Obituaries

John Anthony (Juan Antonio) Velasco, 81, a Navy Veteran and a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, July 28, 2024 at his residence. He was born on October 22, 1942 to his parents, Jorge and Wilma (Wallin) Velasco. Juan was born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia, and at 18 years of age, came to the United States to complete his education, where he earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of West Virginia and a Master's Degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, AZ. He served for four years as a LTJG in the US Navy during the Vietnam era. After working in New York City as a Wall Street banker, he moved to New Mexico where he was able to live in a way which was more compatible with his philosophy of life. After working at First National Bank in Santa Fe and in Economic Development for the State of New Mexico, he moved for a short time to Boston where he managed the New England Spice company. There, he found his love for fine food and cooking when he worked with celebrated chef, Todd English. He settled into the work that fed his artistic soul by opening his own jewelry making business, "Tipuani." For his "retirement," his great joy was owning and bringing back to health an heirloom organic apple orchard in the Mimbres Valley in SW New Mexico.

Elmo Lee Amador, Sr., 68, He was born on May 15, 1956 to his parents, Belder and Mary (Garcia) Amador in Rincon, NM. The family moved to North Hurley during Elmo's childhood where he helped in the building of his childhood home built of railroad ties that his dad acquired from working on the Santa Fe Railroad. Elmo graduated from Cobre High School in 1974 and joined the U.S. Army that same year. He served his country until 1980. After his military service he went on to attend Western New Mexico University where he earned his master's degree in Arts and Interdisciplinary studies. He taught middle and high school in the Deming, Cobre and Silver School districts until his retirement in 2005.  Elmo was teaching at the Silver High Opportunity School, one of his favorite places. He touched many lives throughout his years. Students would always stop him to say "Hi" and he called them all "mi hijos and mi hijas." During his retirement years, Elmo enjoyed riding his Harley, "Gorjus" and working on his VW bug. He was always working on something in his yard and would sketch all his plans for his next build or landscape. His greatest pride and joy were his children and grand-children. The great "Grampa Memo" will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on.

Edna Ann Hutchison Feeley, 83, a resident of Cliff, NM went home to be with her Lord and Savior July 25, 2024. She was born October 10, 1940 to her parents, Ruben and Delia Boone in Quemado, NM.

Edna will be remembered for her love of her faith and the many people that she touched in her 83 years. She was an icon of her community and will be greatly missed by all. Retired from Maxwell House after 25 years and a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church for 57 years. She loved playing her bass guitar in the Reflections Band that played at the Senior Centers and nursing homes in the area. She loved her flowers, especially her 20 rose bushes. She was very active in Montosa Camp meeting which she had attended for 70 years every summer. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was the youngest of five children. She married William "Bud" Lige Hutchison in 1956 and moved to Cliff in 1967. Bud passed in 1979 and she married Patrick Feeley in 1995.

Juanita (Tito) Diaz Martinez made her final transition on July 23, 2024, at the age of 93 and she continues on her eternal journey. She loved music and is now dancing on a cloud. Juanita worked for Dr. Woodworth for 25 years and later worked at the Texas Store and the Bayard Drug Store. She was an avid gameshow fan. Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud were her favorites. She loved people and welcomed them to her home warmly. She started the day by putting a pot of coffee on in the morning in anticipation of sharing it with visitors.

Juanita was born in Santa Rita, NM, and was raised in North Hurley, NM. She married Lorenzo Martinez in 1963 and they made their home in Hurley, NM. where they raised three children. She was a parishioner at Hurley Infant Jesus Catholic Church her entire life. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lorenzo Martinez, son Phillip Martinez, sisters Mary (Lupe) Guadiana and Mary Ellen Huerta and brother David D Diaz. Juanita's survivors include a son Peter Martinez and wife Veronica, daughter Lorraine Chavira, grandchildren Phillip Chavira, Nic Chavira, Amari Hill, and Danielle Martinez and great grandchildren, Atticus and Gweneviere Hegedus.

Patricia Carolyn White Booth passed away July 25,2024 in Silver City, NM due to medical complications. Pat was born in Silver City on June 6, 1941 to Wade and Frances White. She graduated from Western High (now Silver High) and attended the University of Arizona, graduating with a BA in English. On August 8, 1963 she married Ernest (Ernie) Arthur Booth and after his military service they settled in Carlsbad, NM where he continued his veterinary practice. They raised three sons and lived there for many years before retiring to Silver City in 1996. Pat and Ernie designed and built the home where they resided for the last 25 years. Pat was baptized a Jehovah's Witness in 1970 and has been faithfully serving Jehovah ever since. Pat was a loving wife and mother, teacher, accomplished pilot and flight instructor. She loved Silver City and spending time at her home weaving and making sure the hummingbirds, plants, and Ernie were well fed.

She is survived by her husband Ernie Booth, sons Chase and David Booth, brother Stephen White and sisters Virginia and Frances White. She has three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Ernie in 1987. Patricia is loved and deeply missed by her family and friends. We are lucky to have her in our lives.

Jorge Luis Porras Martinez, 34, Columbus resident passed away at Vista Hills Nursing Center in El Paso, TX.

Visitation will take place Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Baca's Funeral Chapel at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, funeral service to follow at 6 o'clock in the evening with Pastor Obed Rivera officiating.

Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jorge Luis Porras Martinez, please visit our floral store.

John A. Velasco, 82, a Navy Veteran and a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, July 28, 2024 at his residence. Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Elmo Lee Amador, 68, an Army Veteran and a resident of Hurley, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, NM. Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.