Obituary notices.

Dillon Stone, 93, a resident of Santa Clara, NM

StoneDDillon L. Stone, born January 1, 1930, left this world December 1, 2023.  Born in West Plains, Missouri, she moved with her family to Central, New Mexico at the age of 8.  She attended Central Elementary and Silver High School.

Upon graduating from Silver High School at the age of 16, she married Jimmy Stone on June 6, 1946.  On September 14, 1947, they welcomed Linda Jeanne Stone into the family, and on August 4, 1952, Mike Stone was an addition to the family.

As soon as Mike began school, Dillon started college, graduating in 1962, with a teaching degree.  She then began her career teaching biology, English, and history, first at Silver High School and later at Cobre High School.  Dillon taught for 25 years, and never regretted a moment.  Her greatest achievement was the love and admiration her students had for her.  When out in public, she was often recognized by her former students who went out of their way to greet her.  She was a member of the Western New Mexico University Education Hall of Fame.

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Luis "Rick" Fernandez, 65, a resident of Las Cruces, NM - pending

Luis "Rick" Fernandez, 65, of Las Cruces, NM passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Memorial Medical Center. Arrangements are pending under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Luis "Rick" Fernandez, please visit our floral store.

Mary Sonka, 76, a resident of Bayard, NM

SonkaMMary Sonka, 76, passed away December 5, 2023, at Fort Bayard Medical Center following a long cruel battle with dementia.

Mary was a strong, hardworking and fierce woman (Just ask the nurses at Ft. Bayard).  She solely raised and supported her three children.  Mary prided herself in being able to provide for her family.  She had a great love for animals.  Her home was always filled with loving animals, they were as much family as her children.  Mary worked for Duval Mines in Sahuarita, AZ when her children were little then went on to working for IBM building computers until their office in Tucson closed.  She ended her working career driving haul trucks at Chino Mines.  On her time off you could find her cruising on her Harley Davidson raising hell.

Mary is survived by her three children, Travis Jones (Cynthia), Jim Lugar (Anita) and Belinda McKeighen (Manny); four grandchildren, Kasey McKeighan (Alex), Michael Arsola, Alyssa Arsola (Steven), and Maryssa Arsola; two great-grandchildren, Vivian and Camren McKeighen.

Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Funeral Chapels.  Private Services are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Nadine Sonka, please visit our floral store.

Dora Munoz, 93, a resident of Hurley, NM - pending

Dora Munoz, 93, of Hurley passed away on November 23, 2023 at her residence.  Services are pending with Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dora Silva Munoz, please visit our floral store.

Thomas Michael Vaughan, 69, a resident of Silver City, NM

VaughanTThomas Michael Vaughan born April 6, 1954 in Santa Rita, New Mexico was called to his Divine Appointment with our Savior on Thursday, November 30, 2023.  He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Franklin, his mother, Flossie Jewel, his brothers, Tommy Dee, Stanley Ray, Teddy Floyd, and his sister, Billie Maxine, as well as his two brothers in-law, Thomas William and Jim Moore.  He leaves behind his wife, Geri, three sons, Paul and his wife Amy, Jeremy and his wife Victoria, and Daniel and his wife Lydia, and his six grandchildren; Tomas, Zalia, Osias, Tommy, Caleb, and Liam. 

Mike was married 49 years ago to Geri Lynn on October 28, 1974 and raised their three sons.  Mike lived to see all of his sons married, raising children, and serving twenty year careers in the New Mexico State Police.  The greatest gift Mike gave to his three sons was to tell them of the grace, sovereignty, and love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. 

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Anthony Greensward, 70, a resident of Santa Clara, NM - pending

Anthony Greensward, 70, a resident of Santa Clara, NM, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at his residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Helen Young, 94, a resident of Silver City, NM

Helen Young, age 94, went to the arms of Jesus on November 28, 2023 at her home.

Helen is survived by her husband of 76 years, Marvin Young.  She had a loving Christian impact on her family of four children, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, seven grandchildren, their spouses and 16 great-grandchildren.  We are confident she is singing in the Glory of God.

No services are planned at this time.

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

Sara Louise Maes, 60, a resident of Santa Clara, NM

maesobit1 copySara Louise Maes, 60, a resident of Santa Clara, NM went into the arms of our Lord alongside her mother, Mary Lou Maynes, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at her residence. She was born July 23, 1963 in Grants, NM to Leroy Maes and Mary Lou Ortega.

Sara was a devoted daughter, loving mother, caring sister and above all an amazing grandmother. She was a talented cook who was well known for her Mexican cuisine and baking. She loved her time at the Silver City Senior center where she was a cook. She would have fun gambling, fishing and attending bingos. She often showed her adoration for her family and loved ones. Her most enjoyed time was hanging out with her grandchildren and her companion. Her laugh and beauty will forever live on in her family's hearts.

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