Obituaries

Michael J. Buell, 64, a resident of Silver City, NM, departed this world on April 9, 2026, at his residence, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 7, 1961, to Fremonte Carlos Buell, and Patricia Jean Mahoney.

He grew up in Lockport and Joliet, Illinois area with his 4 siblings and extended family. Michael graduated from Joliet Central in 1979 and in 1980 followed in his father's footsteps by joining the Navy in 1980. Micheal served upon the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. After leaving the Navy Michael worked in the hotel services industry for many years. Michael had the opportunity to live in many states during his youth and cherished that. When he visited his parents in a small town in Arizona, he did not know that he would meet his long-term spouse. It would not be until two years after his first visit that he and his partner, future spouse, would embark on a 30+ year journey. During their life together, they had many great adventures and made amazing memories together. Michael held a special place in many people's hearts and will always be remembered for his infectious laughter and the ability to make others laugh. 

Arturo Zapata Rivera (87) of Silver City, NM, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Pittsburgh, PA. Born on March 24, 1939, to Matias Rivera and Guadalupe Zapata Rivera in Fierro, NM.

Art was best known for his exceptional work ethic which he instilled in others. Art grew up in Hanover, NM and attended local schools. He joined the New Mexico Army National Guard a year before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, worked as an electrician, for five years of service before honorably discharged.

Art worked as a commercial cement mason and later in his career as a carpenter. He was a proud union member, Cement Masons for 61 years and Carpenters for 35 years. Prior to retirement, Art was a general foreman responsible for foundation work on numerous Cogen power plants along the U.S. west coast.

Art is survived by his children Carmen Herrington, Richard Rivera, Maria Rivera, stepchildren Della Lopez, Lisa Hernandez, Ray Lopez, three generations of grandchildren, brothers, Matias Rivera, Manuel Rivera, Frederico (Fred) Sauceda and sisters Lupe Audette, Margaret Spicer and Lydia Ice. Preceded in death by his eldest son Arturo C Rivera, brothers Emilio Rivera, Merejildo (Chino) Rivera, Jose Rivera and sisters Mary Flores, and Virginia Rivera.

It is with a heavy heart we share the death of our beloved friend and mentor Jack K. Ellis.  On April 15, 2026, Jack passed away at his home after a brief illness.  He was born March 6, 1939, in Paris, TX. 

He attended college at First Paris Junior College, North Texas State University and University of Texas at Austin where he majored in English and Theater.  He was a scholar of Ancient History, Drama, and Theater.  He worked as Art Director for Houston Public Broadcasting before coming to Western New Mexico University.  Here he created an outstanding Drama Department where for 30 years he created numerous productions to delight us all. Some of these included Night of the Iguana; where he created a waterfall on stage.  He also produced an original production of Urashimataro where he upholstered his characters in foam and felt to create a Giant Lizard and a Dragon.  Other shows were plays that were significant for the times like The Cherry Orchard, Galileo, How I learned to Drive, Sea Scape, and the Bacchae. 

Thomas (Tom) Elvin Davis, of Santa Fe, NM, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Silver City, NM.  Born on February 8, 1947, to Elvin Charles Davis and Lillian Mae (Becker) Davis, in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Tom was raised in Austin, Minnesota. He moved to Minneapolis, where he earned his BA degree in Electrical Engineering.  He moved to Duluth, MN, where he earned his master's in animal biology.  Much of Tom's adult life was spent in Duluth, MN and Santa Fe, NM.

He composed and recorded songs, was a life-long learner and an avid wildlife photographer.  Tom's "free spirit" lifestyle led him to various locations, always with a camera in hand. 

Tom is survived by his sister Dianne Reinsmoen, of Burnsville, MN, and his brother, Kenneth James "Jim" Davis, of Port Orchard WA. He was preceded in death by his parents Elvin Charles Davis and Lillian Mae (Becker) Davis.

Michael E. Madrid, 58, a resident of Arenas Valley, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at his residence.  He was born June 15, 1967 in Lordsburg, NM to Eliseo Madrid and Marie Elena Gutierrez.

Michael was an amazing son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a very loving, honest and positive person. He was married to the love of his life, Julie Madrid, for 34 years. He would always tell his family "Stay positive, be strong. We all have a choice."

He was devoted to his job at Albertsons as the produce manager where he worked for 38 years. He took pride in his department by making it look pristine for his customers. His motto was, "The customer comes first." After work, he made sure he spent time with his family. The grandchildren enjoyed playing with their grandpa/great grandpa. Family was everything to Michael and it was his greatest achievement.

For all those that knew Michael he was a jokester and loved making people laugh. He sure, had a silly side and his laugh was contagious. Michael loved fishing, especially at Holli Lake. He liked going on vacations. Some of the memorable ones were Pinetop, Universal Studios, and gambling in Las Vegas. Michael enjoyed working on puzzles, grilling, hiking, and weightlifting. Another one of his favorite hobbies was working outside in the yard.

Mary R. Ortiz, 84, of Silver City passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Three Crosses Regional Hospital in Las Cruces.

Visitation will take place at five o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Silver City. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary led by her daughter-in-law, April Ortiz will begin at six o'clock. A Prayer Vigil will follow. Deacon Bill Holguin will officiate. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ten o'clock in the morning on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Silver City. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery. Father Oliver Obele is officiating.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary R. Ortiz, please visit our floral store.

Michael Madrid, 58, a resident of Arenas Valley, NM, entered eternal rest Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Donald Edward Smith, 88, resident of Deming passed away Sunday April 12, 2026 at Bartlett Nursing Home in El Paso, TX.  Don was born January 22, 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio to George and Linda (Hoover) Smith.  He served his country honorably in the United States Army and farmed in Indiana with his family.  Don was an avid coin collector and has been a resident of Deming since 1991.  Locally he was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his sister Iva Jean DePue of Niles, Michigan; 12 cousins and his niece, Laura Herne.  Funeral services will be held in Argos, Indiana under the direction of Earl - Grossman Funeral Home, 208 Main Street, Argos, Indiana 46501.  PH: 574-892-5113

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Edward Smith, please visit our floral store.