Obituaries

Paz Lopez, 90, a resident of Hurley, NM entered eternal rest Saturday, April 26, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

David Michael Gandara, 76 years old, passed away in his home, April 19th, 2025.  David was born on October 7th, 1948 to Antonio Pena Gandara and Virginia Gonzales Gandara in Silver City, New Mexico. 

 He is survived by his brother Gus (Pilar) Gandara of Las Cruces, NM and his sister Terry Leyva (Manuel) of Tucson Arizona.  David is also survived by his son Robert Gandara (Johni) of Lordsburg, NM and his daughter Nicole Gandara (Adrian) also from Lordsburg, he has 4 granddaughters Aryn, Tristyn, Taylor, and Ashlyn, one grandson Ryder, and one great granddaughter Madelyn and one great grandson Rhyan. 

David spent his early years in the National Guard and also worked for Phelps Dodge in Playas for many years.  He spent his later years working for The City TV Cable until his retirement. After retirement, David enjoyed visiting with his family and friends, listening to his favorite music, and watching his favorite television shows. David also enjoyed collecting music memorabilia of Fleetwood Mack, Stevie Nicks, and 50's and 60's music. 

Margaret Mae Ward,93, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. Cremation has taken place.

 A Memorial Service will be held at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Silver City. Inurnment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Ira Ward.

 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Mae (Morgan) Ward, please visit our floral store.

Richard Dale DeLeRee, born on March 13, 1940, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Richard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He dedicated his life to his family and community, always offering support and kindness to those around him. Throughout his life, he took great pride in his work and family. Richard was an avid car enthusiast who loved restoring cars back to their prime.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Maria DeLeRee; his nine children, Ricky DeLeRee, Jeffrey DeLeRee, Debbie (Jimmy) Heebner, George (Deana) DeLeRee, Jennifer (Rick) Perry, Michael DeLeRee, Christie Escarcega, Heather (Billy Roy) Harris, and Matthew DeLeRee, as well as with 23 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Richard is also remembered by his sister, Lina Jackson, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Minnie Bloomer; 3 siblings, Robert, Charlie, and Patricia, along with a great-grandson, AJ.

Dianna McGinn, 78, of Silver City passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Genesis Silver City Care Center. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Service arrangements are pending.

 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dianna (Doitchinoff) McGinn, please visit our floral store.

On April 15, 2025, Mary Lou Stene (Arenibas) entered eternal rest peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. Mary Lou was born on January 25, 1965 to Edward and Patsy Arenibas in Deming, New Mexico.

Mary Lou's greatest joy was spending time with her granddaughters Sophia and Emilia, who brought endless light to her life. She had a love for arts and crafts, cooking, and baking—especially her famous biscochos, which were always a favorite among friends and family. Mary Lou also enjoyed shopping and had an extraordinary way of making everyone around her feel valued and seen. Her warm spirit, unwavering positivity, and thoughtful nature made her the ultimate cheerleader and the most generous gift giver—never missing a single detail.

Emmitt Glenn Shepard, born April 13, 2010 in Silver City, NM passed in an ATV accident on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Mimbres, NM.

Emmitt was very unique and creative.  He loved to make people laugh.  He lived life on his own terms and had no fear.  He was an old soul and enjoyed learning about history.  He loved the outdoors, trains, trucks, music, and his family and friends.  He spent many hours riding his beloved four-wheeler.  He loved helping people and bringing positivity to others.  He stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves.  He recently found fishing and enjoyed his time at the local lakes.  He had an impact on everyone he encountered.  Music spoke to him and he liked to share his "new" finds with anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his father, William "Wayne" Shepard; his mother, Wanda (Shepard) Sleep; his brother, Chris Shepard; maternal grandmother, Ann Sleep; paternal grandmother, Patty Shepard; three uncles, Wayne Sleep, Cody Shepard, and JJ Wood; and adopted uncle, Justin (Vickie) Toney; great aunt Barbara Weaver; cousins, Amanda, Abigail, and Allison Sleep.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, George Shepard; maternal grandfather, Melvin "Sonny" Sleep; two uncles, Christopher Shepard and Gypsy Weaver.

Henry John Minach, 103, longtime Deming resident passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at his home.

 Henry was born April 11, 1922 in Prince George, VA to John Minach and Mary Kossuth. He attended school in Prince George, VA. In September of 1942 he enlisted into the United States Army and served his country during World War II. He was then honorably discharged in February of 1946. Henry met and married the love of his life Thelma Lee Waldrop on June 11, 1945 in Deming, NM. They were married for 75 years until her passing in 2020. Henry was a longtime member of the Ninth Street Church of Christ and was a farmer for Red Mountain for many years. Henry will be deeply missed by his loved ones.

 He is survived by his 2 children Lucille Smallwood and Tim Minach; 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Henry was preceded in death his parents John and Mary Minach; his spouse, Thelma Minach; 2 brothers, Paul Minach and Ben Minach; as well as a sister, Irene Voda.