This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Guerra, Cisneros, Herrera Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5308/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Natividad Concepcion H. Guerra, 85, of Las Cruces died Wednesday March 23, 2011. Concha as she was fondly known was born April 8, 1925 in Ascencion Chihuahua Mexico to Amador and Anastacia Cisneros Herrera. Concha came to Las Mesa, NM at an early age and considered the Mesilla Valley her lifelong home. She had been a faithful and loyal member of the Catholic Community all of her life. She enjoyed dancing, had a great sense of humor, loved to visit with her friends but her passion was for her family. Concha will be forever loved and missed by all her family and friends. She is survived by her two sons Joe Guerra and wife Tere of Las Cruces and Abel Guerra and wife Yvonne of El Paso, TX; daughters Bertha Martinez and husband Frank of Upland, CA, Herminia Robles and Becky Alejo both of Las Cruces; brother Lupe Herrera and wife Reyna of Ontario, CA; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Concha was preceded in death by her sister Cuca Vargas. A visitation will be held from 5 to 6 pm on Sunday March 27, 2011 at Getz Funeral Home where her prayer vigil will follow at 6 pm. Mrs. Guerra's funeral mass to celebrate her life will be at 10 am on Monday March 28, 2011 at San Jose Catholic Church in La Mesa, NM with Fr. Martin Cordero officiating. Rite of Committal will be at the La Mesa Cemetery. The honor of being a pallbearer will go to members of her family. Arrangements by Getz Funeral home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. To sign the local online guest book go to www.Getz Cares.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 25, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/1690.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I did not write this, I got it from the Las Cruces Sun News and posted it for genealogy research for his family. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Ieiserling Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/1690.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Thank you for remembering my grandfather and I miss him dearly and he would love to read what you wrote about him I'm sure Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Giddings, Eby, Campbell, Pincumbe Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5307/mb.ashx Message Board Post: MARILYN DIANE GIDDINGS, age 81, of Las Cruces passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at La Posada - Mesilla Valley Hospice, to be reunited with her mother and sister, to play canasta and drink coffee. Lynn, as she was fondly known to family and friends, was born September 1, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in Lake Orion, Michigan, where she graduated high school, and attended Alma College in Alma, Michigan for three years. Growing up she worked in a soda shop/drug store as a "soda jerk". After college she worked as a service representative for Michigan Bell (now AT&T), a substitute teacher and a nurse's aide. She married Lawrence J. Giddings June 6, 1953 and shortly thereafter proceeded to do her best work, raising four children, Jody Lynne, Jeri Kay, Jill Anne and Jeffery Lawrence. In 1973, the family moved from Oxford, Michigan to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After retirement Lynn and Larry moved to Florida. In 1998 Lynn moved to Las Cruces to be closer to her daughte! r Jill. Lynn had an awesome sense of humor and loved the outdoors. Survivors include her two daughters, Jeri Eby of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Jill Giddings of Las Cruces; one son, Jeff Giddings also of Sault Ste. Marie; her son-in-law, Walter Pincumbe of Williamston, Michigan; her brother Bill Campbell and wife, Nan of Port Charlotte, Florida. Other survivors include her grandchildren, Mark and Wendi Pincumbe, Dennis Eby, Joseph, Elizabeth and Emma Giddings, many "grand" dogs and a soon to be great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jody Lynne Pincumbe and a sister, Bonnie Joy Campbell. Cremation will take place and a Memorial Service will be held at 4 PM Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the home of Ray and Lucy Parra, 407 Bason Dr., Las Cruces. In lieu of flowers and at Lynn's request, donations may be made to the Mesa Grande Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, 6265 Reynolds Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88011. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Home and Sunset Crematory of Las Cruces. 