Obituaries

Robert Schweitzer, 83, formerly of Silver City passed away August 6, 2024 in Deming, NM.

Robert "Bob" Schweitzer was born January 29, 1941 in Hannibal, Missouri to William and Roberta Schweitzer. He had served his country honorably in the United States Navy in Virginia from 1965-1970, he worked as a History Lecturer for Morgan State University in Maryland, the Missouri State Parks and was notably, the State Site Administrator for the Battle of Lexington State Site in Lexington, Missouri. He also worked for the United States Army as a recruiter in Missouri. Bob was a Board member of the Silver City New Mexico Museum, an avid chess player, a history buff, a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and animal welfare activist.

Bob is survived by brother and sister-in-law, William Jr and Lana Schweitzer of Kansas City Missouri; daughter, Gretchen; nieces, Erika Vedder and her spouse Chris Vedder, Kara, Nicole, Cori, Casey, and Koen of Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by a beloved niece, Karen Schweitzer of Kansas City, Missouri; also, his great-aunt, Virginia Clarkson; as well as his parents, William and Roberta Schweitzer of Hannibal Missouri

Mario Lopez Kirker, 98, a Navy Veteran and resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Fort Bayard Medical Center. He was born on November 26, 1925 to his parents, Juan and Rita (Lopez) Kirker in Santa Rita, NM.

Mario enjoyed photography, dancing and most of all talking. He liked reading history books, watching Western movies and teaching anyone who was willing to learn what he had to offer from typing to welding! He also would take his family on their annual deer hunting trips where he would take a nap while the children would keep an eye out for the deer. To him, an education was just as important as breathing. Most of all, he was a successful business man who enjoyed talking to everyone who went to the shop for a visit. Talking about his great, great, grandfather James Kirker was rewarding for him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elisa Moreno (Grinie) Kirker; his son, John R. Kirker (Maggie) of Santa Clara, NM; his daughters, Virginia Enriquez of Silver City, NM and Rita Lopez of Silver City, NM; his step-son, Richard Grinie of Silver City; his brother, Robert Kirker of Las Cruces, NM; his twenty-two grandchildren; his forty-six great-grandchildren; his nineteen great-great-grandchildren; his one great-great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first loving wife, Dora (Padilla) Kirker (1988); his son, James Kirker (1985); his step-son, Henry Grinie (2020); his brothers, Frank Kirker, Leonardo Kirker and Henry Kirker; his sister, Clorinda Alderette; his grandson, Zachariah Grinie; his great-granddaughter, Myrandah Quintana.

Charles "Chuck" Levon Moriarty, 78, longtime Deming resident passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2024 in El Paso, TX. Services are pending.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles "Chuck" Levon Moriarty, please visit our floral store.

Matthew (Matt) L. Lynch, 84, a long-time resident of Deming, N.M. died on July 30, 2024. He was a beloved husband, dad, son, brother, uncle and friend. He passed peacefully following a short illness with his loving wife and best friend, Rose, by his side.

Born in 1939, at the Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City, N.J., to Matthew Lester and Kathryn E. McCarron Lynch. He was the first born child of six.

Matt grew up in Jersey City and spent many memorable summers in Manasquan, N.J. He graduated in 1962 from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. From 1962-1965 he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp (1stLt). He was a Vietnam Veteran and a proud Marine. Semper Fi!

Matt had an adventuresome spirit and along the way made countless life-long friends in the various places he called home from Hawaii to Washington, D.C.; from Vermont to Binghamton and Saratoga N.Y.; and from North Adams, MA. to Deming, N.M. He was a licensed commercial pilot and had a life-long passion for flying. He was the proud owner and pilot of a yellow and red American Champion Super Decathlon aerobatic airplane that he flew every day.

Mario Lopez Kirker, 98, a Navy Veteran and resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Fort Bayard Medical Center. He was born on November 26, 1925 to his parents, Juan and Rita (Lopez) Kirker in Santa Rita, NM.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elisa Moreno (Grinie) Kirker; his son, John R. Kirker (Maggie) of Santa Clara, NM; his daughters, Virginia Enriquez of Silver City, NM and Rita Lopez of Silver City, NM; his step-son, Richard Grinie of Silver City; his brother, Robert Kirker of Las Cruces, NM; his twenty-two grandchildren; his forty-six great-grandchildren; his nineteen great-great-grandchildren; his one great-great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his son, James Kirker (1985); his step-son, Henry Grinie (2020); his brothers, Frank Kirker, Leonardo Kirker and Henry Kirker; his sister, Clorinda Alderette; his great-granddaughter, Myrandah Quintana.

Barbara K. Hoggett,73, passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Barbara was born in Lordsburg, December 12, 1950, to Charles and Louise Hoggett. She was the second of four daughters. She graduated from LHS in 1968 and had two degrees from NMSU.

Barbara had many jobs throughout her life including working for Southern Pacific Railroad and for Dr. Dotty Carter. She worked on the family ranch for many years. Barbara was an active member in Tabosa CowBelles and founder of the Cowboy Hall of Fame in the museum. She was a strong supporter of the Hidalgo County Fair. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Lordsburg. She was a long-time caregiver for her partner, George Botzko.

Barbara loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved people and was always willing to lend a hand. She loved to go on adventures, especially with George. She loved the ranch and the animals, including her faithful dog. One of her biggest joys was spending time with her nieces and nephews, big and little. She was the "fun" aunt.

Carroll Dean Richins was born January 19, 1934, in Virden, NM, to Orson and Edna Richins. He was the ninth of eleven children. He was ingenious, always inventing ways to work smart. He could tackle most any problem if he simply thought it through.

Dean served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montana from July 1955 to July 1957. There, he met the love of his life, Donna. They were married September 4, 1957, in the Mesa, AZ Temple. He then served honorably in the United States Army from September 1957 to October 1959.

Espaeranza "Espi" Barboza Tarango, longtime resident of Lordsburg passed away Thursday August 1, 2024 in Albuquerque. Arrangements are pending.

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