Socorro Chaparro Medina "La Hormiga", 92, a resident of Silver City, entered eternal rest on, Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Fort Bayard Medical Center. He was born on July 22, 1933, to Juan Medina and Maria DeLaCruz Medina, in La Noria, Parral Chihuahua, Mexico. He migrated to the United States as a Bracerro.
It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father and cherished grandfather Socorro Chaparro Medina "La Hormiga", whose kindness, strength, and unwavering support shaped the lives of all who knew him.
He was a man who found joy in the simple, meaningful moments in family gatherings filled with laughter, quiet conversations that offered wisdom, and the pride he felt watching his children and grandchildren grow. He had a deep love for the mountains, where he found peace and purpose, often spending time camping beneath open skies and cutting wood with his own hands. Through these moments, he taught those around him the value of hard work, discipline, and self-reliance, lessons that will carry on for generations.
He worked as an underground miner at UV Sharon Steel, now known as Cobre Mines, and then started his own business as a wood cutter for over 40 years, he sold to wood yards, in Albuquerque, NM, Las Cruces, NM, Socorro, NM, and the Grant County area. A role that reflected his strength, resilience, and unwavering work ethic.
As a husband, he was a pillar of strength, faithfully providing for and protecting the love of his life. As a father, he was a steady guide, offering patience, encouragement, and a sense of security that never wavered. As a grandfather, he was a source of warmth and delight, always ready with a story, a joke, or a comforting presence.
His legacy lives on in the values he instilled: compassion, integrity, perseverance, and the importance of family above all else. He taught by example, showing what it meant to live with humility, work with dedication, and love without condition. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit remains in the memories we hold and the love he gave so freely.
A life so well lived leaves behind a lasting imprint—one of love, strength, and quiet grace.
He is lovingly survived by his querida, linda, hermosa, his beloved wife of 66 years of marriage, Genoveva of the family home; along with his children, four sons, Juan Medina (Cori) of Phoenix, AZ; Richard Medina (Deandra) of Hurley; Isidro Medina (Alice) of Alamogordo, NM; Ruben Medina (Margaret) of Silver City; two daughters, Mary Flores (Joe) of Silver City; Donna Medina of Las Cruces; fourteen grandchildren, Diandra Gunning (Rick), Juan Carlos Medina (Brittany), Luke Montoya, (Kiona), Glenn Montoya (Noelle), Matthew Medina, Jacqueline Luera (David), Ivan Flores (Valerie), Darren Montoya (Mona), Chilito Medina, Caylin Montoya (Ethan), Preston Montoya (Kennedie), Erika Medina, Ariana Medina, and Alyssa Medina; thirteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; extended family, and all those whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Medina, and Maria DeLaCruz Medina, one sister, Eustaquia Gutierrez.
Visitation will be Friday, May 8th from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to commence at 6pm with Dr. Gilbert Arizaga reciting. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 9th at 10am at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Ephraim Ezulike officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at Memory Lane cemetery. Pallbearers are Ivan Flores, JC Medina, Isidro "Chilito" Medina, Matthew Medina, Alyssa Medina & Elijah Gunning. Honorary Pallbearers are his Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandsons, Mike Flores & Ramon Gutierrez.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