527-2222 For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslalscruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 25, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Marmolejo, Archuleta, Pelkey, Olivas,Atayda Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5306/mb.ashx Message Board Post: We humbly appraise our Mother's worth. It all began with the pain to give us birth. Which triggered off a love so strong, blossoming into a life-long bond. When needed she was always there, someone we realized would always care. The older we got the more we knew, a Mother's love is sincere and true. We are privileged now to play our part, as she did right from the very start. SYLVIA MARMOLEJO, 50, was born May 11, 1960 in El Paso, Texas. She was promoted March 23, 2011 in the early morning in Las Cruces. She leaves behind three children, Chenoa Archuleta of Las Cruces, Rebekah Pelkey of Albuquerque, and Moses Pelkey of Las Cruces. She also leaves behind a son-in-law, Salvador Archuleta and two grandchildren, Eluteria and Martuero Archuleta. She is survived by two sisters, Hilda Olivas and Gloria Marmolejo; two brothers, Luis Marmolejo and Cesar Atayde. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents, Pedro and Mercedes Marmolejo and her brothers, Pedro Marmolejo, Jr., and Julio Marmolejo. Visitation for Sylvia will begin at 6 PM, Friday, March 25, 2011 in Cedar Hills Church of Cross Church, 5550 Stern Drive in Las Cruces with the Evening Service scheduled for 7 PM, officiated by Reverend Thomas Perez, Jr. The Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, March 26, 2011 in the same church, with Reverend Caleb Perez, officiating. Concluding Service and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery 5140 W. Picacho Ave. Serving as casket bearers will be Moses Pelkey, Salvador Archuleta, Luis Marmolejo, Cesar Atayde, Frank Olivas, and Isaac Olivas. Honorary bearers will be Pedro Marmolejo, Omar Perez, Ronnie Gonzalez, Jerry Gonzalez and Lorenzo Garcia, Jr. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E. Boutz Road. Exclusive providers for "Veteran's and Family Memorial Care." To send condolences online log onto www.bacasfuneralchapelascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 25, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Espinosa, Willoughby, Richter, Lee, Montoya Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5305/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Elma T. Espinosa passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at her home. The was 93 years old. She is survived by two daughters, Judith M. Espinosa of Albuquerque and Consuelo Espinosa and husband, Lester Swindle; two granddaughters, Madelena Consuelo Salazar and partner, Tyler Richter and Natalie Amanda Rogers and husband, J. R. Willoughby; and two great grandchildren, Aurelia Madelin Willoughby and Theodor Hayes Richter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Severo B. Espinosa. Elma worked for the Veterans Administration for many years and upon her retirement, she chose along with her husband to care for their two grandchildren, the great joys of her life. Elma's family was the most important element of her life and she love to be surrounded by them. She is also survived by two sisters, Alice Lee and Sally Montoya and many nieces and nephews. We love you and will miss you, but know you are happy in the hands of God. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 7:00 p.m., at French - University. Friends and family may visit from 3:00 til 5:00 p.m., prior to Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2010, 10:00 a.m., at the Aquinas Newman Center, 1815 Las Lomas Road NE, with burial to follow on Friday, March 25, 2011 at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Manor, P. O. Box 749, Albuquerque, NM 87103, 505-243-2527. Please visit our online guestbook for Elma at www.RememberTheirStory.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 25, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Smith, Marusich, Lindstrom, Thayer, Cordova Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5304/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Viola ("Blondie") Smith, 93, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2011 peacefully at home. She was born in Emerson, Manitoba on Sept. 10, 1917, to John A, Voelpel and Mary Boss Voelpel, the third of four children. Her father worked for the US Immigration Service and so her childhood was spent in upper Minnesota and North Dakota in small towns along the Canadian border. She played girls' basketball in high school in Portal, North Dakota, and was an avid basketball and NBA fan all her life. After high school she went to Business College in Kenmare, North Dakota and worked for the power company. In 1939 she met Glenn Smith and they were married Sept. 22, 1940 in a double wedding along with their friends Bill and Blanch Westlake in Kenmare. They began their married life in the Black Hills of South Dakota where Glenn worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and they moved to Florida while he was in Officer Candidate School. Their! first child, Gene Smith, was born in 1943 in Lubbock, TX where they were stationed. After that, Glenn