William "Bill" D. Vierthaler, 81, a proud US Navy Vet, resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest on Monday, September 15, 2025 at The Village at North rise in Las Cruces, NM. Bill was born on May 21, 1944 in Jerome, AZ to Fred and Carol Vierthaler. He was the third of four children. He had two older brothers (Charles and Robert) and one younger sister (Valerie).
In 1950, the young Vierthaler family relocated to Bisbee, AZ. Bill received his formal education at Bisbee High, lettering in both track and football. It was in Bisbee that Bill met the love of his life, Roberta Sutton. After months of throwing rocks across the street at her, he finally got her attention. Upon his completion of high school 1963, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. Before sailing away to Vietnam, Bill married Roberta, celebrating their commitment to each other, in a small personal ceremony in downtown Warren.
During Bill's first year aboard the US Tortuga, Roberta gave birth to Tinda, the first of three daughters. The following year their second daughter, Denise was born. Bill finished his Navy career in 1967. Bill had secured a job with Phelps Dodge. He immediately relocated his little family, including Roberta's little sister Dink whom Bill and Roberta raised, to Tyrone, NM.
Bill started as a laborer and continued to grow as a husband, father, and provider. He worked hard to become a journeyman wielder. During this time daughter number three was born, Dawn. Bill worked 28 and 2's so that Roberta could continue her education and dreams of becoming a teacher. Bill's tenacity, work ethic, and pride created a path towards supervision. He worked endless hours for 37 years with Phelps Dodge. He retired as a Maintenance Manager on July 26, 2002.
Bill's worst nightmare came true in September of 2007. His wife of 43 years and best friend passed away. Bill never gave up on life though. Through tears and heartache, he found Sandy Fleming. They both had suffered great losses and found comfort with each other's company. They went from friends to husband and wife. They were each other's support and best friend. They traveled to several places and made amazing memories along the way.
Bill had so many interests and hobbies it's difficult to name only one. In his younger years, you would have found him at the arena playing cowboy. He had a passion for team roping. He soon learned that his true love was anything that had to do with his kids and grandkids. You could see him teaching his daughters how to drive a stick shift (yes this was through tears and choice words). He never missed a track meet, baseball game, or football game. He was a proud father and grandfather. Let's not forget his green yard that was the highlight of the neighborhood, eating ice cream with his dogs, and watching John Wayne movies (yes, he told his daughters that John Wayne was their uncle). If you looked closely on the ground in the driveway you might even see his feet from under a vehicle.
Bill is survived by his wife Sandy, three daughters, Tinda (Kevin) Matthes of Silver City, Denise (Kevin) Richins of Mohave Valley, Az, and Dawn (Ed Reynolds) Vierthaler of Silver City. Bill also had two step-daughters, Melissa Fleming of Silver City and Jennifer (Danny) Bray of Cheyanne, WY. Bill was blessed with 8 grandkids (Jessica, Christopher, Cody, Kenyn, Blaine, Jasmine, Charlotte, and Tinda Celine) and 11 great grandkids. He is also survived by his oldest brother Charles (Caroline), younger sister Valerie (Martin) Benko of AZ and sister-in-law Dink Gutierrez of Tyrone, NM
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Roberta Vierthaler, his parents and parent-in-laws, his brother Robert (Spike) Vierthaler, Tad Story (whom Bill and Roberta raised through Tad's middle and high school years….and beyond) and son-in-law DA White.
The last few years have been very challenging for Bill. He suffered from Alzheimer's. Bill lost most of his memories but he kept up his charm and ability to make others feel welcome and important. He told every person he came into contact with "how proud he was of them". On his last day here on Earth, Bill told his sister Val, "You are perfect." Expressing his feelings didn't come easy to him. However, before he passed, he told each and every one of us —--I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU…
We love you too.
Services will be held Monday, September 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. Inurnment will follow at 1:00pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Alzheimer's research via Alzheimer's Association.
www.alz.org Or Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 can be reached at 1-800-272-3900.
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.
