Obituaries

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Guadalupe Estrada on December 16, 2025. As was her wish, Guadalupe passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Guadalupe was born to Juan and Rosa Contreras on January 9th, 1953, one of eight children. She is preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Rosa, and her older brother, Raymond. She is survived by her brothers Joe, John and sisters Juanita, Lydia, Mary and Linda.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 53 years, Edward Estrada, with whom she shared a life of love, laughter, joy, support and in raising their four children: Edward, Jacob, Matthew and Emily. Along with her children, she leaves behind grandchildren Jonathan, Daevian, Aubrianna, Jacob Jr, Chloe, Sophia and Israel.

Guadalupe's love and devotion to her family and friends was unwavering. She would always, with a kind and patient heart. listen to any worries or problems brought to her and spoke in words of sincerity, patience and kindness, alleviating their troubled hearts. Guadalupe kept on her calendar the birthdays of every family member and friend she could manage and could always be counted upon to call them to remind them of their special day and usually by singing the birthday song. Guadalupe worked for a time as a teacher's assistant, and to this day the students she helped to teach and mold lovingly referred to her as Ms. Lupe.

Gary Ciccotelli, 66, born September 18, 1959, to Nick and Melrose Ciccotelli. Gary was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on December 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty, service, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved. Gary was born and raised in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, where he and his family grew up under the steady guidance of a hardworking father who instilled in him the values that shaped his entire life—perseverance, integrity, and dedication.

Driven by ambition and a sense of adventure, Gary moved to California as a young man to pursue acting and modeling. His time there brought unforgettable experiences and friendships, but ultimately, the desire for deeper purpose and community led him to Deming, New Mexico, the place he would call home for the rest of his life.

In Deming, Gary found his true calling in public service. He began his career as a deputy with the Luna County Sheriff's Office, where his work ethic and natural leadership quickly set him apart. He later served as a detective and ultimately was elected to two terms as the Luna County Sheriff, a role in which he served with honor, courage, and a steadfast commitment to protecting his community. He was deeply respected by colleagues and citizens alike.

Juan Duran Sr., 99, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Monday, December 15, 2025 at his residence.  He was born June 24, 1926 in Silver City, NM to Juan Duran Sr. and Josephina Cook.

 With deep love, the family of Juan (John) Duran announces his passing. A proud World War II Navy veteran, he carried the discipline, humility, and quiet courage of his service into every part of his life.

After returning home, he built a respected career as a house painter. His work was known for its precision and care—so much so that even on his days off, people called on him because they trusted no one else. Later, he brought that same dedication to Western New Mexico University, where he became known not just for his craftsmanship but for his reliability, kindness, and steady presence.

Diane Gojkovich, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Saturday, November 29, 2025. Diane was born May 26, 1941 in Bisbee, AZ to her parents Louis and Dolpha Voelckel.

Diane was raised in Bisbee, AZ and attended Bisbee School District. For a short time attended the Benson Schools which she spoke dearly about. When Diane was sixteen, she married the love of her life Dickie on April 5, 1958. The young married couple made a name in Lower Eagle Creek, and Long Beach, CA. and eventually moving back to Bisbee, AZ. In 1968 with their youngest being five months old they moved to Morenci, AZ and settled in to raise their family.

She is survived by her three children Dena Gojkovich of Peoria, AZ; Michael Gojkovich (Genalynn) of Pima, AZ; Stephen Gojkovich of Silver City, NM; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Tom Gojkovich (Cathy); sister-in-law Kay Gojkovich (Nancy); numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by some very special people in her life. Her parents Louis and Dolpha Voelckel; her beloved husband of fifty-two years Richard (Dickie) Gojkovich; her siblings Gertie Hinton, Geraldine Mallett, Tommie Miller, Donnie Miller, Leola Voelckel, Patt Popovich and Louis Voelckel. 

Joseph Edward Stevens, 83 in the early morning hours of December 8, 2025, "Ed" passed away peacefully in his home in Hurley, New Mexico.

Ed was born on January 6, 1942, in Douglas, Arizona, to Joseph Ernest Stevens and Katherine Elizabeth (Kimble) Stevens.  At the age of five, his family relocated to Deming, New Mexico, where he spent his childhood and adolescent years.  Ed played high school football for the Deming Wildcats. In 1960, he enrolled at McMurry College (now McMurry University), where he studied business, played the clarinet in the college band, and met the love of his life, Nancy Jay (Smith) Stevens.  Ed and Nancy were married in Midland, Texas, in 1964.  Nancy preceded him in death July 7, 2012, after 49 years of marriage.

Following his graduation in 1964 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Ed and Nancy settled in Silver City, New Mexico.  There, Ed managed his family's soda pop bottling business while Nancy continued her studies at Western New Mexico University.  They purchased their first home on Mississippi Street, where they raised their two children Christina Cathleen (Stevens) Rigtrup and Gary Edward Stevens.  The "Mississippi Street House" became a cornerstone of the Stevens family – symbolizing the belief that while hard work could take you far, love could take you even farther.

Tommy Lynn Benjamin, 84, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away on December 4, 2025. Born on December 19, 1940, in Bayard, NM, he was a devoted husband to Regina and a loving father to Ruby and Tommy.

Tom was an avid bass fisherman. He enjoyed fishing at Elephant Butte (NM), San Carlos (AZ), Lake Roosevelt (AZ), and Lake Powell (AZ).  He loved bowling and spent years bowling in the leagues with his buddies. In high school, he played football for Cobre High School and had many scholarship opportunities. He also loved running track. He spent four years in the United States Navy. 

Tom was hard-working and dedicated. He spent 37 years working as a heavy equipment operator for the mines in Santa Rita, NM, where he developed many wonderful friendships with his crew. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family. He enjoyed birthdays, holidays, and vacations with his family and extended family. Though Tom may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity and a devoted father and husband. He was tough, fearless, and uncompromising when it came to protecting others. As he grew older, nothing mattered more to him than his family. Time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandson was pure joy to him. He could be rough, but he loved us fiercely—more deeply than we may ever fully understand. His stories, his laughter, his protectiveness, his lessons…they live in us now.

Stanley Elkins, 87, a resident of Glenwood, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, December 14, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his family.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Juan Duran Jr, 99 a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Monday, December 15, 2025 at his residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.