went overseas with the Flying Tigers to the CBI theater of WWII, while Blondie returned to Hope, North Dakota, to live with Glenn's parents, Sam and Alma Smith. Their second child, Mary Ann, was born in Fargo, North Dakota in 1945 while Glenn was still overseas. After the war, they moved to Fargo and then Minot, North Dakota, where Glenn worked for the Veteran's Administration and Blondie was active with her kids and their various scout and music activities. Their third child, Rebecca (Becky) was born in Minot in 1953. In 1954 they transferred to the VA hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, and also bought a peach orchard surrounding their home in the Palisades area. Together with their children they raised fruit, chickens, raspberries and Blondie canned a lot of peaches. In 1958 they transferred to the VA Hospital at Ft. Bayard, NM where Glenn was the chief of personnel. ! Viola went to work in real estate in 1959 and bought out her partner, Fern Shell, just as Ft. Bayard was becoming a state hospital. The company, formerly Smith & Shell Real Estate, became Smith Real Estate in 1964. Glenn took an early retirement from the VA and together the couple began importing and breeding Spanish Andalusian horses. Blondie was the president of the local Board of Realtors in 1964 and the president of the Silver City Chamber of Commerce in 1966. She served on the NM state board of Realtors as SW Vice President in 1968. She was involved in the development, sales and naming of several local subdivision projects, including Silver Acres, Mockingbird Hill and Canyon de Oro, and the Wheaton Smith Hot Springs Ranch. In 1984 she retired from real estate in order to be at home with husband and Becky took over the company, although Viola kept an active real estate license until her death. She was honored by the National Association of Realtors with the designation of "Realtor Emeritus" in 2009 for her over 40 years in the real estate ! profession. In 1978 Glenn and Blondie began building their home on their ranch in the Mimbres where she continued to live on her own for 17 years after Glenn passed away in 1994. She was an inspiration to her many friends and neighbors, and even her doctors. One of them posted a YouTube video of Viola, a short extemporaneous interview with advice on aging gracefully. She enjoyed playing the piano, listening to her family play music, swimming, gardening and keeping up with family and friends. Her mind was a treasure trove of information on local real estate history and she continued her interest in the local market all her life. She is survived by her three children, Gene of St. Louis, MO, Mary Ann (& husband Zeff Marusich) of Andover, MA, and Becky (& fiancé Ken Ladner) of Silver City; her younger sister Mary Lindstrom of Moorhead, MN, her grandchildren Glenn Smith of O'Fallon, MO, David Smith of Bentonville, AR, Timothy Cordova of Albuquerque, NM and Trevor Thayer of Silver City, and her great-grandchildren Bryan and Sam Cordova of Albuquerque, Sydney and Glenn Thayer of Silver City, and Andrew, Megan and Morgan Smith of O'Fallon, MO, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service and celebration of Viola's well-lived life will be held Monday, March 28, at 2 pm at Baca's Funeral Chapel on the corner of Delk Drive and Hwy 180 E. with a reception for all friends and family immediately following at Smith Real Estate, 505 W. College. A private interment will take place at the Crown S cemetery on the family ranch. To send condolences, please login to: www.bacasfuneralchapels.com. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Silver City, 3805 Delk Drive. Phone 388-2334. Exclusive provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care". Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 25, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Cadena, Esparza, Baylon, Alvarez Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5303/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Debra Marie Cadena passed away March 18, Friday, of 2011, she was born in Las Cruces New Mexico and passed away in Las Cruces New Mexico, she was born to Rosa M. Esparza and Manuel R. Cadena, she attended Las Cruces High School. She leaves behind her children; Yasmine Baylon, 12, and Daniel Alvarez III, 7. Her siblings; Jessica E. Armendariz and Danny E. Cadena, her grandparents; Francisca and Vicente Cadena and Lourdes Marmolejo and Abel Esparza Terrazas. An incredible and endless thanks for the warm love and support of our families; Esparza, Armendariz, Cadena, Marmolejo, Ontiveros and Madrid. And all of Debra's friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home, to sign the guest book log on to www.lapaz-grahams.com as there will be no services. