Obituaries

Janice A. Swinney, 73, died peacefully October 18, 2025, in Albuquerque, NM. She was born January 9, 1952, in Parsons, KS to John "Mike" Baird and Lois (Walker) Baird Westall.

On June 12, 1993, Janice married Gorman "Ray" Swinney at the Church of Christ in Grants, NM. Together, they shared a life of love for the Lord, their children, and grandchildren. Janice is survived by her daughter, Stacy Kuhn (Alex) of Rio Rancho, NM and stepson, Grant Swinney (Amber) of Deming, NM; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Swinney, her parents, and her brothers - Stephen R. Baird and Jay L. Baird.

Janice was cherished by all who knew her as a loving spouse, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a caring friend. Her deep affection for her family was evident in the time she spent with her grandchildren, whether engaging in lively board games or simply sitting together on the porch talking and sharing laughter for hours. These meaningful moments reflected her warm and nurturing spirit.

Janice's genuine love for children naturally guided her toward a career in education, where she embraced her calling as a teacher and made a lasting difference in the lives of those she taught.

Raul H. Medina, 70, of Alamo passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Albuquerque.  Services are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raul Hill Medina, please visit our floral store.

Lilia G. Aguilar, 91, Deming resident passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at her residence.

Visitation will take place Friday, November 14, 2025 at 9 o'clock in the morning at Baca's Funeral Chapel, with the recitation of the rosary at 10:30 in the morning, with the mass of the Christian Burial at 11:30 in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Internment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery with Fr. Tony Basso officiating.

Lilia was born to Selsa Parra and Vicente Galindo on February 26, 1934 in Deming. She was the eldest of nine siblings. She is survived by three brothers; Arturo, Vicente & Alfredo Galindo, one sister; Erlinda Galindo.

Pallbearers will be: Vince Galindo, Adam Galindo, Turito Galindo, David Alcorta, Jimmy Galindo & Adrian Baltazar.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lilia Galindo (Galindo) Aguilar, please visit our floral store.

Charlie Ross Corliss, 67, of Silver City, New Mexico, passed away on October 22, 2025, just two days shy of his 68th birthday. Born on October 24, 1957, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Charlie lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, and a deep love for the people and places he called home.

Charlie attended Mountainair High School before beginning a long and dedicated career with Kennecott, Phelps Dodge, Freeport-McMoran, and the Grant County Road Department. Through decades of labor, he built a reputation as a man of integrity and perseverance—someone who could always be counted on to get the job done.

Joel Charles Hannig, 76, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, October 30, 2025.  He was born January 4, 1949 in Valley City, ND to Harry Hannig and Lucille Ertelt.

Joel had an eventful life- a life filled with vintage cars and motorsports. He enjoyed travelling to events throughout the country with his beloved wife Diane, meeting other car enthusiasts, and collecting mass quantities of firewood. He died doing what he loved: exploring remote and scenic mountain roads.  He will be remembered for his various hobbies and by the multitude of people that called him friend.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Hannig of the family home; his son, Steven Hannig of San Luis Obispo, CA; five stepchildren, Andrew, Catherine, Dean, Kenneth, and Laura; three brothers, Lyman Hannig, Jon Hannig, and Jeff Hannig; two sisters, Teresa and Eileen Hannig; numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 11th at 11am at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Ephraim Ezulike officiating.  He will be laid to rest in North Dakota.

Estella Borrego Dean entered eternal rest on November 1, 2025, at Fort Bayard Medical Center in Santa Clara, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family.

Born January 14, 1952, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Feliciano and Elvira Parra Borrego. Estella met the love of her life, Freddie Dean. Their lifelong love cherished three sons and a daughter, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  Together they built a life full of wonderful memories that touched the hearts of many.  Estella joined the Job Corps to experience hands-on training and to build a path to her future.  She became a homemaker sharing love, wisdom and laughter.  She loved cooking for everyone, especially her favorite dish, Red Enchiladas.  As much as she loved the world, she had a special bond with small dogs.  She raised and rescued many of them to give her little paw friends a second chance.  In her heart, no dog was left behind.  She understood that her paw friends were not her whole life, but they made her life whole.  She will be truly missed by every life she touched.

Salvador Benton Montes, 88, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at his home in Deming, NM with his wife by his side.

Salvador was born January 1, 1937 to Julian Montes and Genoveva Benton in Indé, Durango Mexico.

Salvador came to the Columbus-Deming, NM area in 1956 at the young age of 19 to work in agriculture through the Bracero Program. He eventually met Maria Elena Esquivias in Palomas, Chihuahua Mexico and they were married in March of 1964.

Salvador was a very hard working man and was employed with Southern Pacific Railroad and would later retire from the  Playas Smelter. Chava, as he was affectionately known by, had many friends and coworkers throughout his lifetime which he considered his "amistades and camaradas." He had an excellent memory and enjoyed reminiscing about past stories.

Chava had a great love for his wife "Megua" of 61 years and his three children, Jesus "Moose", Salvador "Chava" Jr. and Veronica Montes which survive him. He was also an Abuelo to his nine adored grandchildren: Larissa, Bianca, Gerardo, Alexis, Roman, Nereya, Alina, Aristotelis and Brittany and nine beautiful great grandchildren that brought him immense joy. Also surviving him are brother in law Enrique Esquivias. Sister in laws Juanita Montes, Esther Esquivias and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Joan Eleanor Hopmann Millard had her Heaven Day on October 16th, 2025. Our Lord called her home at the age of 74. She was at peace at her home in Silver City, NM with family and friends at her side.

Joan was born to Patricia and Elton Hopmman on May 31, 1951, in Richmond, TX. and grew up in Richmond and Rosenburg, TX. She made Silver City, NM her home after her and her sister had car problems on their way to California for a post-graduation vacation. There she married and had two children. She worked in the local car dealerships, Fort Bayard and successfully started and ran two businesses. She loved fishing, making candles, baking and spending time with loved ones. Joan will forever be remembered for her kind heart, her willingness to help others and for being a great mom, grandma and friend to so many.

Joan is survived by her son Troy (wife Nicole) Millard of Silver City NM, her daughter Kindra (life partner David Jacquez) Millard of Carlsbad, NM, and five grandchildren; Destiny (husband Noah) Millard Stockwell of Silver City, NM, Hope (life partner Zane Gray) Millard of Edmond, OK, Jordan Millard of Havre, MT, Cheyenne Wise of Silver City, NM and Peyton Prouty of Silver City, NM. Her sister Kathleen (husband Patrick) Hopmann McMahon of Dallas, TX and brother Mark (wife Laurie) Hopmann of Cypress, TX.