Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Major John Paul Irons, USAF (Ret.)

John Paul Irons, 85, a resident of Las Cruces, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM.  He was born January 9, 1941 in Bainbridge, Ohio to Virgil and Arlie (McCloskey) Irons.

John Paul Irons began his Air Force journey in 1966, when he was stationed in Berlin as a young serviceman. There he met Bärbel, the woman who would become his lifelong partner. Their love endured distance, duty, and the many moves that military life required. They married in Berlin on December 30, 1967, during a brief period of leave before John returned to his post in England.

During his years of service, John pursued higher education, earning a master's degree that opened the door to his commission as an officer. His career took him across the United States and Europe, including assignments in Sacramento, Zweibrücken, and a five year return to Berlin—places where he served with dedication and quiet professionalism.

John also deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam War, a chapter of service that reflected both his courage and his commitment to his country. After 22 years in uniform, he retired with the rank of Major, honored for his steadfast service to the United States Air Force.

Clifford John Travernier, 94 a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Friday, January 23, 2026 at his residence. He was born on March 5, 1931 to Lloyd Roy Tavernier and Dorothy Marie Casad.

Cliff was a retired USAF Master Sergeant, serving in Korea in 1950-51 & 53 and later served in Vietnam in 1967-68.  He also served in active duty in the US Navy. He was a lifetime Mason, member of the Shrine Temple (Shriners), Korean war Veteran, Vietnam War Veteran, Disabled America Veteran, and Veteran of Foreign Wars.

He was an original Cast Member at Walt Disney World in Florida, working on the construction of the park for 2 years before it opened and retiring after 25 years.  He loved trains and went on many scenic tours in old time locomotives.  He also had an extensive model train setup in his house. 

Cliff was a generous man, who gave to many charities.  If you would like to make a donation in his honor, any Veteran cause would be appropriate.

Roger Dean Barris, 75, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Saturday, January 31, 2026 at his residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Steve G. Montes, 57, of Bayard passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Harvest Church in Silver City at nine o'clock in the followed by the Funeral Service at ten o'clock.  Concluding service and burial will be at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.  Officiating will be Pastor Clyde Woods.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steve Guerra Montes, please visit our floral store.

Cristina C. Castañon Flores, 95, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Friday, January 23, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.  She was born July 1, 1930 in Santa Rita, NM to Juan Castañon and Bonifacia Martinez.

"Mom" to her children and friends, and lovingly by her husband.  "Grandma" to her grandchildren, greats, and great greats.  She raised nine children and two grandchildren.  She was a very loving person, and amazed everyone who met her with her strong faith in God, her grace, gentleness and happy calmness.

She was a wonderful cook.  Her family looked forward to the "Red Enchilada Fridays", a tradition derived from no-meat Fridays in the Catholic Faith.  Her kids and grandkids remember fondly, it was a time to catch up with each other, and some street baseball. 

Mom lived in Santa Rita most of her early years until 1964 when the townsite was cleared by the mine.  In Santa Rita she was known to feed the neighborhood kids.  They recall the memory of fresh tortillas, fried potatoes and peanut butter burritos, their fav!  She sewed her daughter's Easter outfits and celebrated holidays with enthusiasm.  She celebrated every child's birthday as well as Monce's and her own.  The BIG one was on the kid's 5th birthday, where all the cousins, grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, and neighbors were invited.

Brittany Hathaway, 36, a resident of Cliff, NM entered eternal rest Friday, January 22, 2026 at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Clifford John Travernier, 94 a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Friday, January 23, 2026 at his residence.

Clifford is survived by his son Robert Tavernier, and many friends.

A memorial service for Mr. Tavernier will be held on Thursday, February 5, at 11:30am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels, followed by inurnment at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, with full Military Honors.

 Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory ~ 575-537-0777.

Armando Hernandez Miranda Jr, 77, of Silver City passed away at home Thursday, January 29, 2026. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Service arrangements are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Armando Hernandez Miranda Jr, please visit our floral store.