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 25, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Martinez, Herrera, Villa Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5302/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Lydia Martinez, 66, a resident of Santa Clara, NM entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at her residence. She was born August 3, 1944 to Enrique Villa and Rita Martinez in Santa Rita, NM. Lydia worked at Chino Federal Credit Union for eighteen years. She started as a teller, ending as a loan officer. She adored her grandchildren and supported them in everything they did. She loved watching all sports. She was a true die hard San Francisco Giants fan. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was very strong and faithful person who put everyone else before her, even during her illness. She is survived by her loving husband, David B. Martinez of the family home; three daughters, Melissa Martinez of Santa Clara; Alejandra Jackson and her husband Rod of Silver City; Lorena Martinez and companion Leo Rodriguez of Santa Clara; honorary son, Mark Salas of Morenci, AZ; five grandchildren, Jacob and companion Krystal Vasquez and their sons, Eric and Aaron of Bayard; Adam and Nathan Jackson of Silver City; Analysa Maynes of Santa Clara; Sergio Jacquez of Hurley; eight sisters, Esther Monje and husband Jesus of Las Vegas, NV; Cecilia Martinez of Santa Clara; Rita Jacquez and husband Julian of Hurley; Ofelia Kirker and husband Robert of Las Cruces; Amelia Beach and husband Dave of Tyrone; Connie Molina and husband Bobby of Santa Clara; Rosemary Nunez and husband Gabriel of Los Angeles, CA; Alice Mosse and husband Doug of Fontana, CA; four brothers, Eduardo Martinez and wife Elisa of Hurley; Arthur Villa of Los Angeles, CA; David Villa and wife DeeDee of Los Angeles, ! CA; Danny Villa of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law, Teresa Herrera of El Paso, TX; step-mother, Cora Villa of Los Angeles, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, David M. Martinez; step-father, Eduardo B. Martinez, grandparents, Pedro and Amelia Herrera; two brothers, Arturo Herrera and Ricky Villa. Visitation will be Sunday, March 27th from 4-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the prayer vigil to begin at 6pm with Deacon Jerry Miller reciting the vigil service and holy rosary. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, March 28th at 10am at Infant Jesus Catholic Church with Father Roberto Barreto officiating. Interment with committal will follow at Hanover Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rod, Adam and Nathan Jackson, Leo Rodriguez, Jacob Martinez, Eduardo Martinez, Lalito Martinez, Steven Jacquez, Analysa Maynes and Sergio Jacquez. Honorary pallbearers will be Nancy Ryan, Yvonne Tapia, Monica Pascoe, Stephanie Miller, Luz Martinez, Griselda Martinez, Juan Carlos Roacho, Javier Martinez, Zachary Valencia and the rest of her family and friends. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 25, Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Tobey, Stroud Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5301/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Kathryn "Kitty" Stroud Tobey was born in Douglas, Georgia on December 14, 1925 and she passed away on March 15, 2011, 86 years of age. She graduated from Douglas High School in 1942. She spent a year at South Georgia College before enrolling at Georgia State Woman's College (now Valdosta State University) in Valdosta, Georgia. Kitty was a member of the Glee Club and was voted as one of Ten Outstanding Seniors. She was also co-editor for the college yearbook. Upon graduation in 1946, Kitty moved to Atlanta, Georgia and trained to become a laboratory technician at Emory University and Grady Hospital. Kitty met her husband, Robert W. Tobey, in January 1946 and they married on August 31, 1946. The couple left Georgia for good later that year and lived in Austin, Corpus Christi and Brownfield, Texas before moving and settling in Deming, NM in 1953 where they established the Luna County Broadcasting Company and KOTS radio. The radio station began commercially broadcasting on March! 10, 1954 and at the time there was only one house and the radio station south of Florida Street. The radio station's telephone number was 911. Kitty was active in the day to day operation of the station selling advertising, writing commercials and news reports, preparing the daily log and performing accounting functions. Through their association with the Associated Press and the National Association of Broadcasters, the couple traveled to Russia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Greece, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, England and Mexico representing United States broadcasters. The Tobey's sold the radio station in 1989 ending 35 years of broadcasting in Luna County. Kitty was very active within the community. She served on the Board of Trustees of the Deming Public Library for 28 years, the Deming City Parks and Recreation Committee for 18 years and was a member of the Deming Book Review Club for 38 years. She was a Charter Member of the Chapter AT, P.E.O. Sisterhood and a m! ember of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an active m ember of the First United Presbyterian Church and served as Deacon, Elder, Clerk of the Session and choir member. She later joined the United Methodist Church. Her hobbies were needlepoint, playing bridge, giving book reports and being a grandmother. Kitty is survived by her brother Thomas Stroud and her three children Emily, Bob Jr. and his wife Lorraine and Terry and his wife Josie. