Obituaries

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that U.S. Army Pfc. Richard G. Pitsor, 18, of Fort Bayard, New Mexico, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, was accounted for March 20, 2023.

In late 1941, Pitsor was a member of G Company of the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942.

Thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members were captured and interned at POW camps.  Pitsor was among those reported captured when U.S. forces in Bataan surrendered to the Japanese. They were subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March and then held at the Cabanatuan POW camp. More than 2,500 POWs perished in this camp during the war.

According to prison camp and other historical records, Pitsor died Aug. 28,1942, and was buried along with other deceased prisoners in the local Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery in Common Grave 305.  

LaVergne Burr Merrill, 80, longtime Deming resident passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Los Lunas, New Mexico. He was born May 2, 1943 in Ann Arbor, MI to LaVergne Merrill Sr. and Thelma Sweezie.

A graveside service will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10 o'clock in the morning at Mountain View Cemetery. Al Bunting will be officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Navy.

He is survived by his wife Martha Merrill; his 3 children Russel Merrill (Jeanie Hart), Luke (Tristian) Merrill and Samantha Merrill (Harry Jackson); 5 grandchildren and a sister Vickie (Jim) Johnston. LaVergne is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Sharon Lee.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LaVergne Burr Merrill, please visit our floral store.

Rosalie Baker, 85, a resident of Arenas Valley, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Sunset Vista Assisted Living in Silver City, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Robert Costales Torres, 73, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Silver City Care Center, in Silver City, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Kathryn Madrid, 80, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, NM.  Arrangements are pending with Terrazas Funeral Chapels ~ 575-537-0777.

Sonya Guzman, 54, Deming resident passed away at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque.

Visitation will take place Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon at Baca's Funeral Chapel, recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 6 led by Patsy Leyba. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Fr. Francis Gyau officiating. Cremation will follow and the inurnment will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Mountain View Cemetery.

Sonya was born November 21, 1969 in Deming to Margaret Reyes and Jesus Guzman. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Her family was her pride and joy. She frequently enjoyed spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, family, and friends out eating or traveling.

Sergio Arturo Alday II, 24, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024 at University Medical Center in El Paso. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Service arrangements are pending

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sergio Arturo Alday II, please visit our floral store.

SAMUEL CALVIN PIERCE, 75, resident of Deming passed away Wednesday April 10, 2024 at his home.

Visitation will be Friday morning, April 19, 2024 at 9 o'clock at Baca's Funeral Chapel where funeral services will begin at 10 o'clock with Rev. Dr. Reggie Price officiating.  Concluding services with honors accorded will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

Samuel was born July 16, 1948 in Deming to Samuel C. and Nevolyn (Sparks) Pierce.  He grew up in Deming and graduated from Deming High School.  He later entered the United States Army in December 1968.  SSG Samuel Calvin Pierce served his country for 11 years.  His primary occupation was an Aviation Mechanic and Quality Control Supervisor.