Obituaries

Elsie Galaz Roman, 106, was born to Manuel and Margarita (Valencia) Galaz on April 18, 1919, in San Lorenzo, New Mexico. 

At fourteen years of age, she was enrolled by her father at St. Mary's Academy in Silver City, NM until she graduated.  She was mentored and supervised by St. M. Borromeo.  She was always overwhelmed by St. Borromeo's wisdom and knowledge.  During this period of time, she learned much about life from her peers, family and faculty.  Working at St. Mary's helped pay for tuition, dorm, etc.  Upon graduation as Valedictorian, she received a scholarship to attend Marymount College in Kansas City. 

During these times, the Great Depression was occurring.  She instead attended Western New Mexico University and worked with professors to pay tuition.  She was living in San Lorenzo during these times.  She was given permission to ride an old school bus from the Acklin Store.  She would walk the two miles in inclement weather to catch the bus. 

While at WNMU, she was tapped into Cardinal Key Women's Educational Fraternity.  After three intense years of teacher training classes, her requirements were met.  She was hired at the age of 18 to begin teaching.  She had taught K-8 grades, special education, bi-lingual, physical education and was one of the First Women coaches in Cobre Schools.  She earned a B.S. degree and a Masters in Elementary education and became a principal after obtaining a Masters in Administration Degree.  She taught in San Lorenzo, San Juan, Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces and Bayard.  She was inducted into the WNMU Education Hall of Fame in 1995. 

Nonie Nicole Arvizo, 40, a resident of Lordsburg, NM, entered eternal rest Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Elsie Galaz Roman, 106, a resident of San Lorenzo, NM, entered eternal rest Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Millies Assisted Living in Silver City, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777

Lou Dell Margaret Waters Ruskey-Halsey

Dec 28, 1931 to Aug 17, 2025

Lou Dell Margaret Waters Ruskey-Halsey passed away Sunday morning Aug 17th at 8:54am and is now on her final celestial journey.  Her end of life suffering is over.  Her long life is a cause for recognition and celebration. She lived a full and colorful life -- as mother, grandmother, (and now great-grandmother), as sister and aunt; as painter, opera singer, piano player, and social worker.  She was a pioneer, like her ancestors, who crossed the Great Plains with a team of oxen during the westward expansion. But she converted that trailblazing zeal into her own children, her community, and her artwork.  She hailed from 6-generation Colorado family.  She helped pull herself and her family upwards out of the Great Depression by the straps of her cowgirl boots, with a keen sense of morality and a do-good work ethic in the tradition of the Rocky Mountain West.  She is mother of 8 children, 9 grandchildren, and so far, 3 great-grandchildren with her first husband, Francis "Frank" Ruskey (married 24 years, 1952-1976).  She is step mother to 2 stepsons and 3 step-granddaughters with her second husband, Gary Ruskey-Halsey (married 34 years 1991-2025).

Rafael "Ralph" M. Medina Sr, 69, of Silver City passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, TX. Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rafael "Ralph" Martinez Medina Sr, please visit our floral store.

William Curtis Keith, 62, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 29, 2025. Curtis was born on January 4, 1963 to William Clarence Keith and Lula Elizabeth Stevenson. Curtis was preceded in death by his father, Willliam Keith, his wife, Pam Keith and his stepson, Curtis Wayne Allen.

Curtis was a Commercial Glider Pilot and an avid hunter and fisherman. He had many hobbies he enjoyed, he loved to cook for those he loved and was always happy to play guitar and sing for anyone who wanted to listen.

He is survived by his mother, Lula Keith of Deming; his son, Kevin (Candice) Keith and their 2 children, Meadow and Willow of Texas; a stepdaughter, Melissa (Ken) Ballard and their 2 children, Kendra and Wilbur of Texas; a stepdaughter-in-law, Nancy Allen and her child, Kelsie and a great grandson, Owen; 4 brothers, Robert (Connie) Keith of Deming, Kendall (Christy) Keith of Texas, Clinton (Tammy) Keith of Deming, and Pamela Richins of Deming. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Curtis will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Curtis until we meet again.

Tiburcio F. Barreras Jr, 75, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces. Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tiburcio Felix Barreras Jr, please visit our floral store.

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. 

Daryl lived in Wallace County, Kansas, for 31 years. While he lived there, he was a rancher/farmer. Then he moved to NM in 1972. He worked for James Hamilton Construction for 26 years.

He liked going to the casinos and watching college football Kansa State and Kansas University. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports.

Daryl had a personal relationship with the Lord. God is our comfort during this time, and the Lord is close to the broken hearted, he rescues us when our spirits are crushed. Daryl would want us to know to turn to the Lord for comfort, don't be sad as he is going home.