Obituaries

Hope Garcia Atencio, 72, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Alamosa, Colorado. She was born on November, 17, 1953, in Silver City New Mexico. She brought warmth and joy to all who knew her, and her loving spirit will be profoundly missed.

Hope was the cherished daughter of Casimiro Garcia and Diega Lujan Garcia. On the wings of love, she married Anthony "Michael" Atencio, her adored soul mate and best friend, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond, evident in their mutual endearments, "mi amor" and "mi corazon".

An amazing mother and grandmother, Hope's nurturing touch extended to her children. Nicholas (Florence) Benavides, Xavier Benavides, Roy (Michaela) Benavides, Eric Benavides, and Michelle (Chris) Chacon. As a grandmother to Kathleen Counts, Naythan Benavides, Luvie, Elijah, Ezekiel Benavides, Cheyenne Sapien, Roy Jr, and Ryan, and as a great-grandmother to Alonzo Benavides, Rayma Counts, Adian Counts, Liam Benavides, and Leeana Benavides. Hope's siblings, Anita Garcia, Josie G. Lucero and Helen Garcia, shared in her life's journey, as did her sister-in-law, Ana Marie Atencio, brother-in-law Arthur G. (Lorraine) Atencio and father-in-law Art Atencio. Her extended family of nieces and nephews held a special place in her big heart. She was preceded in death by her parents Casimiro and Diega Garcia as well as her brothers-in-law Frederic Atencio, and Daniel Eugene Atencio, and her brother Macedonio Garcia, and her first husband Carlos Benavides.

Sarah Alicia Flores, 26, a resident of Las Cruces, NM entered eternal rest Friday, December 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV.  She was born June 2, 1999 in Silver City, NM to Gabriel Flores and JoDee Sopiwnik.

Sarah was an eccentric and truly unique soul whose presence left a lasting impression on everyone they met.  She touched the lives of all who knew them through their deep kindness, quick humor, and pure, generous heart. Sarah had a way of making people feel seen, accepted, and loved exactly as they were. Born in Silver City and raised in Santa Clara, Sarah carried their roots close to their heart. She was a proud graduate of Aldo Leopold Charter School, Class of 2018, where her individuality and compassion shone brightly. Family meant everything to Sarah. She was a devoted caregiver to all of her nieces and nephews, a role that brought them immense joy and purpose. Her love, patience, and nurturing spirit created bonds that will be cherished forever. Sarah had a profound love for all of God's creations, especially animals. Her fur babies—Chichi, Emo, Bobby, and Oreo—were deeply loved and considered family. Sarah's compassion extended to every living being they encountered. Sarah will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her laughter, and the love she gave so freely. Though her time with us was far too short, the impact she made will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Gilbert Perez Garcia, 69, of Hanover, NM, earned his wings on January 19, 2026. Born on November 28, 1956, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Millie and Clotario Garcia, he was a devoted and loving father to 4 children. Chris, Daniel, Michael, Christina Garcia. If you asked Gilbert he would also tell you he had a 4th son. Nick Thompson lived with the family during his time playing basketball at Cobre High School and will always be considered one of the family.

Gilbert started his family at a young age and married Mona T. Garcia, who is the mother to all four of his children. Though they were later divorced, they remained friends and managed to find a healthy balance that allowed them to continue to parent together and even spend holidays and special occasions with their children.

Gilbert earned his Bachelor's Degree from Western New Mexico University and he worked in many fields throughout his life. Some of these included working at the local mines, a local bank, Gila Regional Medical Center, Fort Bayard Medical Center, and most recently he was a caregiver for An Open Door LLC, where he was able to spend his last days caring for a close personal friend.

Lucinda Puentes Delgado, 91, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Friday, January 23, 2026 at Fort Bayard Medical Center.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Delores Gloria Mata, 74, a resident of  Silver City, NM  entered eternal rest Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Christina Flores, 94, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Friday, January 23, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Vidal Aragon Baca, 87, of Reserve passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Gila Regional Medical Center. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel. Service arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vidal Aragon Baca, please visit our floral store.

Arnold Ray Moreno, 72, a resident of Hurley, NM passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Gila Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family.  He was born April 9, 1953 in Silver City, NM to Manuel Moreno and Anita Rodriguez.

He was raised in Belen, NM where he graduated from Belen High School.  He then married his wife, Mary Lee Peralta.  In 1975 he and his wife then moved to Grant County where they made a home and raised a family in Hurley where he spent the remainder of his life.  Arnold was a proud member of the community who touched the lives of many through his hard work, kindness, and devotion to family.

He was employed at the Kennecott Mine, H&H Laundry, and later retired from Fort Bayard Medical Center as a boiler operator.  He took pride in providing for his family and was known for his strong work ethic and reliability.  He never hesitated to help those in need.  He would give the clothes off his back or the shoes off his feet literally, as he had returned home more than once without shoes because he had given them away.