Obituaries

Theresa Maria Shore (Benavidez), 90, was born October 3, 1935 to Jose and Esperanza Benavidez in Deming, New Mexico. She passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side on November 22, 2025.

Theresa graduated from Deming High School in 1954. She was such a wonderful seamstress, the Home Economics teacher let her help teach the class.

Much to her surprise the Deming Football team nominated her for a new beauty pageant to be held in Truth or Consequences; The Miss Fiesta contest. She represented Deming and went on to win the pageant. Winning the pageant created opportunities that sent her off to Hollywood, California to pursue a career in the movie business. A small part in East of Eden with that guy James Dean. Edited out.

Show business was not for her but she liked the big city and got herself a bank teller job on Hollywood Blvd. She soon met her future husband, Carl Runkel, a jeweler on Hollywood Blvd. They had two daughters, La Prial and Nicole. During their marriage of 18 years, they traveled the world with The Shriners.

Salvador "Chava" Arvizuo Puentes, 93, a former Bayard, NM resident, now of Rio Rancho, NM entered eternal rest November 26, 2025 at his daughters' residence.  He was born March 17, 1932 in Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico to Heriberto Puentes and Josefa Arvizuo.

Chava was a man who knew no stranger. He married Sara Jimenez in 1952 and they celebrated 67 years of marriage. They raised 5 children in faith and proudly wore a great many school/college colors and jerseys in unconditional support of our sports, activities, grand family gatherings, and many adventures. They continued this support even after their kids were grown and gone. Chava and Sara were a pillar of Christian support to the youth of Grant County and they surrounded themselves in love and lifelong friendships. 

The world was brighter and fun with Chava's humor. His quick witted one liner, his infamous porch gatherings, and his red Ford darting around Grant County waving, whistling, and honking. Dad loved his friends and neighbors to his core. The last years were spent with his children and grandchildren, (and nearby casinos). It would be an understatement to say our lives have been greatly enriched because of it.

Rosalie (Rosie) Baeza, 81, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, AZ.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Tommy Benjamin, 84, Thursday, December 4, 2025 at his residence in Las Cruces, NM. Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Lloyd E. Arnold, 85, Deming resident passed away Monday, November 24, 2025 at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was born in Artesia, California, on June 7, 1940 to Evertt Orin Arnold and Elinor Brown and grew up in Bellflower.

He graduated from Lynwood Academy in 1958. In 1963, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a physical therapist at Walter Reed Medical Center. During his military service, he also participated in Operation Whitecoat. He received an honorable discharge in 1965. After completing his service, Lloyd married Joyce Kostura. The marriage later ended in divorce. Lloyd continued his education at Cerritos Community College, earning an Associate of Arts in Sociology. He then attended the University of California at Fullerton, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He further pursued his studies at California State University, Long Beach, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts. In 1984, Lloyd began his career with the Metropolitan Transit Authority. He worked there for over a decade before retiring in 1995.

Ruth Solis Dalton, 97, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, surrounded by her children.  Ruth was born July 3, 1928 to Marcos and Maria Solis in Vanadium, New Mexico. 

During WWII, due to the lack of men, she worked at the age of 16 for Kennecott on the railroad driving spikes. She enjoyed playing softball with the Bayard Angels as their pitcher in the late 60's. Ruth met the Lord in 1977 and began cooking the famous chicken taco plates that the whole community had come to love and cherish for years. Ruth had worked at Fort Bayard Medical Center for 10 years before she retired.

 She met and married Alfonso Dalton Sr. in July of 1947 and together they had seven children. Ruth is survived by her daughters Helen Gonzales, of Meridian, ID, Irene Sanchez (Eddie) of Silver City, NM, Dolores Dalton, of Las Cruces, NM, Corine Diaz, of Bayard, NM and daughter in law Reina Dalton of Bayard, NM; one son Alfonso Dalton Jr. (Ruthie) of Bayard, NM; and one sister Virginia Prink, of Connecticut; 22 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Shawn Andrew Melancon, 65, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at his residence.  He was born January 4, 1960 in Albuquerque, NM to Nichols Melancon III and Mildred Karr.

My dad was the smartest, kindest man I've ever known—tough on the outside but with a generous heart that showed through his honest work and the way he always treated people with fairness. To me, he felt invincible, a steady and protective presence. He was the person I wanted to call whenever something good or hard happened, and the silence of not being able to do that now is filled with the love he gave so freely. Those who knew him remember his wit, his endless stories, and his unique ability to make others feel seen and appreciated. Though he's no longer here, he lives on in the lessons he taught, the kindness he shared, and the memories we carry, still offering the same steady strength and love he always did. 

He is survived by his parents, three sons, Hans Melancon of Moab, Utah; Arthur "A.J." Windsor and wife Neisa Redington of Moab, Utah; Carl Windsor and wife Christa of Moab, Utah; one daughter, Helen Grosskreuz and husband Cade of St. George, Utah; five grandchildren, Jaxith, Austyn, Walker, Milo, and Styles; two brothers, Nichols Melancon IV and Kevin Melancon; four sisters, Susie Harris and husband Marc, Melissa Sanchez and husband Brett, Clotilde Jennings and Shelby Newberry; numerous nieces and nephews.

Christopher Anthony Perez (Dino), 59, a resident of Santa Clara, New Mexico, passed from this life to eternal life on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Christopher was born to Daniel and Anna Perez on December 16, 1965 at Hillcrest Hospital in Silver City, New Mexico. 

Dino passed away leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and love that will be cherished forever. He grew up the oldest of three, and as the only boy, he enjoyed sports including playing baseball with Bayard Copper Little League, (The Bankers), making the "All Stars" for several years.  He then went on to play high school football for Cobre High School.

Christopher worked in the medical field delivering medical supplies which allowed him to travel to different cities and states. He enjoyed watching his favorite NBA team, the Chicago Bulls, the Michael Jordan days.  Dino was an amazing cook and enjoyed cooking for his family and friends.  Dino knew the bible very well and loved to share the love of Jesus with every one he came across. Dino was known to have a hilarious comedic side and could imitate political figures and classic movie lines having everyone laughing hysterically.