Gilbert Juarez, 80, a lifetime Deming resident passed away Tuesday October 31, 2017 at the Advanced Care Hospital of Southern New Mexico in Las Cruces.

Gilbert was born April 21, 1937 to Sostenes Ortiz in Deming. He served his country honorably in the National Guard Reserve. Gilbert was a lineman and over the years worked for Mountain Bell and eventually retired from Qwest. Gilbert was a member of the National Guard Rifle Team, a communicant of Saint Ann's Catholic Church and member of the Rio Mimbres County Club. He was an avid fan of the Deming Wildcats and loved to hunt. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and brought a smile to everyone he knew and met. He will truly be missed.

He is survived by his children, Isabel Juarez and companion Sammy Alvarez of Las Cruces, Irene Altamirano of Las Cruces, Gilbert Juarez Jr. and wife Debbie, Dini Ybarra and husband Albert, Rebecca Valdez and husband Jose all of Deming; Jonathan Juarez and wife Laura of Las Cruces; his brother Jimmy Ortiz of Deming;12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife, Consuelo Juarez on April 8, 2001 and son, Tony Juarez on June 13, 2015.

A rosary will take place Monday November 6, 2017 at 6 o'clock in the evening at Saint Ann's Catholic Church led by Lucia Montoya. Memorial mass will follow at 6:30 PM. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory.