Obituaries

Daryl Lee Shurtz, 84, a resident of Gila, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at his residence.  He was born June 18, 1941 to his parents, Clyde Raymond and Winnie May (Lowe) Shurtz at Goodland, Kansas. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Eisenbart); his two sons, Daryl Shurtz, Jr., of Gila, NM and C.J. Shurtz of Phoenix, AZ; his two daughters, Jenny Shurtz of Gila, NM and Jane Tibbs (Lee) of Gila, NM; his seven grandchildren, Matt (Beth), Justin, Joseph, Jimmy, Ray, Taylor (Hailey), Cody and Levi.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Shurtz; his sister, Roberta Ward. 

Ruth Bader Polanco, 90, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest Saturday August 23, 2025, at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, NM.  She was born August 18, 1935 to her parents, Josef and Barbara (Ruder) Bader, in Furth, Germany.   

An extremely strong and courageous woman, Ruth left her home country of Germany as a military wife in 1956. At the age of 21, with her kids in tow, she moved into her mothers-in-law's (Avelina Polanco) home in Gila N.M. Ruth spoke only German, Avelina only spoke Spanish. Yet together with a combined 5 kids in a two-bedroom house in Gila, they somehow made it work. Ruth eventually taught herself how to speak English by watching the show American Bandstand on T.V.

Ruth found tremendous joy in life through her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was always quick to tell anyone that would listen how proud she was of each and every one of them. Her home was the center of their universe, always open to anyone and was the gathering place for all things family.

Charles Gilbert Gardner Jr., also known as "Sonny" or "Charlie" to his friends and family, was born February 18, 1946 in Deming, New Mexico. Born to Charles Gilbert Gardner, Sr. and Lola May (Prestridge) Gardner, he was the baby and the only boy of the family. He had three older sisters, Dorothy Louise, Margaret Norene, and Geneva May Gardner. The Gardner's moved many times over the years, first moving from Deming to the Shrine Mine near Silver City, NM.

The Shrine became a beloved place that would hold a great importance and peace for many generations to come. The Gardner's' were known to many as a close-knit, hardworking family full of generosity, hospitality, and love. This was the foundation on which Sonny lived his life. After leaving the Shrine, the Gardner family moved to Silver City, then Hatchita, New Mexico and eventually Las Cruces, where he graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1964. He attended New Mexico State University and worked at his dad's service station. While working there, he got a call from his dad to go help a young woman on the interstate with a flat tire.

Alvino R. Chacon Jr, 42, of Hurley passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Gila Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alvino Ray Allen Chacon Jr, please visit our floral store.

Charles Gilbert Gardner Jr. 79, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Providence East in El Paso, Texas.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Kenneth "Kenny" Perrault, beloved father, brother, friend, and adventurer, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on December 18, 1962, Kenny lived a life filled with curiosity, hard work, and an unmatched love for the people and world around him.

As Kenny grew up, he spent any free time he had wandering in the mountains, Mimbres Valley, and knew the Gila better than most. He loved to get in whatever four-wheel drive he had and find some of the most harrowing places to explore. He loved a good thrill and adventure. He always found a running creek and had to get in and drink some cool, crisp water with his hands.

Kenny was one of the hardest workers you could ever meet and possessed a rare set of skills across many trades. In his professional life, he stood out as one of the best salesmen in his industry. As one of the owners of OnSale Tire stores in Las Cruces and later in other sales positions, he earned a reputation for excellence. Someone once said he could "sell ice to an Eskimo and keep them coming back for more," a testament to his talent, drive, and charm.

Maria Minerva Caballero, 70, Deming resident passed away at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, TX.

Maria was born in Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico to Angelita Gomez and Tomas Caballero. Maria moved to Deming in 1963, she was a communicant of the Catholic church and member of St. Ann's Catholic Church. Maria liked to read, loved her nieces and nephews and family gatherings.

She is survived by her siblings, Jose (Terri), Eddie (Corina), Gabriel (Sonia), Angel (Norma), Tomas and Flor (Darrell) Caballero; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tomas and Angelita Caballero.

Services will take place at a later day. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels.

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

Jesus Cardoza Hernandez,52 años, falleció el jueves 21 de agosto de 2025 en el Centro Medico Memorial en Las Cruces. 

La visitacion tendrá lugar el sabado, 23 de agosto del 2025 en el salon, de la Colonia Guadalupe Victoria. Misa de cuerpo presente sera el Domingo, 24 de Agosto del 2025 a las 3 de la tarde en la Iglesia catolica  Nuestra Señora de Fatima. De ahi se llevara a su lugar de descanso Eterno en el Cementerio del pueblo.

Chuy nació en Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, México, hijo de Paula Hernandez y Cipriano Cardoza. Era una persona muy bromista, alegre,le gustaba pasar tiempo con su familia y si alguien necesitaba ayuda el no dudaba en ayudar a las personas. Era muy querido por todos los que lo conocieron.