Obituaries

Billy Joe was born August 31, 1940 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He was the only child of Alva B. and Golda Collyge.  They moved to San Lorenzo, N.M. in 1949.  He passed away February 23, 2024 at his home.

Billy is survived by Kitty, his wife of 53 years; one son, Clay, his wife Rollane and their children, Wyatt (Josephine), Golda (Andrews) and Emma (James); one daughter, Casi Lane and her husband, Wes and their children, Tyler (Julia) Marshal and Dani.

Cremation has taken place under the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.  At his request, there will be no services.

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

Alan McGill left this earth on Sunday, February 18th and Silver City became a dimmer place. His brilliance shone around him through his infectious smile and his keen intellect. He was a jokester, an optimist, an adventurer, a protector of the earth, a lover of life and a man of great compassion and wisdom.

He was often seen riding around Silver City in his wheelchair to his favorite haunts, the Botanical Gardens, the Farmer's Market, the Co-op, Bear Creek Herbs and up and down Bullard Street.  As he gave so much love, wisdom and joy to others, he was loved by many. 

 Alan was born on November 15, 1954 in Columbia, South Carolina. He spent most of his childhood in the Panama Canal Zone where he explored the jungle and learned about the world. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School - one of the first integrated schools in South Carolina.

Richard Perez Lucero, of Santa Clara, NM passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024.  Richard was born in the old Tyrone township on June 23, 1933 to Augustin and Estephana Lucero.  He attended Western High School and at the age of 17years he enlisted in the US Army, during the Korean Conflict.  When he returned to Silver City, he met Celia Garcia whom he married and raised a family.  They were married 68 years.

Our father was a hardworking, loving father.  He loved camping, fishing, and hunting.  He was a long-time piñon picker in the Burro Mountains.  He enjoyed trying his luck at the Casino in San Carlos.  He was a diesel mechanic by trade for the area mines in Grant County.  He loved to cook and spend time with his family.  He enjoyed nothing better than to have a house full of noisy grandkids.  He was a devout member of the Santa Clara Catholic Church.  He will always be remembered lovingly by all who knew him.  We could never have asked for a better Father and Grandfather.

Tony Jaramillo Huerta Jr., 53, a resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, February 22, 2024.  He was born April 13, 1970 in San Laguna, CA to Tony C. Huerta Sr. and Socorro Jaramillo.

Tony was an amazing artisan.  He would go look for rocks and he could see the beauty within the stone, where other people would see a rock.  Tony used the same theory in life.  Tony saw the beauty in everybody regardless of what walk of life they came from.  Many times, Tony would buy food and water for the homeless.  Tony will be missed by many people as he was very loved.  Now he is free to fly with his Guardian angel.

He is survived by his father, Tony Huerta Sr; his mother, Socorro "Sukie" Huerta of Santa Clara; many extended families in Texas and New Mexico.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Graybill.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .

Manuela (Nellie) Ordoñez, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 17, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 31, 1940 to her parents, Emiliano Ordoñez and Rita (Medrano) Ordoñez in Hurley, N.M. 

Nellie was a caring and nurturing individual which she transcended into a lifetime career as a Certified Nurse's Assistant.  She worked at Providence Memorial in El Paso, TX; Fort Bayard Medical; Gila Regional Medical Center, and Wal-Mart.  Nellie enjoyed traveling to Mexico, gardening, reading her Bible, watching novellas, and spoiling her beloved Chihuahua "Monez".  Mom always created a happy space for all who entered her home.  She loved her family unconditionally.  Nellie is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Monge; her father, Emiliano Ordoñez and mother, Rita M. Ordoñez.  She leaves behind two sisters, Angie Andazola and husband Richard of Phoenix, AZ; Gloria Maya of Tyrone; four sons, Richard O. Morones of Silver City; Carlos O. Morones of Hurley; Gilbert O. Morones and wife Julia of N.  Hurley, and Tony Morones of Silver City; her daughter, Rita M. Chavez and husband Bodie of Silver City; she also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and step-grandchildren.

Ronald Thomas Rivera, 79, of Bayard, passed away February 25, 2024 in El Paso, Texas.

Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels.  Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at Twelve o'clock noon on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Infant Jesus Shrine in Hurley.   The Funeral Liturgy will follow immediately thereafter.  Interment of his cremated remains will take place at a later date.  Officiating will be Father Casmir Anozie. 

"Tommy" as he was affectionately known, was born January 15, 1945 in Silver City to Malaquias and Priscilla Rivera.  He had worked at the copper mines as a blaster and at several different capacities. A lifelong area resident, he was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church.  

Reuben Valencia Montoya, 95, of San Lorenzo, NM passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 23, 2024.  Reuben was born and raised in San Lorenzo, NM to Luis and Anita Montoya.  He was the oldest of three children, including himself, his sister, Alice Kavanaugh, and his brother, Luis Jr.  who have all preceded him in death.

Reuben grew up helping his dad on the farm and ranch, and became an avid outdoorsman.  He loved hunting, fishing, riding horses, and as a youth, would participate in local rodeos held in the area.  He told stories of his beloved horse "Rabbit", whom he trained to lie down with him at night when he camped out on hunting trips.  After retiring, he and his wife, Emma traveled extensively and enjoyed camping with family and friends.

Reuben became employed at the Santa Rita mine at the age of 19.  He worked at various positions throughout the years and retired in 1985 as Foreman for the Truck, Dozer, and Tire Shop.  Prior to becoming a Foreman, Reuben was an active union member with the Steelworkers Local 890.  He served on the Santa Rita Grievance Committee and helped initiate the apprenticeship program at the mine and served on the Apprenticeship Committee for many years.

Reuben married Emma Galaz in 1947 and had been married for 73 years when Emma passed away on December 24, 2020.  He had five children and also raised a grandson.

He is survived in death by his children, Reuben Jr., Gloria Crespin, Ronald (Susan), Richard and Robert; nine grandchildren, Tammy, Tanya, Shayne, Susan, Russell, Cassidy, Promise, Callahan, and Robert Jr.; eight great grandchildren, Autumn, Alex, Violet, Harlo, Lucca, Knox, Nash, and Beau; one great-great grandchild, Adonis.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister, brother and one grandchild, Russell Montoya.

The holy rosary will be recited by Joel Ponzio on Tuesday, March 5th at 9:30am at Santa Clara Catholic Church.  The memorial mass will follow at 10am with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. Concluding service and inurnment will follow at San Lorenzo Cemetery.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .

Pete Lozano Salas, Jr., of Bayard, passed away January 29, 2024 in Bayard, NM.
Pete was born June 30, 1969 in Silver City to Pete Salas and Theresa Gomez
Pete is survived by his parents, Manny and Theresa Garcia; three sons, Michael Ortega, Dominic Ortega, and Anthony Salas; as well as three sisters, Yvette Michelle (Bruce) Carbajal, Martha (Ernie) Garcia, and Barbara Salas. He is also survived by nephews Eric, Matthew, Adrian, Matthew Jacob, nieces Renetta, Antonia, Kim (Heather), Angelica and Arelysa. 

Please join the family of Pete Jr. to honor his life.  A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Victory Assembly of God, 413 Pinion St., Santa Clara NM to remember this wonderful man.  Inurnment will follow at the Santa Clara Cemetery. 
Please bring your fondest memories of Pete Jr. to share with family and friends.