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sandra Hunt, Stephanie, Sheana, Rachel, Robert III, and John Terry Tobey; nieces and nephews, David and Tommy Tobey, Deborah Morton, Beth Knittel, Tommy, Fred, and Brad Stroud, and godson, Kerwin Gober. Funeral arrangements have been scheduled at the First United Methodist Church in Deming, NM on Saturday, March 26th at 1pm, burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lillian, Kitty and Emily Tobey PEO Scholarship fund, c/o Carol Krum, 3012 Wedge Rd. SE, Deming, NM, 88030. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Exclusive provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care". To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com. 811 S. Gold Ave., Deming, NM 88030. Phone: 575.546.9671 Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 24, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Campbell, Clark, Meeks Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5300/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Clarann "Ann" Francita Campbell, Born December 19, 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio. We are sad to announce the passing of our mother on March 19, 2011. We have comfort in knowing that her soul is in the glory and presence or our lord Jesus Christ. She has joined our father Otis Case Campbell who passed away on July 5, 1995. Survivors include two children, Otis Vincent Campbell (Kelly), Lynne Ann Meeks-Clark (Chuck), five grandchildren, Jevon R. Rue, Ethan C. Campbell, David W. Meeks, Tiffany D. Sampson (Meeks), Jeffrey C. Meeks and five great- grandchildren. Ann accomplished many things in her life. She was an aircraft mechanic and also a pilot. She volunteered many years with the American Red Cross at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. She was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker. The family would like to express sincere appreciation for the compassionate, kind and caring staff at the Arbors of Del Ray where she has resided for the past three years. We also would like to thank Mesilla Valley Hospice for making her comfortable in her final days. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 10:00AM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Harding-Orr & McDaniel Funeral Home, 320 Montana Ave. El Paso, TX 79902. (915) 533-1646 Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 24, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Moreno, Avalos Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5299/mb.ashx Message Board Post: It is with so much sorrow that the death of Buenaventura Moreno, 59, of Las Cruces is announced. On Monday, March 21, 2011, he entered eternal peace at Mountain View Regional Medical Center. He was born July 31, 1951, in Chihuahua, Mexico to his parents, Cuberto and Lucia Moreno; they both preceded him in death. He was a partner and loving husband to Maria Luisa Moreno for 14 years. Also grieving this great loss are his four sons and their wives, who loved him dearly; Ernesto and Rose Avalos, Edgar and Trish Avalos, Tony and Crystal Avalos, and Martin and Cindy Avalos, all from Las Cruces. Those who will also miss him greatly are his 15 grandchildren. Moreno, as he was known to everyone, was a professional in auto body work. He worked in this occupation for years and loved what he did. He was an honest, hardworking man and will always be remembered with love and gratitude for the good-hearted person that he was. Our pain is eased with the knowledge that he is now resting and no longer suffering, and that we will always have our memories as a family. We love you and miss you Moreno. Visitation for Moreno will begin at 6 PM, Thursday, March 24, 2011 in the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, 700 McAnally Ave. in Berino, with the Evening Service scheduled for 7 PM. The Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM, Friday, March 25, 2011 in the same church with Pastor Antonio G. Morales, officiating. Concluding Service and Interment will follow in Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Road in Las Cruces, where he will be laid to rest. Serving as casket bearers will be his three sons, Roberto, Tony and Jesus M. Avalos, Michael Diaz, Santiago Flores and Albert Barajas. Honorary bearer will be Jesus Avalos. