Obituaries

Manuel G. Carbajal, 93, Deming resident passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026 at his residence with his wife and daughter by his side.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 5 o’clock in the afternoon at Baca’s Funeral Chapel where the recitation of the holy rosary will be recited at 6 led by Irma Jaurequi. The Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at St. Ann's Catholic Church with concluding services and interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Father Tony Basso will be officiating. 

Manuel was born April 19, 1933 to Maria de la Luz Granillo and Juan Carbajal at Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua. He was a caring and kind hearted man. Always willing to help a friend or anyone who needed help. He was a hard worker. He liked to own old trucks. His last truck was a white, 1986 Toyota. He enjoyed socializing and talking to people, whether he knew them or not. He liked watching baseball and wrestling on TV.

He lived with his loving wife Rebeca for 40 years. Together they raised their beautiful daughter, Aracely. He was a good dad. He was very proud of her accomplishments. Beaming with joy at her kinder, high school, and college graduations and other milestones. He would even support her when she signed up for craft markets. He would supervise and help watch the booth when she had to step away.

Eva Kay Cook, 75, a resident of Hurley, NM, entered eternal life on July 3, 2026.  Kay was "born in space" in Santa Rita, NM on October 9, 1950, to Isaac Lorenzo Connell and Oletta Minerva Connell (Benskin).  She and her twin sister Ila Fay were the 3rd & 4th children out of 5.

Kay grew up in Hurley, NM and attended WNMU on and off until she received her bachelor's degree in Academic Studies in 1996.  Although she and Rick both grew up in Hurley, they didn't officially meet until they attended a church dance.  Shortly after they started dating Rick enlisted in the Navy and Kay patiently waited for him to finish his enlistment.  They were engaged in February of 1970 and were married June 20, 1970.  Two years later they were sealed in the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Kay was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held a position in the Relief Society and was the church librarian for a time.  Kay also had many jobs during her life, including working at the Silver Bowling Alley, Stream Dynamics, Copper Country Stamps and Gifts (a shop she owned with her sister, Delva), Holiday Inn Express, and the Gateway Hotel. 

William Harley Smyer 

September 15, 1979 – June 30, 2026 

William Harley Smyer, affectionately known as Harley, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the age of 46. 

From the time he was four years old, Harley was on the ranch alongside Uncle Bill, where he developed a lifelong love for the cowboy way of life. He was a horseman, a welder, and a good windmill man who helped keep the ranch running. Harley loved everything about ranching, riding horses, gathering and working cattle, branding, and the everyday work that came with caring for the land...except fixing fence. The ranch wasn't just where he worked; it was where he belonged.

Harley is survived by his son, Dylan Gunter; his mother, Carolyn Foster (Billy); his brother, Jeffrey Smyer (Billie); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Mary Smyer, and his cousin, Lane Smyer.

Kate Fisher Iturralde, 96, a former resident of Santa Clara, now of Las Cruces entered eternal rest Monday, June 29, 2026 at her residence.  She was born April 1, 1930 in Silver City, NM to Milton Fisher and Isabel Vallejos.

Kate also called "Sadie" Iturralde raised her children in Santa Clara NM. She worked at WNMU Cafeteria as a dessert chef. She was a prolific writer of poetry and historical references.  Authored The Yellowcake Genie, and published in several poetry collection books. She was a devout Catholic and prayed her rosary daily. Her roots can be traced to the Upper Gila Chiricahua Apache Peoples. She welcomed everyone into her home offering a cup of coffee and a listening ear. She was a strong advocate for the Cold War Patriots.  Kate was a much-loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie, and friend.  She never knew a stranger as she traveled from NM, AZ, CO, NV, and South Carolina, with the families of  hardrock underground miners. Special mention her favorite niece Priscilla Chaires.

Kate is survived by two sons, Salvador "Sal" Iturralde and companion Elizabeth of Las Cruces; Robert Iturralde of Radium Springs, NM; two daughters, Gloria Iturralde of Radium Springs, NM; Cynthia Iturralde of Las Cruces, NM; seven grandchildren, Armando Torres, Isabel Elson, Marielena Torres, Geraldine Iturralde, Starlett Iturralde, Fernando Padilla Jr., Gabriel Padilla; thirteen great grandchildren; special extended family, Steven and Denise Robles and Sammie Ramirez; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Robert "Bob" Flores, Jr., 85, resident of Santa Clara, NM, entered eternal rest on July 1, 2026, at his residence.  He was born on November 19, 1940, to Robert Flores Sr. and Nora Flores (Treviso), in San Antonio, Texas.

Bob moved with his family to Silver City, NM when he was 7 years old. He was raised playing numerous sports (boxing, baseball, and running) and was always active in the community alongside his father. Bob enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 years old and came back to work with his father. Together they supported local youth activities, and he helped with his father's plumbing business, Reliable Plumbing.

Bob was known for his outspoken personality, always willing to talk to anybody; he never met a stranger. He also had a tremendous work ethic and was never able to sit back and watch without lending a helping hand. He continued his love for running by qualifying for and running in the Boston Marathon in 1984. He also enjoyed the outdoors; he loved to fish and hike in search of arrowheads. After many years working in maintenance at the Fort Bayard Medical Center, he was fortunate enough to retire and enjoy his last years doing what he loved most.

Robert T. Flores, Jr., 85, a resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, July 1, 2026.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral and Crematory Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Kate Fisher Iturralde, 96, a former Santa Clara resident, now of Las Cruces entered eternal rest Monday, June 29, 2026 at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Charles Anthony Saenz, son of Gold Star Mother, Mary Saenz, passed away on Saturday, June 27th at his Las Cruces home. Charles was born May 8, 1962 and was raised in Deming. After joining the Army in 1984, he led a successful military career earning the rank of Sergeant and concluded his active-duty military service in 1997. He reverted to the New Mexico National Guard thereafter. Following military service, he was employed in many occupations including Corrections Officer, Mineworker, and a variety of maintenance work. Charles enjoyed camping, hiking, woodworking, and fishing. He loved his family and found happiness through his shared memories with family and friends.

Charles is survived by his children; Angel Damian Saenz, Julian Carlos Saenz Ricardo Morales and Mycaela, siblings; Benny Saenz, Jose "Chino" Saenz, Estela (Alex) Uzueta, Nancy Saenz, Joann Saenz, Norma Carter and Debi (Alfred) Quintero.

He is preceded in death by his mom, Mary Saenz, son; Richard Saenz, brothers; Patricio, Daniel & Richard.

Visitation will take place Monday July 6, 2026 at 9 o'clock in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapel. Recitation of the Holy Rosary to follow at 10 o'clock in the morning. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church with internment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Fr. Prakasham Babu officiating.