Obituaries

Robert "Bobby" Munoz Molina

August 27, 1939 – December 20, 2025

Robert Munoz Molina, affectionately known as Bobby or Moli, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 27, 1939, in the town of Mogollon, New Mexico, to Canuto García Molina and Refugia Munoz Molina.

Bobby proudly served his country in the United States Navy from June 1959 to June 1965, where he was stationed in the South Pacific. On April 1, 1967, Bobby married the love of his life, Consuelo Herrera, whom he affectionately called "Lady." They spent over 58 years together building a beautiful family and life filled with love and laughter. He dedicated 30 years of hard work as a bricklayer in the smelter for Kennicott and Phelps Dodge where he worked tirelessly to support his family.

You could always find Bobby wearing his beanie and his zip-up hoodie sitting in his favorite chair —listening to music, watching wrestling, football, the Little League World Series, and indulging in his favorite snacks like cheese balls, Hershey's with almonds, animal crackers, and fudge bars while drinking a Seagram's 7 with Coke.

Virginia "Jean" Esqueda, 77, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest peacefully in her sleep on Monday, December 22, 2025 at her daughter's residence, in Tucson, AZ.  She was born on February 19th, 1948 to Ynez and Margaret Ybarra, in Silver City, NM.

Jean cherished spending time with her children, she loved being with her grandchildren, and celebrating all their special moments and achievements.  She enjoyed going to the movies and having her tub of popcorn and her pickle as well as her weekly lunches with her sister-in-law Susie Ybarra.  Jean loved her rides to get out of the house and do something with Lela Esqueda, and her adventures and travels with the Salas family, her constant phone calls with her children, friends, family and sister-in-law Terry Ybarra.

She is survived by, her three children Kaydene Soto of Conroe, TX, Judy Esqueda (Darrell Fielder) Tucson, AZ, and Bucky Esqueda (Iris), Tucson, AZ; her four grandchildren Mariah Soto (Dustin) Conroe, TX, Joby Esqueda, Tucson, AZ, Bj Esqueda, Tucson, AZ and Ari Valdez, Tucson, AZ; one sister Patsy Madrid, Silver City, NM, ; her sister-in-law Susie and Terry Ybarra; her Godchildren Frank Lucero Jr, Sonseree Munoz, Chris Munoz, and Diego Esqueda; numerous nieces and nephews and countless little ones who called her Nana Jean.  She is preceded in death by her husband Baldomero S. Esqueda, one son Steven Joseph, her parents Ynez and Margaret Ybarra; two brothers James and Richard Ybarra; her in laws Baldomero and Consuelo Esqueda; her brother-in-law Ruben Esqueda; and sister-in-law Rita Salgado.

Per Jean's request and to honor her wishes, no services will be held. 

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com. 

Jerry M Huff, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Mountain View Memorial Hospital, in Las Cruces, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Joe Lopez Sr., 79, a resident of Santa Clara, N.M. entered eternal rest Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, N.M.  He was born August 2, 1946 in Vanadium, NM to Jose and Guadalupe Medrano Lopez.

 With deep love, the family of Joe Lopez announces his passing. Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home from the military Joe was employed by the mine eventually retiring as a truck driver from Freeport McMoran.

Joe was a neat and meticulous man with his rolled-up sleeves and blue jeans he had the biggest heart and proved any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad and that is just what he did. Family was the center of his world making sure his daughter and grandchildren knew they were loved and never went without. He always made sure they had school clothes, school supplies and anything they needed he was there and loved them without hesitation and was a father figure to his grandsons.

Jesus Lara, 92, Deming resident passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 in Mimbres Valley Medical Center.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday January 7, 2026 at 9:30 in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapel with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10 o'clock. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery with Deacon Bill Holguin officiating.

Jesus was born on August 4, 1933 to Josefa Licon Levario and Crisantos Lara in Colonia Cardenas, Chihuahua. Jesus enjoyed gardening and taking care of his plants.  He was blessed with a green thumb, anything he planted grew. He like to listen music and get his "raspaditos" lottery tickets. He enjoyed spending time with the family.

