Obituaries

Robert John Sandoval, 53, a resident of Modesto, CA and Veteran of the U.S. Army entered eternal rest March 20, 2025. Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Maura Ann Barraza of Deming, New Mexico, passed away May 7, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. Maura was born September 17, 1965, in Alpine, Texas, to Benedo S. Barraza and Lupe Renteria Barraza.

She lived in Van Horn, Texas; El Centro, California; and Columbus, New Mexico, before moving to Deming in 1974. She graduated from Deming High School in 1984. Maura completed a cosmetology program in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1986. She also attended New Mexico State University where she received an Associate of Applied Science in Library Technology in August of 2003 and a Bachelor of Human Community Services in May of 2007. Maura was an avid reader and always had a good book to read. She also enjoyed watching movies, cooking, and loved taking care of her many dogs and cats. She served as a volunteer at the Deming Animal Shelter. She was a member of the United Pentecostal Church in Deming and knew her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Maura was preceded in death by her parents Benedo and Lupe Barraza. She is survived by brothers, Michael O. Barraza (Delia) of Deming and Joe D. Barraza (Sandra) of Yeso, New Mexico; nieces and nephews, Justen Barraza, Victoria Barraza, Lane Barraza, Brady Barraza, and Sage Barraza; grand-nieces and grand-nephew, Guiliana Lizeth Barraza, Angelita Mia Rodriguez, Eloisa Jane Barraza, and David Benny Garcia; numerous cousins and friends.

Yvonne B. Maldonado, 63, of Silver City passed away at home Friday, May 30, 2025.

Visitation will take place at five o'clock in the evening on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Silver City. A Rosary and Prayer Vigil will be held for Yvonne at six o'clock. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will follow.

Yvonne was born February 23, 1962 in San Fernando, CA to Richard P. and Lupe J. Barragan.

Yvonne will be remembered for her love of Bingo and Loteria. She was even known to some of her nieces and nephews as "Auntie Bingo". She loved spending time with family, going camping and decorating for the holidays. Yvonne especially loved her work in childcare, having run a daycare for many years. The children and their parents whom she met throughout the years always held a special place in her heart.

Yvonne is survived by her loving husband, Richard Dean Maldonado; daughter, Anna Maldonado (Chris Dominguez) and children, Devin and Leihloni Corral; her mother, Lupe Barragan; brothers, Richard Barragan (Diane), Bill Barragan, and Jack Barragan (Corina); her mother-in-law, Helen Maldonado; sister-in-law, Lorraine Castillo (Melvin); and her niece, Gabrielle Barragan.

Eduardo "Wally" Trujillo Mendoza, 86, a resident of Las Cruces, NM, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Mountain View Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM. He was born September 7, 1938 in Silver City, NM to Francisco Mendoza and Ramona Trujillo.

Wally had a deep love for baseball, enjoyed spending time with his friends, and cherished working alongside his father. From a young age, he found his calling in construction—a trade that would become his lifelong career.

He proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during his term of service. Upon completing his military duty, Wally returned home and continued his work in construction, all while devotedly caring for his family. In 1974, he married Mary Louise Mendoza, his lifelong companion and best friend. The two worked together at Fort Bayard Medical Center, where Wally served as a carpenter and later in Loss Control until his retirement in 1992.

Beyond his professional life, Wally gave generously of his time and energy to his community.  He was a dedicated member of the Fort Bayard Fire Department, where he served as a volunteer firefighter, Assistant Fire Chief, and eventually Fire Chief, a role he held with pride for eight years.

Manuela O. Torrez, 91, a resident of Santa Clara, NM, entered eternal rest Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Fort Bayard Medical Center in Santa Clara, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Olivia S. Diaz, 81, of Las Cruces entered eternal life Friday, May 23, 2025 in Las Cruces surrounded by her loving family.  She was born January 2, 1944 in Hurley, NM to David Diaz and Mary Diaz. 

Olivia put herself through nursing school as a young mother with the aspirations of providing a better life for herself and her children.  Her perseverance was rewarded upon successfully becoming a Registered Nurse serving many communities around New Mexico for over 45 years.  Prior to her retirement in 2016, she was employed at Mesilla Valley Hospice La Posada in Las Cruces, Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, Sierra Hospital in El Paso, Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility, Los Lunas Correctional Facility, Santa Fe Correctional Facility and Saudi Arabia Military Hospital.  She also served as a flight nurse early in her career along with becoming co-owner of a Home Health Agency in Las Cruces, NM.  Olivia's free time was always dedicated to family and was manifested through multitudes of large family gatherings during the holidays, camping trips and remote vacations.  Olivia demonstrated her adventurous side by traveling to many exotic places around the globe to include Spain, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, France, Jerusalem, Ireland and Italy.  Olivia had a great passion for traveling, cooking, sewing and her family.  She will be greatly missed.

With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Fernando G. Villegas, lovingly known to many as Fernie or Chango. Fernie was born February 6, 1959 in El Paso, Texas. He passed away at his home in Arenas Valley on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love that will never be forgotten. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

Fernie was a deeply loving and kind soul. Though life presented him with challenges, he never lost the compassion in his heart. His love for his family ran deep; he cared dearly for his many siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was a steady presence, always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear, and he gave his love freely and without condition.

Fernie had a special connection with the outdoors. Not only being a green thumb and growing plants he was proud of, he found peace and "relaxation" in nature. He could often be found picking piñons—actually, he would make his own Piñon fest going on everywhere in his trailer; and then, package and send with a special note to each and every family member!

Eduardo Mendoza, 86, a former resident of Silver City, NM now of Las Cruces entered eternal rest Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Mt. View Regional Medical Center.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~575-537-0777.