Obituaries

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.

Eduwiges Lujan Smith was born June 9, 1940 to Alfredo Lujan and Margarita Payan in Ejido Guadalupe, Victoria, Mexico.  She rejoined her parents and her brother Martin Raymundo Payan in Heaven on November 24th, 2025.

She touched many lives in her 85 years of life and always had the energy and desire to help where she could.  She came to the United States with her mother in 1960 and became a resident of Deming, NM.  She worked as a babysitter, waitress and a cook for 33 years retiring in 2002.

She was loved and will forever be remembered by her brother Jose Payan of Rincon, NM; 3 sons, 6 daughters, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and close friends.  Although she is gone from our vision and our touch, she will forever have an impact on our lives with the love she gave so generously.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday December 5, 2025 at 12 pm at St. Ann Catholic Church with Fr. Tony Basso officiating.  She will be laid to rest at Mt. View Cemetery.

K.L. Nabours

July 8, 1935 – November 24, 2025

In the early morning hours of November 24, 2025, K.L. Nabours, 90, passed away peacefully.

Born July 8, 1935, in Deming, New Mexico, to Glenn and Verla Nabours, K.L. was raised as a farmer's son. He spent his childhood working the land and tending animals alongside his family, proudly learning to drive the family tractor at just seven years old.

After graduating high school, K.L. joined the United States Air Force and served honorably as a veteran of the Korean War. Upon returning home, he began working for the Southern Pacific Railroad. During that time, he met and married Arlene Gray in 1959. This past September, they celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Diane Gojkovich, 84, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Gila Regional Medical Center.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Jack L. Lane, 88, passed away on November 14, 2025 at Fort Bayard Medical Center.  He was born to Bob and Lois Lane in Bridgeport, Nebraska on July 16, 1937. 

The family moved to San Diego, CA in 1941.  Jack was a Machinist/Tool and Die Maker for 40 years.  He and his wife Dagmar moved to Bentonville, AR and later retired in Silver City, NM where he served for 10+ years as a volunteer firefighter for the Tyrone Fire Department, White Signal Station.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Dominick.  He is survived by his wife, Dagmar of the family home; his son, Matthew Lane of CA; two daughters, Michelle Lane and Mindy Clover and husband Steve; his sister, Liane Lane and wife Marcia McLatchy of San Diego, CA; his daughter in-law, Sandi of Escondido, CA; grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will take place in San Diego, CA at a later date.

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. 

Robert Parra passed away peacefully in hospice care at Las Cruces Village Nursing and Rehabilitation on Thursday, November 27, 2025 following a significant June 2025 stroke.

Born in Silver City, New Mexico on November 8, 1938, Robert lived on a ranch in the outskirts of central New Mexico until he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving his country at Nouasseur Air Base near Casablanca, Morocco.  After his military service, Robert settled in Los Angeles, California, attended Pepperdine University intending to obtain a law degree but ultimately opted for entrepreneurship instead.  Robert's natural friendliness, high degree of self-confidence and love of independence allowed him to succeed as an entrepreneur in a variety of endeavors he undertook during his lifetime.  At retirement, Robert returned to his native Silver City where he carved out an active life with many friends and acquaintances, particularly at the gym which he thoroughly relished, and resumed his lifetime tradition of entrepreneurship, first with a local restaurant followed by a variety of interesting ventures.  

Marvin Delbert Motes, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was a devoted father, a hardworking professional, and a man remembered for his sharp mind, and unwavering dedication to family and community. 

Born on March 16, 1940 in Central, Arizona at his grandparents' home, he grew up with a deep love of the land and an early fascination with aviation.  After graduating from Willcox High School, he pursued his passion for airplanes by attending the Northrup Institute in Englewood, California, where he trained to become an A&P aircraft mechanic. He trained for and obtained his private pilot license while in Englewood.  His years in aviation were marked by precision, responsibility, and pride in his craft - qualities that earned him the respect of his peers and the trust of all who worked alongside him. He worked for Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Everett Washington on the new 747. He later moved back to Arizona and started his own business, Cochise Aircraft, where he would teach flight lessons, crop dust and rebuild airplanes.