Obituaries

Mark Irving Standard, age 78, passed away on February 10, 2026 at Fort Bayard Medical Center in Santa Clara, NM following a short illness.  He was born on January 26, 1948 in Canton, IL, the son of H. Truman Standard and Elois "Toby" Dale Whites-Standard. 

He grew up on the family farm, outside of Canton, IL and after graduating Canton High School, he served in the Vietnam war as a Seabee in the United States Navy.  Beyond his military construction experience he became a "Carpenter Extraordinaire."  Known for his handyman skills, he was often called by family and friends in the community for his advice and expertise.  His hands have blessed many homes, remodeling and repairing with expert ability and care.  Mark and Judi settled in Silver City, NM after marrying.  Mark served their community as a volunteer fire chief for many years.

Marks hobbies included playing music on his Ukulele, as well as the camaraderie he found in local and national motorcycle rallies and rides.  His wife Judi would be right by his side as his faithful and loving companion in all his pursuits.  They were a beautiful team and radiated laughter and a love of life.  Mark will be remembered by family and friends forever in our hearts.

Daniel (Don) J. Estrada, a longtime resident of Lordsburg, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, in Safford, Arizona, with his family by his side.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 9:00 am on Saturday February 28, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lordsburg, New Mexico.  The Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:00 am.  The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Shakespeare Cemetery with military honors accorded.  Officiating will be Father Jude Okonkwo.  Honorary pallbearers are Miguel Ramirez, Alfred Ramirez, Mario Ramirez, Frankie Estrada, Adrian Estrada, Michael Elias, Jaime Alvarez, Ray Renteria.

Don was born on November 9, 1932, in Lordsburg, New Mexico to Augustina Jaurique.  Don attended the Lordsburg schools graduating in 1951.  While in high school he was active on the football team, playing wide receiver.  He enjoyed painting, gardening, and he especially enjoyed the company of his family.  He could often be seen playing his guitar and joining in sing-alongs with his nephews during family get-togethers.  While in high school up until he joined the Navy, Don was very involved with St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  He helped prepare the masses for the priests, attended to the vestments and served as an altar boy during the masses.  He helped serve at funeral masses, weddings, baptisms and would do whatever was needed.  Even in his later years, while he could no longer help serve, Don would make his way to the front of the altar prepared to ring the church bell at the right moment.  Don also had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing in and with the church choir.   

Nadine Elizabeth Herrera, 36, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at her parents' residence.  She was born July 7, 1989 in Silver City, NM to Leonard Herrera and Rachel Sandoval.

Nadine was 4 years old when she knocked the dirt off her cleats and stepped up to the plate.  Baseball on the T, ready for her swing.  As she looked around the field one thing was for certain, this was her passion.  Quickly after T-Ball she would join the football team. Becoming the first ever female in Pop Werner history to play a game at the age of 7. Even earning the nickname "Ice Box".  All of this would precede her true love, softball.  Throughout high school she was the definition of a leader.  Training hard almost every day and always lifting up her teammates before giving herself any credit.  This caught the attention of Coach Gwen, who promoted her to varsity when she was a freshman.  Her next softball coach, Mr. Muñoz even told a relative how much he admired her passion for the game.  All the while being and outstanding student and a person that could always make you laugh.

Vernon David Anderson Jr., 73, resident of Deming passed away Saturday February 14, 2026.  Arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vernon David Anderson Jr., please visit our floral store.

FIERRO: Mary Ellen Fierro, 84, of Silver City, went to be with the Lord and Savior on Feb. 11, 2026. She was born in Vanadium, New Mexico, on July 6, 1941, to Antonia Salaiz and Antonio Fierro Sr.

She leaves behind her siblings, Concepcion (Chon) (Elizabeth) Fierro from Bayard, Raquel Delgado from Silver City, Ruth Fierro from Mesa, Arizona, Eloy (Charlene) Fierro from Cypress, California, Ramona (Gilbert) Navarro from Surprise, Arizona, Robert (Anani) Fierro from Arlita, California, and Sylvia Fierro from Santa Clarita, California, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Antonio (Tony) Fierro Jr.; and sister, Carmen Galicia.

 Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, at Santa Clara Apostolic Church, located at 906 Oak St., Santa Clara, NM 88023, at 10 a.m. Burial is to follow at Memory Lane.

 Baca's Funeral Chapels is handling her arrangements and cremation.

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

Mark Irving Standard, a resident of Hanover, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Fort Bayard Medical Center.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Nadine Herrera, 37, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at her residence surrounded.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Rodolfo Lopez Castillo, 99, of Bayard passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Gila Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family.

The Prayer Vigil and Rosary will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026 at ten-thirty in the morning at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Bayard followed by the Funeral Mass at eleven-thirty.  Concluding service and burial will be at one o'clock in the afternoon at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.  Officiating will be Father Martin Okonkwo.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodolfo Lopez Castillo, please visit our floral store.