He is survived by his wife of many years, Valentina Lara; 3 sons, Eddie Lara, Benny Lara (Rachel) and Sergio Lara (Rosalba); one daughter, Maria Alvarez (Elias); 2 brothers, Alfredo Lara and Angel Lara (Carmela Garcia de Lara).

Jesus is preceded in death by his parents, Crisantos Lara and Josefa Licon Levario; Siblings, Maria de Jesus, Maria, Amelia, Alfonso, Octavio, Rafael, Manuel and Rufino Lara.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Eddie Lara, Benny Lara, Sergio Lara, Elias Alvarez, Jose Muñoz 

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

Francisco "Pancho" Hernandez Obituary

We are mournful to announce the demise of Francisco Hernandez on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Francisco lived for 61 years and left some wonderful memories that touched the hearts of our community, friends, and family. A brave soul who graced our lives with humor, compassion, and hard work, Francisco's presence will surely be missed. Francisco may have passed on, but his spirit lives on in our hearts.

Francisco "Pancho" was Deming's carpet layer for over 30 years. Time in which he built admirable friendships that are standing by his family in such difficult moments. Thank You All! From the bottom of our hearts. GOD BLESS YOU!

As we bid thee goodbye to "Pancho" please join the memorial service that celebrates every aspect of his life beginning on Thursday, January 8, 2026 with a viewing from 5 to 6 o'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapel and the recitation of the Holy Rosary to commence at 6. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10 o'clock in the morning at Holy Family Catholic Church with the rite of committal and interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Jonni Anne McClure passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the age of 68. A lifelong resident of Deming, New Mexico, Jonni's story began as a local milestone: she was the first girl born at the new Mimbres Memorial Hospital. Though she spent a few early childhood years in Mishawaka, Indiana, her heart, and life remained firmly planted in the Deming soil.

The daughter of William "Bill" and Patricia Boomhower, Jonni grew up working alongside her brother, Bill Jr., at the family's business, the Desert Inn Restaurant. Her early years at Bell Elementary sparked a lifelong gift for language, as she became fluent in Spanish—a skill that later allowed her to serve her community more deeply. Her time in the Deming High School choir ignited a passion for music; she possessed a beautiful voice and shared her gift through public performances throughout her life. It was also during her high school years that Jonni was an avid equestrian, training for and participating in gymkhanas as well as training and proudly showing her horse, Princess. 

Jonni's professional legacy was defined by her compassion and intellect. After attending Eastern New Mexico University and New Mexico State University, she went on to earn her Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from the University of Phoenix. She founded her clinic, Hearing Health Care, in Deming, where she became a cornerstone of the medical community. For many years, she provided essential care to patients across Deming, Columbus, Silver City, and Las Cruces, taking immense pride in helping her patients thrive through better hearing.

Lorenzo Salas Rios 65 years of Arenas Valley, NM passed away peacefully into the Lords Hands on December 25, 2025 in Mountain View Regional Medical Center surrounded by his wonderful wife, children, sister, family friends and the hand of the Healthcare team and Prayer Warriors.  Lorenzo, also known as "Larry" or as some of you friends might have known him as "Giant" was born on August 10, 1960 in Hillcrest Hospital in Silver City, NM.

Larry was a unique individual, someone who you would never forget. Someone more compassionate than some received, a man who stood tall, strong and proud. He was raised in a li le Town by the name of Santa Rita NM. Son of Manuel M Rios and Ernestina S Rios. Larry was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather great grandfather, Tio, friend, a server to anyone in need. He was a simple man who didn't need anything but the best but was a walking talent as more than a gift with his hands. He wasn't the strict type always more "The Cool Guy" or very laidback type of man. The Gentleman determined who could and would be able to Fix anything.  Larry began his first job at the age of 8 delivering the newspaper, He had his mind on a puppy but also turning into a life lesson that would change his life of learning the value of working that nothing would be free in this world. With growing up in cold winters in the hills he started learning how to drive at the age of 8, taking on the role next to his dad being his shadow gathering wood.