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces. Exclusive providers for "Veteran's and Family Memorial Care." To send condolences online log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: West , Brown, Armstrong, Bolton Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5298/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Molindia Bolton West (92) passed away Tuesday, march 15th at the Village at Northrise in Las Cruces. Born September 13, 1918 in Ballinger, TX to Cecil Brown and Myrtle Armstrong, she moved to El Paso with her family after high school. She married Robert Eugene Bolton in El Paso in 1939. After his death in 1960 she remained in El Paso until 1976 when she married Francis Arlet West and moved to Las Cruces. Molindia Loved people and had been active with the Order of Eastern Star, Daughter of the Nile, Rainbow and Big Band Seniors over the years. Both her husbands were Masons and Shriners. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Robert E. Bolton and Francis A. West,; two brothers Clovis E. Brown and C.B. Brown and two sons in law, Tony Montoya and Ken Robertson; and one grandson, Kenneth Robertson. She is survived by nine children; Betty (Munholand) Robertson, Sally (Bolton) Kading and husband Bruce, Robert Bolton, Jr. and wife Helen, Fritzie (West) Glanville and husband Bob, Francis West Jr., Lonnie West and wife Elisa, Judy (West) Montoya, Patty (West) Wylie and husband George, Peggy (West) Chaapel and husband Scott, 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Methodist Church at 11 am on Saturday, March 26. In Lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Order of Eastern Star, chapter 20, P.O . Box 1611, Las Cruces, NM 88004 or n any charitable organization you might favor. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Parrish, Ward, thwaits, Moreno Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5297/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Laura Elizabeth (Bettie) Parrish, 91, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Nogales, Arizona on March 16, 2011. She was born and grew up in the small town of Mart, Texas and was one of five children. Our mom met the love of her life, the late Maurice Parrish, while in school at Baylor University. She considered herself a lucky woman and no one could have been happier. Bettie and Maurice were married in 1942 and after a few years in Texas, Georgia, and Florida, they returned to settle on Maurice's home turf in Silver City in 1955, where they continued their life together. They did indeed enjoy a " happy ever-after" marriage, and spent many years enjoying the good life. Our mom was a gardener extraordinaire and an avid bridge player. She enjoyed playing golf, participating in the local Women's Club, camping and hiking with family in the mountains, traveling to play golf and to see family and friends throughout the southwest and beyond. Life became hard with advancing age, due to chronic illness, but Mom weathered the storm relentlessly and prevailed day by day. The list of joyful experiences that make up our lives with our mom seems endless. Our hearts are sad but she would want us to rejoice in and celebrate her life. We find comfort at the loss of our mother with the following words: "We saw you getting weaker, so God did what He thought best. He came and stood beside you, and He whispered "Come to Rest". Bettie is survived by her three children and their significant others: Garry Parrish and Kate Nichols of Berkeley, CA; Marva and Duane Thwaits of Nogales AZ; and Sue Ann Parrish and Bryan Alcorn of Sacramento, CA., her sister, Ann Ward, three grandchildren; Robyn Thwaits, Reed Thwaits, and Karli Thwaits Moreno, four great grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, she would ask that you remember her by giving to a charity of your choice. Services for friends and family will be held at the Parrish family home at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 20, 2011. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News from March 19 to April 19, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Reyes, Ontiveros Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5296/mb.ashx Message Board Post: It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, LUPE O. REYES, 69, OF Las Cruces Sunday, March 20, 2011 at his home. He was born May 17, 1941 in Mesilla to Isabel and Rosa Ontiveros Reyes. Lupe was a laborer at the Four Points Cotton Gin and was a member of the Catholic Church. Those left to mourn his passing include a son, Guadalupe Reyes Jr. and companion Jennifer Delgado of Las Cruces; two daughters, Rosemary Reyes-Sapien and husband Michael of Anthony, Christina Reyes and companion Tony Banegas of Las Cruces; five brothers, Isabel Reyes Jr. and wife Mary, Joe Reyes and wife Terry, Ramon Reyes and wife Emma all of Las Cruces, Frankie Reyes and wife Maria de Jesus of Texas, Albert Reyes and wife Margarita of Mesilla; two sisters, Nica Rodriguez and husband Frank of Mesquite, Petra Barela of Las Cruces. Other survivors include six grandchildren; a great grandchild as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Johnny R. Reyes and a brother. