Obituaries

Obituary – George "Jack" Benson, 6-6-1925 to 1-29-2025
Retired Navy pilot Jack Benson drew his last breath on January 29, 2025, just five months shy of his 100th birthday. Jack died peacefully in his sleep at home under the tender care of his loyal life partner and co-adventurer of 36 years, Joyce Newman.

George Albert "Jack" Benson was born on June 6, 1925 in Kansas City, MO. The middle child of five siblings, Jack grew up in Baltimore, MD. The first in his family to graduate from college, he received his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland.

After graduation, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for 27 years until he retired as a Commander in 1975, having been awarded dozens of service medals. As a pilot and flight instructor, Jack flew P-2 aircraft and compiled 6,000 flight hours doing reconnaissance missions in and around Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

Alex Barragan Provencio, 73, of Silver City passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Visitation will begin at five o'clock in the evening on Monday, February 10, 2025 at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Silver City. The Holy Rosary and Prayer Vigil led by Deacon Bill Holguin will take place at six o'clock. The Mass of Christian Burial for Alex will be held at ten o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at St. Francis Newman Center in Silver City. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery. Father Ephraim Ezulike will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Frank Arias, Jacob Rodriguez, Austin Alcorta, A.J. Parra, Joe Ray Diaz, and Reagan Hernandez.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Leyva Chavez on January 28, 2025, in Las Cruces, NM, following a prolonged hospital stay. Tom was born on June 14, 1950, in Lordsburg, NM, to Federico Sambrano Chavez and Patricia Cruz Chavez, both of Lordsburg. Tom had a successful career in the copper mining industry, earning the respect of his colleagues, and developed lifelong friendships along the way. He volunteered his time with the Optimist Club, coordinating the wind sail races, rifle shooting competitions, and taught Hunter Safety courses.

Tom was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his brother, Freddy Chavez (Millie) of Safford, Arizona, and his sister, Mary Ryan (Tom) of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Tom shared 57 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Beverly Chavez. Together, they raised two children: Tommy E Chavez (Tracy) of Lordsburg and Patricia Y Chavez (Joe) of Las Cruces. Tom was a proud grandfather to Aimee, Thomas, Brandon, Joshua, and Joseph, and a great-grandfather to Jaycee, Jackson, James, and Everleigh. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Emerlinda Foust.

Lorenza Beatriz Urenda, 68, longtime Deming resident entered eternal rest on Friday, January 31, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will begin Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 10 to 11 o'clock in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapel. The holy rosary will then be recited at 11 and will be led by Marisol Perez. The Mass of Chirstian burial will commence at 12 o'clock noon at St. Ann's Catholic Church with the rite of committal and interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Peter Okonkwo will be officiating.

Lorenza was born July 8, 1956 in Nuevo Casa Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico to Guadalupe Apodaca and the father figure that raised her Arturo Velasquez. Lorenza was a very kind and friendly woman and was able to make many friends during her life. She loved cooking and always had food on the table for her family and all who entered her home. She also enjoyed crocheting, drinking coffee with her friends and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Lorenza was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church and was a devoted catholic and assisted her church in many ways.

Raul Edward Morales "Gumby" 51, Lifelong resident of Deming, New Mexico passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 30,2025.

A viewing for Raul will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 5 to 7 o'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapel. A funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11 o'clock in the morning at the First Baptist Church in Deming. The final interment will follow at mountain view cemetery.

Raul Edward Morales, also known as "Gumby" by many, was born September 18,1973 in Deming, New Mexico to Ramiro Morales and Esther Baca. Raul was a very loving, helpful, down to earth man to many of his peers. He enjoyed turning wrenches, and working on vehicles, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend in need of some mechanic work. He enjoyed cooking and having cookouts with all his friends and family. He also loved music and even though he was not the most talented guitar and pianist, he at least tried his best to play a good tune. Raul also enjoyed fishing and drawing on his free time. But what he loved most was his 2 daughters and always had a good joke for them "I'M THE KING ACROSS THE TRACKS". Raul will forever be missed by many who loved and cared for him. He will never be forgotten.

David Lee Burns bid farewell to the pleasures, duties and struggles of earth on Thursday, August 29, 2024. That was only 81 years, 6 months, 2 weeks and 5 ½ days ago, that he was born and welcomed into the home of Jesse Willard Burns and Lavada Jamima Barto Burns in Superior, Arizona.

Three months later the family moved to the Carton and Grant County areas where David's dad was employed in different occupations ranging from mining to ranching. Ranch life was "kinda hard" but David and his sisters changed the chores into games that he remembered fondly. David and his dad managed a ranch for H. Bronson McKeen. It was like 2 ranches-one was basically raising cattle while the other, along with the cattle, was a bit of a farm where hay, grain, and vegetables were grown and that is where the ranch and farm equipment were maintained.

Jerry Eagan, 77, a Retired Air Force Veteran and resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Fort Bayard Medical Center in Santa Clara, NM. Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Jacob "Randy" Randolph Miller, 103, an Army Veteran and resident of Mimbres, NM entered eternal rest on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at his residence. Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.