Obituaries

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.

Joel Charles Hannig, 76, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, October 30, 2025.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777. 

Noel Nunez, 53, of Deming, New Mexico, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in Deming. He was born on January 21, 1972 in El Paso, Texas to Ignacio Nunez and Eluteria Rivas, and spent his life making a lasting impact on his community through his faith, teaching, leadership, and humor.

A proud graduate of Gadsden High School — Go Panthers! — Noel earned his Bachelor's degree from Western New Mexico University and his Master's degree from New Mexico State University. He began his teaching career in 1995 at Hofacket Mid High School, where his passion for education first took root. Over the next 25 years, he shared that passion at Hofacket Mid High, Deming High School, and Mimbres Valley High School, shaping generations of students. Most recently, Noel served as Director of Deming Cesar Chavez Charter High School, where his dedication to learning and mentorship continued to inspire both staff and students.

Raul M Gonzalez (85) entered eternal rest on October 28, 2025, at his residence in Santa Clara NM, surrounded by his two loving daughters.

At the family's request, cremation will take place. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 10:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Santa Clara Catholic Church led by Deacon Bill Holguin. The Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:45 am. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at the Hurley Cemetery. Officiating will be Father Casmir Anozie.

Raul spent his youth in Santa Rita, NM. He often shared stories of the good times he had with his family and friends in Santa Rita. The strong sense of community is something he fondly remembered throughout his life. Raul was a graduate of Cobre High and attended barber school in Tucson, AZ. Raul married his high school sweetheart Guadalupe Rodriguez (a.k.a Pita and Lupe) after attending Barber School. He had a short stint running a barber shop as a Master Barber in Santa Clara (formerly known as Central) before he transitioned to his job at Kennecott Copper Mines. Raul moonlighted as a barber for family and close friends for most of his adult life. This was often an excuse to get caught up with friends and loved ones. After leaving Santa Rita, Raul moved his family to Santa Clara where he lived for the rest of his life.

Gilbert E. Miera, 86, a resident of Arenas Valley, New Mexico, entered eternal rest on Friday, October 30, 2025, at Lovelace Medical Center, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born on May 2, 1939 to his parents, Candido and Magdelena Miera (Duran). 

He is survived by his companion Gloria Lopez; three sons, Jason Miera (Sara), of Prairie Village, Kansas, Adrian Miera (Annie) of Penrose, Colorado, Drake Miera, of Vail, Arizona; his three daughters Celeste Crespo (Antonio) of Leesville, SC, Valarie Miera of Arenas Valley, New Mexico, and Gilberta Miera of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his sister Dorothy McInerney (Roger) of Vallejo, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; his son Chester Gilbert Lopez; and his sisters Isabel Miera, and Rose Fresquez.

Visitation for Mr. Miera will be held Terrazas Funeral Chapels on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 5-6pm, Rosary at 6pm recited by Patricia Miller. Funeral service will follow on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Saint Francis Newman Center with Reverend Martin, starting at 12:30pm followed by at Fort Bayard Cemetery, at 2pm. 

Andres "Andy" Telles Apodaca Jr., 76, a resident of T or C, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Sierra Vista Hospital in T or C, N.M.  He was born on October 30, 1948 to Andres S. and Sophia (Telles) Apodaca.

Andy was a very stubborn individual, set in his ways.  He didn't have any issues expressing himself to those around him.  Underneath the tough exterior and incredible sense of humor, he was a very loving soul who loved his kids, family, friends, the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping, fresh cup of black coffee, cigarette in hand, any reason to drink a nice cold beer, grill his masterpiece meals and enjoy life in all its simplest forms.   He enjoyed watching his Washington Redskins/Commanders cheering them on or cussing them out, whichever they deserved at the time. He would sit and tell his crazy life experiences and hard to believe adventurous stories to anyone who would listen, testing to see how far he could take it before you stopped believing him and he would just start to smile, raise his eyebrows, wink, then laugh his mischievous laugh.  But in his intimate quiet moments, he would pray to our Lord when he set his feet on the ground in the morning, and before he lifted them back into bed to rest.  He prayed over his meals and was thankful for everything he had. 

Andres "Andy" Telles Apodaca Jr., 76, a resident of T or C, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Sierra Vista Hospital in T or C, N.M.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.