Obituaries

BELIA CHAVEZ, 93, a longtime resident of Deming passed away Friday May 9, 2025 in the comfort of her home.

A celebration of her life will be Saturday May 17, 2025 at 10:30 in the morning at CitiLife Church.  Officiating will be Bishop Roberto Candelario and her son, Pastor Javier Cesar Chavez.  Concluding services and interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery. 

Mama Belia, as she was known by many was born March 3, 1932 in Ascension, Chihuahua, Mexico to Luis and Aurora (Corral) Fernandez.  She has been a resident of Deming for 69 years having moved here from Mexico. Belia and her husband Kino raised their family here and at one time they Pastored a church in Columbus for 12 years.  Her hospitality was well known in the community as she was an excellent cook and loved to host bible studies at her house.  She brought many to the Lord around her kitchen table while enjoying fresh tortillas and learning the gospel. 

Elgie (Gene)Booth, 82, a resident of Arenas Valley known as The Silver Dollar Cowboy entered eternal rest Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at his home in Arenas Valley, NM. He was born February 11, 1943 in Hatch NM. to his mother, Nancy (Blanche) Booth and his father Elgie Booth. 

He was a rancher and musician. He loved to write and sing his own music and was a favorite at open mic nights at the Buckhorn saloon and Opera house in Pinos Altos NM where he drew many a crowd. 

He is survived by his brother Jimmie Douglas Booth, his daughter Rebecca Lynn Booth, his nephew's, James Booth, (Paula) John Booth and Carl Nard and his nieces Brenda Hernandez, Lisa Brewer and Pamela Hebner.

Irene Jacquez Chavez, 80, a longtime Deming resident passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10 o'clock in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapel. The final interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Deacon Bill Holguin will be officiating.

Irene was born January 21, 1945 in Lordsburg, New Mexico to Gilbert Jacquez and Martha Porras. Irene began her career in education as a teacher's aide for kindergarten students. She began her teaching at Lewis Flats School which is now the Adobe Deli Steakhouse. Irene later continued her career with Bell School and retired after 30 years. She touched many families lives throughout the community with the many children she had taught. Irene was a very classy and professional woman and always dressed her best and had a love for her many shoes that had to match with every outfit. She enjoyed sewing, listening to music, visiting casinos as well as going out to eat a nice meal. Irene also enjoyed watching baseball, especially when her Los Angeles Dodgers were playing and even more so watching her grandchildren play baseball. What did she look forward to most was her Sunday dinners with her family. Irene will be very much missed by many.

Patricia Pittman Gaerttner, 96, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Theodore Wayne Koons, 86, resident of Deming passed away Wednesday April 30, 2025.  As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

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

Michael Keller, 67, a resident of Arenas Valley, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Silver City, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Hank Charles Bobo, 68, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, May 1, 2025 at his residence.  He was born on July 2, 1956 to his parents, Charles Estelle and Wanda Sue (King) Bobo in Rosenburg, TX. 

Hank was born and raised in central Texas. He moved to Silver City in 1987 and began working at Chino Mines. He retired from Chino and Tyrone after many years. He enjoyed his work and loved his family. With many grandchildren and great-grandchildren he always had company in his retirement. He loved having family get to gathers and lunch with his friends. Family was important throughout his life. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Braves. A loyal fan always.

He is survived by his loving wife, Laura Jean (Beck) Bobo; his sons, Michael Bobo (Ashley) of Silver City, NM, Jeremy Bobo of Silver City, NM; his daughter, Candi Johnson (Brandon) of Biloxi, MS; his niece, Natalie Gill of Silver City, NM; his brothers, Tommy Bobo (Michelle) of Big Spring, TX, Raymond Thomson of Lubbock, TX and Norman Thomson of Belton, TX; his sisters, Katherine Bobo of Temple, TX and Diana Thomson of Belton, TX; his twelve grandchildren; his three great-grandchildren; his numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son, Nicolas Bobo.

Howard Dean Blevins, 77, a Navy Veteran and resident of Silver City, NM, born August 8, 1947 to his parents, Everett Marion and Elizabeth (Valenzuela) Blevins in Ventura, CA.  Howard passed on the evening of May 1, 2025 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM due to complications of pneumonia and exposure to Agent Orange while in the Navy. Howard joined the US Navy in 1965 and after attending welding school in the Navy was stationed on the USS Vega, which made 5 tours to Viet Nam. He left the Navy in 1969. As a welder he worked mainly through his union, Local 484 out of Ventura, CA and many other places all across the United States.

Howard loved to read, garden, tend to his roses, work in the orchard and drive his tractor. But his biggest joy was Bluegrass music, which he began playing at the age of 13. In their 20's he and his brother Carl even started their own Bluegrass band called "The Cream of Kentucky." They played many localities in southern California. His favorite instrument was the banjo, but he was proficient on the guitar, bass and Dobro (Aija's mom referred to it as a "bedpan" guitar).