Obituaries

Tony Jaramillo Huerta Jr., 53, a resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, February 22, 2024.  He was born April 13, 1970 in San Laguna, CA to Tony C. Huerta Sr. and Socorro Jaramillo.

Tony was an amazing artisan.  He would go look for rocks and he could see the beauty within the stone, where other people would see a rock.  Tony used the same theory in life.  Tony saw the beauty in everybody regardless of what walk of life they came from.  Many times, Tony would buy food and water for the homeless.  Tony will be missed by many people as he was very loved.  Now he is free to fly with his Guardian angel.

He is survived by his father, Tony Huerta Sr; his mother, Socorro "Sukie" Huerta of Santa Clara; many extended families in Texas and New Mexico.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Graybill.

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 .

Manuela (Nellie) Ordoñez, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 17, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 31, 1940 to her parents, Emiliano Ordoñez and Rita (Medrano) Ordoñez in Hurley, N.M. 

Nellie was a caring and nurturing individual which she transcended into a lifetime career as a Certified Nurse's Assistant.  She worked at Providence Memorial in El Paso, TX; Fort Bayard Medical; Gila Regional Medical Center, and Wal-Mart.  Nellie enjoyed traveling to Mexico, gardening, reading her Bible, watching novellas, and spoiling her beloved Chihuahua "Monez".  Mom always created a happy space for all who entered her home.  She loved her family unconditionally.  Nellie is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Monge; her father, Emiliano Ordoñez and mother, Rita M. Ordoñez.  She leaves behind two sisters, Angie Andazola and husband Richard of Phoenix, AZ; Gloria Maya of Tyrone; four sons, Richard O. Morones of Silver City; Carlos O. Morones of Hurley; Gilbert O. Morones and wife Julia of N.  Hurley, and Tony Morones of Silver City; her daughter, Rita M. Chavez and husband Bodie of Silver City; she also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and step-grandchildren.

Ronald Thomas Rivera, 79, of Bayard, passed away February 25, 2024 in El Paso, Texas.

Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels.  Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at Twelve o'clock noon on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Infant Jesus Shrine in Hurley.   The Funeral Liturgy will follow immediately thereafter.  Interment of his cremated remains will take place at a later date.  Officiating will be Father Casmir Anozie. 

"Tommy" as he was affectionately known, was born January 15, 1945 in Silver City to Malaquias and Priscilla Rivera.  He had worked at the copper mines as a blaster and at several different capacities. A lifelong area resident, he was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church.  

Reuben Valencia Montoya, 95, of San Lorenzo, NM passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 23, 2024.  Reuben was born and raised in San Lorenzo, NM to Luis and Anita Montoya.  He was the oldest of three children, including himself, his sister, Alice Kavanaugh, and his brother, Luis Jr.  who have all preceded him in death.

Reuben grew up helping his dad on the farm and ranch, and became an avid outdoorsman.  He loved hunting, fishing, riding horses, and as a youth, would participate in local rodeos held in the area.  He told stories of his beloved horse "Rabbit", whom he trained to lie down with him at night when he camped out on hunting trips.  After retiring, he and his wife, Emma traveled extensively and enjoyed camping with family and friends.

Reuben became employed at the Santa Rita mine at the age of 19.  He worked at various positions throughout the years and retired in 1985 as Foreman for the Truck, Dozer, and Tire Shop.  Prior to becoming a Foreman, Reuben was an active union member with the Steelworkers Local 890.  He served on the Santa Rita Grievance Committee and helped initiate the apprenticeship program at the mine and served on the Apprenticeship Committee for many years.

Reuben married Emma Galaz in 1947 and had been married for 73 years when Emma passed away on December 24, 2020.  He had five children and also raised a grandson.

He is survived in death by his children, Reuben Jr., Gloria Crespin, Ronald (Susan), Richard and Robert; nine grandchildren, Tammy, Tanya, Shayne, Susan, Russell, Cassidy, Promise, Callahan, and Robert Jr.; eight great grandchildren, Autumn, Alex, Violet, Harlo, Lucca, Knox, Nash, and Beau; one great-great grandchild, Adonis.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister, brother and one grandchild, Russell Montoya.

The holy rosary will be recited by Joel Ponzio on Tuesday, March 5th at 9:30am at Santa Clara Catholic Church.  The memorial mass will follow at 10am with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. Concluding service and inurnment will follow at San Lorenzo Cemetery.

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 .

Pete Lozano Salas, Jr., of Bayard, passed away January 29, 2024 in Bayard, NM.
Pete was born June 30, 1969 in Silver City to Pete Salas and Theresa Gomez
Pete is survived by his parents, Manny and Theresa Garcia; three sons, Michael Ortega, Dominic Ortega, and Anthony Salas; as well as three sisters, Yvette Michelle (Bruce) Carbajal, Martha (Ernie) Garcia, and Barbara Salas. He is also survived by nephews Eric, Matthew, Adrian, Matthew Jacob, nieces Renetta, Antonia, Kim (Heather), Angelica and Arelysa. 

Please join the family of Pete Jr. to honor his life.  A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Victory Assembly of God, 413 Pinion St., Santa Clara NM to remember this wonderful man.  Inurnment will follow at the Santa Clara Cemetery. 
Please bring your fondest memories of Pete Jr. to share with family and friends.

Bobby "Bubba" Smrkovsky, 75, longtime resident of Deming passed away Sunday February 25, 2024 in Las Cruces.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bobby "Bubba" Smrkovsky, please visit our floral store.

Dolores "Dodo" Morales Teague, 61, resident of Deming passed away Sunday February 25, 2024 in El Paso, Texas.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dolores "Dodo" Morales Teague, please visit our floral store.

Raul Arroyos Carbajal, 89, a longtime resident of Deming entered eternal rest on Sunday, February 25, 2024 in El Paso, TX surrounded by his loving family.

Raul was born December 15, 1934 in Ascension, Chihuahua, Mexico to Feliciano Arroyos and Eulalia Carbajal. He was a very hard worker and was an agriculture laborer for many years and worked very hard to provide for his family. Raul lived a very hard life growing up but was able to get past many obstacles throughout his life, which made him a very strong, kind, friendly, loving, wise and humble man. He will always be remembered and cherished as a very loving and caring husband to his wife, father to his children and grandfather to his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Maria Madrid, Martha (Juan) Gutierrez, Socorro Torres, Esperanza Arroyos (Arturo Camuñez) and Cecila Arroyos; 3 sisters Alica Saenz, Celia, and Armida Arroyos; as well as his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Raul is preceded in death by his parents Feliciano and Eulalia; his spouse Socorro Arroyos; a grandson Jorge Mantansillas; 3 great-grandchildren Itzamor Escobar, Erick and Angel Bencomo; 2 son-in-law's Jose Torres and Jose Madrid and 6 siblings.