Obituaries

Edward M. Encinas, 89 of Hurley, NM passed away October 17, 2025, in Silver City surrounded by his family. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 9 to 10 am at Infant Jesus Shrine in Hurley with the Prayer Vigil and Rosary will follow at 10 am.  The Funeral Liturgy will be at 11 am with Father Casmir Anozie officiating.  The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at the Hurley Cemetery.  Serving as casket bearers will be Armando Arenibas, David Madrid, DJ Madrid, Jay Paul Madrid, Remy Kirkham and John Kirkham.

Edward was born July 13, 1936, in Los Angeles, California to Frank and Grace Encinas.  He had work in the Supervisory position with Street Maintenance in California and had also worked and retired from New Mexico Department of Transportation.  He had served as an officer in the Union of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.  Edward enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter.  He had worked at Ridgewood Motors and had served his community by being elected Mayor of Hurley from 2010 to 2016.  Edward was an accomplished musician, playing in many different bands.  Besides loving his family more than anything, he was a diehard Los Angeles Dodger fan.  Edward will truly be missed by all his family and friends. 

Thomas (Tom) Loera Chavira, 58, a resident of Arenas Valley, New Mexico, entered eternal rest on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Gila Regional Medical Center. He was born on March 1, 1967 to his parents, Tomas J. Chavira and Corina (Loera) Chavira. 

Thomas took pride in working at Borchardt Rifle Corporation with Al Storry.  Tom was a machinist and gun smith servicing Grant County, New Mexico.  He enjoyed tinkering on his vehicles, as well as fishing, hiking, and hunting.  He loved the outdoors, especially the mountains. 

We love him dearly and will miss him, we take comfort knowing he is at peace and resting in the presence of our Lord,

He is survived by his loving mother, Corina, his significant other, Deanna Salas, both of the family home; Uncle Ramon Loera (Estela) of El Paso, Texas; Uncle Arturo Loera (Lupe) of Las Vegas, Nevada; Aunt Lupe Gonzales of Silver City, New Mexico, and numerous cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his father Tomas J. Chavira; Maternal Grandparents Guadalupe and Antonia Loera; Paternal Grandparents Frank and Leandra Chavira; Uncle Manuel Gonzales; Uncle Louie Chavira; Aunts Andrea Morales (Max); Angie Ortiz (John); Elisa Flores (Samuel).

Michelle R. Trujillo, 47, a resident of Silver City, NM made her abrupt departure on Friday, October 3, 2025.  She was born March 17, 1978 in Silver City, NM.

Michelle was a bass boom bottom loving metalhead with a goofy laugh.  A genuine weirdo who happened to like black licorice and a kind, yet sometimes stubborn, person.  But over all just an astounding woman.

She is survived by her partner Mike, her children Gage, Maricruz, and Judea.  She also leaves behind family, friends, and family-friends.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.  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. 

Billy G. Willis, 67, of Silver City, passed away October 14, 2025 in Silver City.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Ten o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Memory Lane Cemetery.  Officiating will be Reverand Joseph Pelligrino.  Serving as honorary bearers will be Robert Schaffner and Daniel Hernandez.

Billy was born September 8, 1958 in Lubbock, Texas to Bill and Twila Willis.  He attended Animas High School and went on to graduate from Western New Mexico University with a teaching degree.  After teaching, Billy worked as a greeter at the local Walmart, where he met and got to know many friends.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  Billy was an avid sport fan and especially a Dallas Cowboy fan.  He was a dedicated family man and was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church.

Billy is survived by two daughters, Patricia Willis and Tanya Willis; one son, Christopher Willis; one sister, Kelly Peterson (Jay); three grandchildren, Audrey Hernandez, Alisa Hernandez and Daniel Hernandez; a brother-in-law, Robert Schaffner; as well as several nieces and nephews.  Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Julie Ann Willis, and his parents, Bill and Twila Willis.    

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

Jose M Reyes, 46, a resident of Silver City, New Mexico, entered eternal rest on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Joe was born on February 9, 1979 to Jose Reyes II and Juanita Reyes (Murillo) in Silver City, New Mexico.  Joe was happiest when he was fixing, building, or giving his time to those in need.  His love for working on vehicles wasn’t just a hobby it was a way he expressed his care and dedication to his family and friends.  A man who deeply valued family.  Joe spent countless hours creating memorial with those he loved most.  He enjoyed traveling, discovering new places and sharing adventures that brought joy and laughter to everyone around him.  His generosity, kindness and willingness to help anyone in need made him a friend to all and a true example of selflessness.

Jose’ legacy will live on through the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the memories that will never fade.  His family and friends will remember him as a man who gave freely, loved deeply and lived fully.

Claudia Arledge, 56, passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las cruces.

A wake will take place Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon at her residence of 2815 SW Nickel St. Deming, NM 88030. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 12:30 in the afternoon at Holy Family Catholic Mission in Columbus with the rite of committal and interment to follow at Valley Heights Cemetery. Fr. Tony Basso will be officiating.

Claudia was born on November 15, 1968 to Martina Servin and Leonides Calvin Arledge in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. Claudia's first marriage was with Max Gomez and they were married for 13 years. They raised 5 beautiful boys, little Max, Calvin, Joseph, Victor, Trini and a beautiful girl, Claudia J. Gomez. Claudia met Benjamin Escalante and was with him till her passing. They raised two precious boys and two precious girls; Jessica, James, Yaneysa and Raphael. Claudia was mostly a house wife and took really good care of her home and family. She was a very highly respected lady who had the respect of all her family and friends, her children meant the world to her and would do anything to keep them warm and safe. When Claudia entered a room, she brightened the whole room with her beautiful smile and charisma.

Ignacio V. Gonzales, 76, a lifelong resident of Deming entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 9, 2025 in Tucson, AZ.

A viewing will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 from 4 to 6 o'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapel where the recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 6. A graveside service will follow on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 10 o'clock in the morning at Mountain View Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Ignacio was born November 30, 1948 in Deming, New Mexico to Jose Guadalupe Gonzales and Maria Villa. After high school Ignacio was drafted into the United States Army and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. He was a recipient of numerous medals as well as the Purple Heart Medal. Once his service time was over, he returned home and met and married the love of his life Teresa Jaramillo and were married on December 24, 1971 and lived their lives together until her passing on March 15, 2020. He later became employed with the United States Postal Service and served for 37 years of his life until his retirement. In Ignacio's younger years he was a very talented baseball player and his primary position was a 3rd baseman. He continued to play through out his life in fast and slow pitch softball as well. He was a homebody but also enjoyed hunting, caring for and maintaining his vehicles, visiting casinos, playing cornhole and of course spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Jose M Reyes, 46, a resident of Silver, NM, entered eternal rest Friday, October 10, 2025, in Silver City, New Mexico.   Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.