Obituaries

Kathleen (Kathie) Gates-Porath, 77, passed away in her Deming home of natural causes.  Kathie was born to Joyce (Ross) and Clifford Gates in La Crosse, Wisconsin on January 18, 1949.  She was a graduate of Central High School and ITT of La Crosse.  She was a military wife and moved often.  It was then she fell in love with the Southwest.  Their last assignment was in Grand forks, North Dakota.  There she raised her boys and welcomed grandchildren.  Her favorite summer activity was vacation trips, first with her children and then with her grandchildren.  Her favorite winter activity was throwing the best Christmas ever.  Her house was the place to be.  After retirement from the University of North Dkota Grand Fork she became a resident of Deming, New Mexico.

She was full of love, life and laughter.  This she shared with everyone around her, at church, playing cards or meeting new people while traveling.  She was dedicated, faithful and selfless.  She was out going, a member of First United Methodist Church, taught Tai Chi at the senior center, gave rides to non-drivers and was active in her community.  She so enjoyed traveling the entire country with her soulmate Frank Dockx.

Maria Dolores Cruz Cardona was born on April 8, 1969, in Zacualpan, Nayarit, Mexico, to Everardo Cruz and Maria Felix Cardona. She was raised alongside her siblings, Amalia, Everardo, Victor, Estella, Rogelio, Tranquino, Samuel, Jesus and the rest of her loving family. Maria peacefully passed away at the age of 57 on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Las Cruces, New Mexico surrounded by her loving family.

Maria lived an adventurous life in Mexico before moving to California at the age of 15. While living in California, she worked as a seamstress and later as a waitress. She enjoyed dressing up, spending time with family and friends, and dancing whenever she had the chance. Her vibrant spirit and joyful personality made her a beloved friend and companion to many.

Later in life, Maria met the love of her life, Salvador Gutierrez. Together they built a beautiful family and were blessed with three children Rubbit, Angel, and Kimberly.

After the birth of her youngest child, Maria moved to Deming, New Mexico, where she lovingly raised her children and created a warm and welcoming home. It was in Deming that she deepened her faith, developed a close relationship with God, and became devoted to serving her church community. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the kindness, compassion, and generosity she showed to everyone around her.

Jose Gabriel Brown, 88, resident of Deming passed away Friday June 26, 2026.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jose Gabriel Brown, please visit our floral store.

Frank Parra Peña Jr., 67, a lifelong resident of Deming passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in El Paso, Texas. He was born March 13, 1959 in Deming, New Mexico to Frank Peña Sr. and Concha Parra.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 3 to 5 o'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapel. Cremation will follow per his wishes. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank Parra Peña Jr., please visit our floral store.

Arturo Varrela Ortiz, 91. Deming resident passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Luna Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, surrender by his loving family.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Baca's Funeral Chapel at 9 o'clock in the morning. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will start at 10 o'clock in the morning led by Maria Lozano. Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Father Ivan Torres, officiating. Cremation to follow as were his wishes.

Arturo was born on May 1, 1935 in Temosachic, Chihuahua to Consuelo Ortiz Torres and Tomas Varela Enriquez. Arturo was one of the hardest working people you could ever meet. He took great pride in being able to work and help others, and he continued doing so until his final moments. He found joy in caring for his yard and watering his trees. When he finished working in his own yard, he would often head next door to find another project because there was always something that needed to be done. Arturo loved telling stories. Sometimes they grew a little bigger each time he told them, and even when we knew they couldn't possibly be true, we would simply smile and listen because those stories made him happy. Arturo liked doing things his own way, but behind that strong will was an even bigger heart.

Sheryl Ann Atwater 71, passed away, surrounded by her family, on June 22, 2026.

She was born November 20, 1954 in Alpine, Texas. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Silver City Crematory. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sheryl Ann Atwater, please visit our floral store.

WANDA CHARLENE AWTREY, age 72, of Rodeo, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026.  She was a devoted wife, loving mother and proud grandmother.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  We will carry her spirit and memory in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ted Ervin Awtrey; brother, Jack Essary; sons, John David Watkins (Rebecca), Shawn William Watkins (Leigh Anne), Thomas Wayne Awtrey; daughters, Tammy Lynn House (Harry), Tina Louise Wright (Steven); grandchildren, Brittany, Christopher, Bryan, Justin, Austen, Paul and Loran.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Gene Essary and Margaret Charlotte Essary; brother, William "Bill" Essary, Roy Essary, Calvin Essary and Edward Essary.

Wanda was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Graveside services will be Wednesday July 1, 2026 at 10 o'clock in the morning at the Middle Animas Cemetery with Kenneth Richins officiating.

Pallbearers will be Austen Watkins, Justin Watkins, Harry House, Steven Wright, Loran Struiksma, and Mike Wood.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wanda Charlene Awtrey, please visit our floral store.

Yvonne "Bonnie" Perez, 54, a resident of, Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Three Crosses Hospital, in Las Cruces, NM, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on February 8, 2026, in Tularosa, NM, to Roberto and Annie (Smith) Rodriguez. 

Bonnie spent her life devoted to her family.  She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, grandmother and friend, whose warm smile, peculiar smile and generous heart touched everyone she met. 

She enjoyed and loved her family.  Her bigger smiles came out when she was surrounded with her grandchildren, Alinea, Hondo and Angel.  That's when the grandma love spout came gushing out.  She always looked forward to family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving.  She enjoyed watching her sibling's families frow throughout the years.

Bonnie also included the Lord to be part of her life.  She happily found joy in worship and praising the Lord for all that he had given her in life.  At times she would say "I may not have much in life or I might not this or that to make it for the month, but I have learned to be grateful, thankful and love the Lord for my family, and what the Lord has blessed me with along the pathway of my life's journey".