Obituary notices.

Maria Baca Torres, age 93, a resident of Deming, NM

TorresMariaMaria Baca Torres, age 93, Deming resident, entered Eternal Rest on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Las Cruces, NM surrounded by her family.

Maria was born December 31, 1930, in Dwyer, NM to Ramon and Ramona (Chanez) Baca. In 1952, she married Hector G. Torres, and together they relocated to Deming, NM, in 1963. Maria and Hector were married for 24 years until his passing in 1976. She lived in Deming for the remainder of her life.

Maria was first and foremost a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother, known for her remarkable resilience, strength of character, and perpetual kindness. She cherished cooking for her family, consistently offering them delicious home-cooked meals either freshly prepared or stocked in advance. These thoughtful gestures reflected her deep commitment to family unity and their absence will leave an irreplaceable space. Maria was incredibly sociable and never missed an opportunity to attend any family gathering, especially if it included music and dancing.

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Helen J. Trujillo, 95, a resident of Deming, NM

TrujilloHelenHelen J. Trujillo, 95, Deming resident went home to our Lord and Savior on Monday, May 6, 2024. She was born in Colfax County on September 6, 1928.

Helen was a devoted wife and loving mother. She retired from the Deming Public Schools, some of her life achievements were, she received her black belt in Karate, she loved to crochet, and she participated in the Senior Olympics, loved playing bingo, and enjoyed working on puzzles.

Those left to cherish her memories include her sister, Becky Quintana (Laudente); her children, Cipriano Chavez (Maria), Tony Trujillo (Nancy), Beatrice (Jerry) Kerr, Dominic Trujillo, and daughter in law Linda. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Trujillo; a son, Michael Trujillo; her mother, Beatriz Chavez, and her siblings, Cipriano Chavez Sr., and Elsie Chavez Le Doux.

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Francisco "Frankie " Flores, 65, a resident of Lordsburg, NM - pending

Francisco "Frankie " Flores, 65, longtime Lordsburg resident passed away Sunday May 12, 2024 in Lordsburg.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francisco "Frankie" Flores, please visit our floral store.

Joan Julia Judd, 71, a resident of Cliff, NM

Joan Julia Judd, 71, a resident of Cliff, NM, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, NM.  She was born on October 21, 1952 to her parents, Forrest Glen and Carolyn (Lambert) Judd in Indianapolis, IN. 

Joan loved her cats, rock hunting and riding her horse. 

She is survived by her daughter, Tasha Monique Donaldson (Clay) of Cliff, NM; her grandchildren, Ashtyn, Hayli, Sam, Janie, Khloe, and Remington Donaldson.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Joan will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 11:00am at Cliff-Gila Mesa Cemetery in Gila, NM.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .

Scott Eldon Dayley, 36, a resident of Silver City, NM

DayleySScott Eldon Dayley, 36, a resident of Silver City, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at his residence.  He was born to his parents Anthony Scott and Rubie Dee (Grimes) Dayley in Albuquerque, NM on August 24, 1987.

Scott was a man who was loved by all. His personality was infectious with laughter. He showed love and compassion to everyone he came across. He would give the jacket off his back to someone in need and put himself in harm’s way, if it meant he could help someone. His biggest love was his family and his three children.  He may have been big and intimidating but underneath that was a soft cuddly teddy bear who loved with his heart. Losing him will leave a hole in many lives.

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Johnny Sosaya, 70, a resident of Bayard, NM

SosayaJohnnyJohnny Sosaya, 70, a resident of Bayard, NM, entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 6, 2024 at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, NM.  He was born in Artesia, NM on September 21, 1953.

Johnny was a good person who loved fishing and the outdoors.  He was son of Richard and Martha Sosaya. His brothers were David and Richard Jr. At the age of 12 he learned to play he drums where he later played in a band called The Do-Rights.  At the age of 18 he got a job as an apprentice for a surveyor.  He went to NMSU and got his degree and also taught at NMSU for a couple of years. He surveyed all over Grant County and finally became self-employed.

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Mona J. Britt, 96, a resident of Silver City, NM

BrittMMona J. Britt, 96, of Silver City passed away Friday, May 10, 2024 at Fort Bayard Medical Center. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.

Mona was born December 9, 1927 in Anderson, Indiana to Austin and Delma (Gold) Hungerford.

She is survived by her daughter and granddaughter. She was a community activist, always willing to help. Mona really loved cats. She received awards from the mayor of Los Angeles for community service. She was an LAPD investigator until she moved to Silver City where she wrote for El Reportero and ran for mayor of Silver City. She will be greatly missed.

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

Gale Robert Gifford, 65, a resident of Deming, NM

GiffordGGale Robert Gifford, 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Banner Hospital in Tucson, AZ.

Gale was born October 1, 1958 in Tyler, MN to Robert “Bob” and Alta (Johnson) Gifford. He grew up on the family farm in Russell, MN and graduated from Russell High School in 1977. Gale married Tammy Albright on October 2, 1982 and to this union had one daughter, Bridget. On March 1, 1993, Gale married his love, Judy Shannon and gained four children, Shawna, Nikki, Chad & Joli. Throughout his life, Gale was a man of many trades. He worked as a plumber in Tyler, MN for 8 years and soon owned and operated his own business. He later joined Schwan’s Food Sales which relocated him to New Mexico in 1985. With Gale’s wonderful attitude, friendliness, and hard work ethic he excelled at his door-to-door sales for the next 29 years and was absolutely adored by all his customers. For the next 10 years leading up to his passing, Gale worked in Morenci, AZ for Freeport-McMoRan as a haul truck driver in a copper mine and loved every minute of it.

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