Obituaries

Margarito Castro Estrada

1943–2026

Margarito C. Estrada, a lifelong resident of Deming, New Mexico, passed away October 9, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Born March 27, 1943 to Alberto Juarez Estrada and Susana Castro Estrada, he loved his hometown and the beautiful landscapes of southwestern New Mexico.

Margarito is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Elizabeth Estrada. She cared for him immensely and always stayed by his side. Her steady hand brought calm into their lives. Together they shared four children: Emanuel Estrada, Abraham Estrada, Ramiro Olmos, and Elizabeth Olmos. He is also survived by his older children, Tommy Estrada, James Estrada, and Dolores Widner; 19 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom adored him.

Margarito treasured a simple life and found his greatest joy in time spent with family. Camping, fishing, and crafting were among his favorite pastimes, and he passed that love on to his children. His hand decorated yucca sticks could be found in homes of family and friends, as he lovingly gifted them as they were finished. He especially enjoyed the surrounding countryside and could often be found fishing with family at Bill Evans Lake, or Lake Roberts. The Florida Mountains, Cook's Peak, or another scenic spot in southwestern New Mexico is where he enjoyed the wildlife, yucca flowers, or a day of rockhounding.

Leanor Montes Peña, 90, resident of Conroe, TX, will be greatly missed. God called his good and faithful servant home on Saturday, October 3, 2026. She was born on July 14, 1936, to Manuel B. Montes and Antonia Valencia in Silver City, NM.

She married the love of her life, Daniel S. Peña, on November 18, 1956. Together, they shared their love for almost 65 years, raised 11 children, and often opened their doors to others in need of a safe place to live. Mom helped raise many of her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Deacon Daniel S. Pena; four brothers, Joe Montes, Fred Montes, Ben Montes and Luciano Montes; six sisters, Lucy Luera, Leonides Muñoz, Luisa Martinez, Ruth Hernandez, Evelyn Madrid Pino and Eppie Hernandez.

She is survived by eleven children, Cristine Pena, Cathy Colunga (Jorge Brusa), Martha (Daniel) Makar, Edward (Regina) Pena, Manuel Pena, Pablo Pena, Mary (Tom) Sedita, Daniel (Faride) Pena, Arturo Pena, Virginia (Cris) Dettmer, and Carmen (Jimmy) Nitiparsong; one brother, Sam Montes and two sisters, Mary Salazar and Lydia (Harold) Faber. She is also survived by 30 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Leanor was lovingly referred to as Nora, Mom, Tita, Grandma, Meemaw and Bisa uela uela. She will be forever loved.

Austin Alan Walsmith, 30, passed away on Sept 16, 2026, in Silver City, NM. He was born on November 2, 1995, to Alan Walsmith and Bernadette Grijalva in Silver City, NM.

Austin loved music, being outdoors, and making those around him laugh. He was very passionate about his family and church involvement. His loving and playful spirit brightened the lives of all that knew him.

Austin was and will be remembered as a good son, big brother, father, cousin, nephew and great friend to many that crossed his path

He is survived by his father Alan Walsmith (Claire Walsmith) of Silver City, Mother Bernadette Grijalva of Silver City. Grandparents Frank and Doris Walsmith. Siblings Nalani Walsmith, Caralee Walsmith, Brandon Hurley, and a daughter, Armani Walsmith. Austin is also survived by Anaya and Ezekiel whom he loved and helped raise as his own. 

Victor "Chapo" Montaño 

An obituary is not available at this time for Victor "Chapo" Benito Alderete Montaño. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

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Margarito Castro Estrada, 83, lifelong resident of Deming passed away Friday October 9, 2026.  Arrangements are pending.

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

Rosemary McDonald, 85, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Friday, October 9, 2026, at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

Consuelo Gandara Muñoz, 88, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family.  She was born January 2, 1938 in Mogollon, NM to Merced Gandara and Odelia Garcia.

(Recently written by Consuelo before her passing)

On a cold winter night, January 2, 1938, I began my earthly journey as the first child of Merced and Odelia Gandara. I was born in Mogollon, New Mexico, in Catron County, and lived there for five years. When the gold mines closed, Mogollon became a ghost town, and our family moved to Silver City to join other family members who had also left Mogollon. By the time I was five, I had two brothers, Merced and Manuel, who were born in Mogollon. In Silver City, my sister Lydia was born, and I also had a little brother, Richard, who passed away at just six months old.

I lived a very quiet, uneventful life-happy and peaceful. There were a few bumps along the road, mostly illness and the loss of family members. For a while, there were some difficult times. Then two young men knocked on our door. They were missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They began teaching our family about the gospel. My dad was not ready at first and resisted the idea of joining the Church, but things changed, and eventually he and my mom accepted the gospel. From then on, my life continued to be good, quiet, peaceful, and happy one. I did not travel the world. I wasn't famous. I wasn't anything extraordinary, and it never mattered to me that I didn't have what some people might call an exciting or eventful life. Mine was quiet, and I was happy with that.

Elaine Torres

June 17, 1956 – September 22, 2026

Elaine Torres, 70, of Phoenix, Arizona, peacefully entered into eternal life on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at John C. Lincoln Medical Center. She was surrounded by the love of her family, with her daughters Loren and Monica, her grandson Isaac, her sisters Patricia "Patty" and Annette, and other loving family members by her side.

Born on June 17, 1956, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Cruz A. Torres and Lillian (Carrasco) Torres, Elaine was the eldest of their four children. She was a longtime resident of Mesa, Arizona. A proud veteran, she completed her service in the United States Navy in 1975 and later served in the Army Reserve.