending time with his family. He was a communicant of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

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Grant Moser, 70, a resident of Silver City, NM

Grant Moser of Silver City, NM passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023.  Born November 7, 1952 in Iowa, Grant happily left the Midwest and an early career in law to make his home in New Mexico.  He is survived by his beloved son, Daniel; his sisters Paula, Rozsi and Dawn; his newly found brother Paul III; his lifelong brother K.J., many nieces and nephews, and many, many treasured friends. An informal gathering will be held Sunday, July 30 at 10:00 am at Javalina Coffee House, 117 W. Market St., Silver City to celebrate Grant’s life in one of his favorite places.

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

Arnulfo D. Orquiz, 90, a resident of Deming, NM

OrquizAArnulfo D. Orquiz, 90, longtime Deming resident passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Beehive Homes in Deming.

Visitation will take place Tuesday August 1, 2023 at 9 o’clock in the morning at Baca’s Funeral Chapel where funeral services will begin at 10 am with interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Pastor Jose Ramirez will be officiating.

Arnold as he was fondly known by was born August 8, 1932 in Hill, New Mexico to Natalia D. Ybarra and Arnulfo Orquiz. Arnold and his wife Barbara founded Amigo’s Mexican Food in 1976. He was a hard worker and you would always find him working among his employees. He would often be seen early in the morning walking from or to Amigo’s, something he did for many years. In 2015 he was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his donations to the Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico.  Arnold faithfully supported his community as a lifelong financial supporter of the Duck Races, he purchased the 4H champion and grand champion steer and hog yearly to support youth and was staunchly invested in changes that helped the community.

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William Calvin Cook III, 86, a resident of Deming, NM

CookWWilliam Calvin Cook III, 86, longtime Deming resident entered eternal rest peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

William Calvin Cook III, also known as “Bill or Cookie” was born August 13, 1936, in Lubbock, TX to William Calvin Cook Jr. and Louise Crowder.  He met the love of his life Marcia Day while in high school in Lubbock.  They married on August 6, 1955, in Ft. Sumner, NM. Bill served his country in the Army National Guard during the Korean War and attended college at Texas Tech University before moving to Deming in 1960.  Bill and Marcia became active members of Holy Family Catholic Church in 1963 where they renewed their vows and continued their love for one another for the next 67 years. Together they raised their 4 children William Calvin IV, Christopher Bradley, Catherine Jane, and Carol Elizabeth. When Bill and Marcia made their move to Deming, he began work with his father-in-law at Sunland Sales Farm Equipment. Eventually, Bill purchased Ari-Tex Mfg., which he operated successfully for 40 years. Ari-Tex Mfg. is still in operation and owned and operated by his son William Calvin Cook IV. He was a jack of many trades; he could build and fix just about anything. He was a master machinist, who provided reliable irrigation pumps throughout the Mimbres Valley.  He was deeply committed to the local farming community.  He knew the history of every farm and every detail of each water well throughout Luna County.  He was very proud to donate his craftsmen’s skills to Holy Family Church. Bill built and constructed the enormous grills used for the famous Klobase which has been held by Holy Family for the past 94 years. Bill was known for his great sense of humor and wit.  Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He and Marcia took frequent trips to Alpine Arizona to fly fish and enjoy the beautiful mountains.  His greatest passion was spending time with Marcia and family. He built a reputation of honesty, integrity, and reliability.  Through his unwavering family support, his greatest legacy is helping them create loving and successful families.

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Alex Sierra, 54, a resident of Silver City, NM - pending

Alex Sierra, 54, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest Thursday, July 26, 2023 at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Angelita C. McDonald, 102, a resident of Silver City, NM - pending

McDonaldAAngelita C. McDonald, 102, a longtime resident of Silver City, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Silver City Care Center surrounded by her family.

Service Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Casket Bearers will be Jeremy McDonald, Robert McDonald III, Daniel Espinosa, Dino Espinosa III, Tommy McDonald, and JD Torres. Honorary Bearers are the rest of her grandchildren.

Angie was born on January 5, 1921 in Vernon, Arizona to Serapio and Sarah Chacon. Angie worked for many years as a waitress at Jessie’s Café. She was a past member of the League of United Latin American Citizens and was an avid New York Yankees fan. She loved going to the casinos and playing Bingo.

Angie is survived by her daughter, Norma Espinosa (Dionisio) of Anthony, TX; and son, Robert McDonald Jr. (Molly) of Deming, N; and a special grandson, Jeremy McDonald (Elisha) whom she helped raise. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.

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Rita Parsons, 66, a resident of Lordsburg, NM

ParsonsRRita Parsons, of Lordsburg, passed away July 20, 2023 in Las Cruces, NM

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at Ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, August 4, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lordsburg.  The Funeral Liturgy will follow immediately thereafter.  The Rite of Committal and burial will be at Shakespeare Cemetery in Lordsburg.  Officiating will be Father Jude Okonkwo.  Serving as casket bearers will be Victor Tovar, Eddie Barka, Cody Barka, Dayton Barka, Gabriel Newell, and Matthew Renteria.

Rita was born May 1, 1957 in Lordsburg, NM to Gilardo “Gil” and Margarita Renteria.  She was a homemaker and a member of the Roman Catholic Church.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  Rita was known for her love of green chili, whether it be enjoying it herself or making meals for anyone else.  Rita will definatly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

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