Obituaries

LUCY ESCUDERO, age 89 of Las Cruces, NM passed away peacefully September 3, 2025. Born November 10, 1935, in Hanover, NM Lucy lived a full and loving life devoted to her family and with her community service in Bayard, NM. She was the proud mother of 4 children: Debra (Felix) Holguin, Ron (Chris) Escudero, Susan Dungan and Jeanne Escudero. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Valerie (Rod) Sharpe, Mike Escudero, Matt Escudero and Katie Escudero and her 3 great-grandchildren Eisele & Charlie Sharpe and Felix Escudero - who brought her immense joy and pride. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Escudero, her parents Adolfo and Celsa Majalca, her grandson Felix Anthony Holguin, and her brothers Edward and Bill Majalca.

Lucy was a lifelong advocate for education. She not only encouraged her children to pursue higher education but also led by example putting herself through college and graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Her dedication and excellence led to a prestigious contracting position with the Dept of Defense at White Sands Missile Range.

She was a true pioneer in public service. Lucy made history as the first Hispanic female mayor of Bayard, NM and as the first Hispanic female assessor for Grant County — opening doors and serving her community with integrity and distinction.

In Loving Memory of Danny Perry, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the age of 51. Danny was born December 21, 1973 in Ajo, Arizona to Ernestina Q. and Leamon L. Perry.

Above all else, he loved his family. His greatest joy came from being surrounded by those he cherished most, whether it was a simple meal together, celebrating milestones, or just sharing laughter in everyday moments. A proud fan through and through, he bled black and gold for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, and cheered loudly for the Arizona Wildcats.

Phyllis A. Medeiros, 98, of Silver City passed away at home Friday, September 5, 2025. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis A. Medeiros, please visit our floral store.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved David Smith on Monday, September 1, 2025, in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. 

David began his life on February 15, 1950, in Deming, New Mexico. David's childhood was spent at the El Paso Natural Gas, Deming Station. After attending school in Deming, David served in Vietnam earning The Bronze Star. After Vietnam, David worked for Walter Shultz and then worked construction on the Playas Smelter. After marrying Jouett Everhart in 1974, David attended NMSU and worked summers on the Hatchet Ranch south of Hachita, NM. Upon graduation with a degree in Agricultural Economics, he worked fulltime on the Hatchet Ranch with his brother-in-law, Bill Everhart. When the ranch sold in 1991, David and his family returned to Deming where he began his career in education. At Deming High School, he taught welding and later taught math and history at Deming's alternative school as well as being the tennis coach. Many of David's students attribute their success to David's mentoring and care. David enjoyed the outdoors as a hunter and fisherman. He loved to travel, was an avid reader, and treasured many activities with his beloved grandchildren.

Frances Molinar Chavez, 78, a lifelong resident of Deming, NM passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in El Paso, TX.

Frances born to Eusebio and Teodora Chavez on October 4, 1946 in Deming, NM. Frances was an elementary teacher for the Deming Public Schools teaching at Columbus and Smith Schools. She enjoyed shopping, sewing, reading, and crocheting. She was often in her garden and yard with her fruit trees and flowers. After retirement she spent her time traveling and watching Hallmark and Lifetime movies. She enjoyed and cherished her time with family and friends. Frances was an active member and loyal to St Ann's Catholic Church and a member of the Scared Heart Group. Although she did not have children of her own, she had numerous nieces and nephews who she loved as her own.

She is survived by her nieces, Lorraine Rodriguez (Manny) of Deming, NM and Melissa Chavez of Vail, AZ and a special cousin, Cecilia Flores (Miguel) of El Paso, TX. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Helen Chavez and her great nieces and nephews, Brain and Ryan Rodriguez, Samantha and Marcus Lugo, Carmen, Logan, and William Rodriguez, Aaron, Kasandra, Sarah and Alexandra Chavez, and Nicole Gros. Proceeding her in death are both her parents Eusebio and Teodora Chavez; 2 brothers, Pedro and Angel Chavez and a nephew, James Chavez.

Elsie Galaz Roman, 106, was born to Manuel and Margarita (Valencia) Galaz on April 18, 1919, in San Lorenzo, New Mexico. 

At fourteen years of age, she was enrolled by her father at St. Mary's Academy in Silver City, NM until she graduated.  She was mentored and supervised by St. M. Borromeo.  She was always overwhelmed by St. Borromeo's wisdom and knowledge.  During this period of time, she learned much about life from her peers, family and faculty.  Working at St. Mary's helped pay for tuition, dorm, etc.  Upon graduation as Valedictorian, she received a scholarship to attend Marymount College in Kansas City. 

During these times, the Great Depression was occurring.  She instead attended Western New Mexico University and worked with professors to pay tuition.  She was living in San Lorenzo during these times.  She was given permission to ride an old school bus from the Acklin Store.  She would walk the two miles in inclement weather to catch the bus. 

While at WNMU, she was tapped into Cardinal Key Women's Educational Fraternity.  After three intense years of teacher training classes, her requirements were met.  She was hired at the age of 18 to begin teaching.  She had taught K-8 grades, special education, bi-lingual, physical education and was one of the First Women coaches in Cobre Schools.  She earned a B.S. degree and a Masters in Elementary education and became a principal after obtaining a Masters in Administration Degree.  She taught in San Lorenzo, San Juan, Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces and Bayard.  She was inducted into the WNMU Education Hall of Fame in 1995. 

Nonie Nicole Arvizo, 40, a resident of Lordsburg, NM, entered eternal rest Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at her residence.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Elsie Galaz Roman, 106, a resident of San Lorenzo, NM, entered eternal rest Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Millies Assisted Living in Silver City, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777