Obituaries

Sterling Burk: A Master of the Scenic Route

Sterling Hilton Burk (July 17,1971-March 4, 2026) was a man who never let a short story get in the way of a good one.  Born in Lamar, Colorado, to Kinan and Sandra (Ruebush) Burk, Sterling was raised in Deming and graduated from Deming High School.

To sit down with Sterling was to buckle up for a "Sterling Story", a legendary narrative journey that began with a simple fact and blossomed into a thousand somewhat related details.  He had a way of getting so sidetracked that he'd eventually forget where he'd even started.  But by then, it didn't matter; you were just happy to be along for the ride.  These adventures were fueled by his laugh, a loud and unmistakable chuckle that was both difficult to describe and impossible to forget.  He would laugh so hard he'd have to stop, lean back, and gasp for air, just to keep going.  It was a sound that didn't just fill a room, it invited everyone else to feel the same joy he did.

Johnny G. Sosaya, 76, of Santa Clara passed away March 4, 2026 in Las Cruces.  Funeral Service arrangements are pending at Baca's Funeral Chapels. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnny G. Sosaya, please visit our floral store.

Ricardo Padilla Jr., 68, better known as "Boy", "Rich", or "Coach Padilla", lived an adventurous and joyful life.

He was born in Silver City, New Mexico, on March 27, 1957, to Ricardo "Dickie" Padilla and Isidra "Chila" Padilla.  He grew up and lived throughout the Southwest and West Coast, including Tucson, Arizona; San Jose, California; Silver City, Hurley, and Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Boy passed away peacefully at home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with his loving wife and family by his side during the lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Maria "Avi" G. Padilla; his children, Anthony Padilla, Erico Padilla, Alyssa Padilla and husband Chris Edwards, David Rodriguez, and Olivia Rodriguez; his grandchildren, Marcus Padilla,(Sabrina), Elizabeth Herrera, Allison Herrera, Jayden Herrera, Jared Rodriguez, and Isabella Rodriguez; and his great-grandchild, Colton Padilla; He is also survived by his siblings, Emilia Padilla, Stevan Padilla (Brenda), Evangeline Montoya (Mike), Sara Montoya, Rachel Gallosa,(Hector) and Lisa Trewern. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dickie and Chila Padilla, his brother-in-law John Trewern, and his nephew Eddie Montoya.

Ina Polk, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, March 5, 2026, at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Kenneth Hutchins, 90 a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, March 5, 2026, at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

 Robert Dean Burchfield, 42, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at La Posada Assisted Living in Las Cruces, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Debra (Debbie) Grado Flores who left us too soon February 21, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona at age 71.

Debbie was born on December 14, 1954 in Silver City, NM to Max and Emilia (Millie) Flores.

Debbie was a devoted Mother, Daughter, Sister, Grandmother and friend. She lived a life defined by kindness, strength, faith, laughter and patience. She had a special

love for cooking amazing meals for family and friends. She was always a very giving and helpful woman to all. Her presence brought warmth and comfort to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by siblings: Sandra Flores, Yolanda Escobar (Richard), Belinda Cohn (Frankie), Cynthia Zamora(Mike), Rhonda Torres (Alfonso) Max Flores Jr (Anna)

David Loren Nelson, 69, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2026, in Gilbert, Arizona.

Born on December 6, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah, he moved to Silver City, New Mexico, in his high school years and graduated from Silver High School in 1975. He attended college at the University of New Mexico and graduated with a degree in Agronomy from New Mexico State University. He obtained his masters and PhD from the University of Minnesota. David went on to work in the seed industry.

David was known for his humor, kindness and generosity. He loved music, fishing, boating and golfing. He was a huge sports fan—in particular the Minnesota Vikings. Nothing brought him more joy than his children and grandchildren.

David is survived by his wife Cindy (nee Nevins), his sons Erik (Brandi) and Jared as well as his two granddaughters Madeline and Leora. He leaves behind two brothers, Kim Nelson and Joel (Tami) Nelson as well as nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his Friday night happy hour friends. David was preceded in death by his parents Grant and Marilyn Nelson, his sister Kristie Clevenger, and his brother Kirk Nelson.