Obituaries

Fannie Karline Tillman Smyer, 81, passed away on October 19, 2025.

She was born on August 6, 1944, to Karl Tillman and Katherine Acres Tillman. She graduated from Deming High School in May 1962.

Fannie married Frank Smyer on June 5th, 1965, and this summer they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they had three daughters, Karla, Kelly, and Katherine.

She ran for Luna County Treasurer and served from 1982-1986. She was later elected to the Deming Public School Board, where she served from 1995-1998. She was then elected as a Luna County Commissioner for District 2, serving from 1999-2007. While a commissioner, she helped to bring the Learning Center to Deming. In semi-retirement with the County, she managed the Make Luna County Beautiful office, believing fully in its mission.  As a board member for the Southwest Regional Transit District, she helped to expand the Corre Caminos routes into Luna County, bringing its citizens public transportation. She is a long-time member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

In Loving Memory

Linda Wadleigh Rupert

June 18, 1958 – October 10, 2025

Forever in our hearts

Linda Wadleigh Rupert, 67, of Deming, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her. Linda is survived by her husband Don Rupert, daughters Dawn Rupert and Sondra Sparks, sister Toni Martinez, brother Steven Wadleigh, and her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Diana Martinez, her parents Phyllis and Calvin Wadleigh, and her sister Janet Wadleigh.

Linda loved traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her joyful spirit and generous heart will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Javier Cano Salas, lovingly known as Harvey, entered eternal rest on October 19, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, surrounded by his family.

Born on December 17, 1953, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Daniel and Felicitas Salas, Javier lived a life devoted to service, faith, and family.

Harvey met the love of his life, Estella Ortiz, as an infant — a friendship that grew into a lifelong love. Their bond blossomed into 53 beautiful years of marriage, three cherished children, 11 beloved grandchildren, and two precious great-granddaughters. Together, they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and endless love.

At just seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country with honor. After his military service, he began his career with the Texas New Mexico Power Company, where his dedication and kindness left a lasting mark. His passion for mentoring others led him to coach youth athletics, inspiring countless young people through patience, encouragement, and heart.

An obituary is not available at this time for Ana Marie (Lucero) Quintana. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ana Marie (Lucero) Quintana, please visit our floral store.

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.