Obituaries

Arturo Varrela Ortiz, 91. Deming resident passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Luna Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, surrender by his loving family.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Baca's Funeral Chapel at 9 o'clock in the morning. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will start at 10 o'clock in the morning led by Maria Lozano. Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Father Ivan Torres, officiating. Cremation to follow as were his wishes.

Arturo was born on May 1, 1935 in Temosachic, Chihuahua to Consuelo Ortiz Torres and Tomas Varela Enriquez. Arturo was one of the hardest working people you could ever meet. He took great pride in being able to work and help others, and he continued doing so until his final moments. He found joy in caring for his yard and watering his trees. When he finished working in his own yard, he would often head next door to find another project because there was always something that needed to be done. Arturo loved telling stories. Sometimes they grew a little bigger each time he told them, and even when we knew they couldn't possibly be true, we would simply smile and listen because those stories made him happy. Arturo liked doing things his own way, but behind that strong will was an even bigger heart.

Sheryl Ann Atwater 71, passed away, surrounded by her family, on June 22, 2026.

She was born November 20, 1954 in Alpine, Texas. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Silver City Crematory. 

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

WANDA CHARLENE AWTREY, age 72, of Rodeo, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026.  She was a devoted wife, loving mother and proud grandmother.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  We will carry her spirit and memory in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ted Ervin Awtrey; brother, Jack Essary; sons, John David Watkins (Rebecca), Shawn William Watkins (Leigh Anne), Thomas Wayne Awtrey; daughters, Tammy Lynn House (Harry), Tina Louise Wright (Steven); grandchildren, Brittany, Christopher, Bryan, Justin, Austen, Paul and Loran.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Gene Essary and Margaret Charlotte Essary; brother, William "Bill" Essary, Roy Essary, Calvin Essary and Edward Essary.

Wanda was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Graveside services will be Wednesday July 1, 2026 at 10 o'clock in the morning at the Middle Animas Cemetery with Kenneth Richins officiating.

Pallbearers will be Austen Watkins, Justin Watkins, Harry House, Steven Wright, Loran Struiksma, and Mike Wood.

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

Yvonne "Bonnie" Perez, 54, a resident of, Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Three Crosses Hospital, in Las Cruces, NM, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on February 8, 2026, in Tularosa, NM, to Roberto and Annie (Smith) Rodriguez. 

Bonnie spent her life devoted to her family.  She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, grandmother and friend, whose warm smile, peculiar smile and generous heart touched everyone she met. 

She enjoyed and loved her family.  Her bigger smiles came out when she was surrounded with her grandchildren, Alinea, Hondo and Angel.  That's when the grandma love spout came gushing out.  She always looked forward to family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving.  She enjoyed watching her sibling's families frow throughout the years.

Bonnie also included the Lord to be part of her life.  She happily found joy in worship and praising the Lord for all that he had given her in life.  At times she would say "I may not have much in life or I might not this or that to make it for the month, but I have learned to be grateful, thankful and love the Lord for my family, and what the Lord has blessed me with along the pathway of my life's journey".

William "Bill" D. Hovarter, 90, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026.  He was born on August 12, 1935, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Floyd and Dorothy Hovarter. 

He was one of seven children and is survived by his beloved sister, Ruthie Gilbreath.  A devoted family man.  Bill leaves behind his children, Victor Hovarter, Elizabeth Baumgartner, and Carlene Lewton.  He was also blessed with six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and twelve great-great grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1953-1957.  With his characteristic sense of humor, he often joked that he was the only sailor who served in the Navy without ever spending a day on a ship, having been assigned as a lifeguard.

Following his military service, Bill built a career as a truck driver and retired as a proud member of the Teamsters Union, with Consolidated Freightways serving as his final employer. 

Bill was never one to sit still.  He loved building and fixing things, served for many years as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and was constant presence at his children's sporting events and band performances.  His family could always count on him to lend a hand, offer practical advice, or tackle the next project.

Teddy Wayne Morgan, age 74, passed away on June 16, 2026.  He was born on November 7, 1951.

This writing is to remember and honor a man who meant so much to so many. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He was a helicopter mechanic.

He was a son, an uncle, and a loyal friend. Whether he was spending time outdoors searching for hidden treasures with his metal detector or enjoying the company of his friends at the Gila Senior Center, he found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved to shoot pool, play country music, dance, and ride around the Gila Valley on his little red scooter wearing a hard hat instead of a helmet. He passed away at Bill Evans Lake where he was waiting to watch the sunset and floating around on a tube with his friend Linn Talkat.  He had a medical event that took his life. He did not drown. He was breathing when Linn and some folks on the shore helped him out of the water.

Ruben "Rubidoo" Aguirre, 62, a resident of Deming, New Mexico, entered eternal rest on June 15, 2026, at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Ruben was born on March 1, 1964, in Deming, New Mexico, to Antonio Aguirre and Alice Arrey Ramirez.

Ruben is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Adriana Vasquez; his children, Sonia (Carlos), Cynthia (Gerardo), and Ruben Jr.; and his cherished grandchildren, Tiffanie, Carlos, Jozeline, and Jakiya. He is also survived by his mother, Alice Arrey Ramirez; his siblings, Virginia (Arturo), Tony (Cecilia), Richard (Marlene), and Ernesto Aguirre; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Three of his nieces held a special place in his heart and were like daughters to him: Gina, Eileen, and Monica.

He was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Aguirre, and his sister, Yolanda Aguirre.

Ruben was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend who loved his family deeply. He was known for his generous spirit and willingness to help anyone in need. Whether working on cars, tackling projects around the yard, or lending a helping hand, Ruben enjoyed staying busy and working with his hands.

Known by many as "Rubidoo" Ruben had a one-of-a-kind personality that brought joy, laughter, and warmth to those around him. His kindness, humor, and genuine heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He touched countless lives through his generosity and unwavering love for family and friends.

Yvonne "Bonnie" Perez, 54, a resident of, Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, June 17, 2026.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral and Crematory Chapels. "Trusted care for the ones you love"  ~ 575-537-0777.