Obituaries

Efrem Alex Duran, 44, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Rodolfo Tafoya Cardenas, 72, Deming resident passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church with the rite of committal and inurnment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Father Prakasham Babu will be officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory.

Rodolfo was born in Ascencion, Chihuahua, Mexico to Francisca Cardenas and Jose Ramon Tafoya. He moved to Deming in 2008 coming from Ascencion. He enjoyed hiking in the Florida Mountains and listening to music. Rodolfo was also a very talented mechanic and truck driver.

Rodolfo is survived by his wife, Maria G. Chavez Herrera; sons, Rodolfo (Alma) Tafoya and Carlos Tafoya (Eunice Luque); 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Aurora (Eduardo) Martinez, Lidia Saenz, and Martha Montaño.

Sandra Jean Speer, known affectionally as Sandi or Foxy, passed away on June 28, 2024, at the age of 78, in Duncan, Oklahoma. Born on August 2, 1945, in Hernshaw, West Virginia, she was a cherished member of her community and a beacon of joy to her family and friends.

Sandi graduated from Carlsbad Highschool and led a fulfilling career that began at the local Bus Depot in Carlsbad, where she met her beloved husband, Robert Speer. She later worked at Sul Ross State University in the library, located in Alpine, TX, then moving to Deming, she spent time working in two local banks, Deming National Bank and Mimbres Valley Bank, followed by a position as a vet tech at a local vet clinic. Sandi concluded her professional journey at the Deming Senior Center, where she served as the director of the volunteer program and contributed to the home-delivered meals program. Even in retirement, she continued to volunteer at the Senior Center, dedicating her time and energy to those in need.

Helen Alla, 68, of Deming, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 7:07 AM in Las Cruces, NM. Born on October 21, 1955, in Iloilo City, Philippines, Helen was a beacon of strength and resilience to all who knew her.

Helen was married to Marc Anthony Gullo, who predeceased her in 2014. Despite the absence of blood relatives in the United States, Helen found a family among the Filipino community in Deming, who supported her through the many challenges she faced.

Helen's courage was profoundly tested when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in March of 2022. She confronted this diagnosis with remarkable determination and hope, enduring intense treatments, and the progression of the disease with unwavering bravery.

Helen's strength and the power of community were evident as friends and neighbors rallied around her. Her journey was not just a battle against illness but a testament to human resilience and the profound impact of community support.

Bessie Ree Tucker, 98, passed away, July 4, 2024 in El Paso, Texas with her son and best friend Steve, by her side.

"Betty" as she was known by her family and friends, was born June 26, 1926 in Register, Georgia to Charles Clevland Brown and Nancy Frances Williams Brown. Betty loved to garden and spend as many hours as possible in her yard tending to the plants that she cared for so diligently. Betty loved her family, and her lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Community Christian Fellowship Church in Cliff, New Mexico where she was loved and will be truly missed. It was said of Betty, that her prayers touched Heaven.

Betty is survived by her beloved son Steve Tucker; two sisters, Kathryn Parker and Frances Turner; daughter in law, Linda Tucker; nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends who held her close to their hearts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Tucker; a son Chuck Tucker; daughter, Christy King; and two brothers, Charles Brown and Jack Brown.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bessie "Betty" Ree Tucker, please visit our floral store.

PENNY EUGENIA WEATHERFORD, 60, resident of Deming passed away Wednesday June 19, 2024 in Las Cruces.

Visitation will be Friday morning, July 19, 2024 from 11 to 12 at Baca's Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 1 pm at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery with Pastor James Flores officiating.

Penny was born September 4, 1963 in Lakeland, Florida to James Virgil and Gladys Ruth (Kirkland) Jones.

She was a CNA having worked in the healthcare field for some time and moved to Deming about 12 years ago from Florida. She was a member of the Baptist Church and is remembered by her family as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband Lester Weatherford; daughters Loretta Flores (James), Vanessa Hubbard (John); five grandchildren, Kourtney Faye Hubbard, MeKenzie Hubbard, Johnni Hubbard, Lucas Flores and Mathias Flores. Penny was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Jones, and siblings, James Jones Jr., Russell Jones, Betty Howell and Steve Jones.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Penny Eugenia Weatherford, please visit our floral store.

Donald Floyd Rogers, 88, an U.S.Army Veteran and resident of Hanover, NM, entered eternal rest on Friday, July 5, 2024 at his residence. Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Hampton Jerry Burnett, Sr., 85, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Gila Regional Medical Center. He was born to his parents Leon and Glora (Woosley) Burnette in Conchas, NM.

Jerry was a devoted husband to his wife and best friend, Sally Jane Burnette, with whom he
shared 45 wonderful years of marriage. He was a proud father to his daughters, Cheryl and Dana,
and his son, Jerry Jr. Jerry's family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent
with them.