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10 AM Thursday, March 24, 2011 in the Basilica of San Albino, 2270 Calle Principal in Mesilla where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM with Reverend Vincent Petersen officiating. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress where he will be laid to rest. Serving as casket bearers will be Guadalupe Jr., Eddie and Bobby Reyes, Michael, Zachery and Samuel Sapien, Tony Banegas and David Rodriguez. Honorary bearers will be Henry, Albert Jr., Ramon Jr., and Luis Reyes. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E. Boutz Road. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 23, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Dittmer, Smith, Parker, Harber Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5295/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Juanelle Dittmer, 86, passed away on March 21, 2011 at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo, NM. She was born on June 16, 1924 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Elmer and Clara Smith. She resided in New Mexico since 1957. She worked at New Mexico State University registrar office, Dona Ana Community College and the City of Las Cruces Police Department. She attended junior college in Louisiana and achieved a bachelor's degree in social work from NMSU with Crimson Scholar honors. She was an avid gardener, seamstress, crocheted many blankets, baked delicious desserts, taught Sunday school at various Baptist Churches for 28 years and enjoyed having a family dog by her side. She is survived by her husband, Edward C. Dittmer; sons, Kenneth Parker and his wife Daren, Gary Parker and his wife Roberta; daughter, Carole Harber and her husband David; stepchildren, Jacque Stratten and her husband Bob, Christine Seyl and her husband Pete, Marianne Nichols, Ed Dittmer, Jr. and his wife Carolyn, Carol Gums and her husband Dan, Chris Dittmer and his wife Lourdes; a brother, Grady Smith and his wife Betty; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and the father of her children, Henry K. Parker. Graveside services will be held on 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Monte Vista Cemetery. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Salvation Army ("Feed the Hungry") in Alamogordo, NM. The family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home to direct the arrangements. To sign the online register book, please visit www.hamiltonodell.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 23, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Rinker Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5294.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Sorry, forgot her picture. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Rinker Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5294/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Sister of Loretto, Rita Rinker, died at Nazareth Hall on Saturday, March 19. Since 1964, Sister Rita taught at Loretto Academy and served as liturgist and Music director in several Catholic parishes. Most recently, Sister directed the choir at Blessed Sacrament Parish and at Saint Michael Chapel at Fort Bliss. For the past six months Sister Rita bravely fought cancer. A wake and memorial of her life will take place at the Nazareth Hall Chapel, 4614 Trowbridge Drive, El Paso, at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 23. The funeral Mass will take place at Blessed Sacrament Parish, on 9025 Diana Drive, El Paso, at 12:30 on Thursday, March 24. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. The Loretto Community thanks Nazareth Hall and CIMA Hospice for the loving care given her during her illness. Services under the direction of HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 23, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Castle, Shipe Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5293/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Martha Genevieve Castle, affectionately referred to as D.D. by her grandchildren, passed away at her home at the age of 96 years young on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Martha was born to Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Shipe in Organ, NM on December 22, 1914. Martha was a member of the Supreme Assembly Order of the Rainbow Girls as a young girl. She graduated Las Cruces Union High School in May 1932 and NM A&M College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1936. While attending college, Martha was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, which she remained a member for 75 years. Upon graduation she moved to Lordsburg, NM and began her lifelong teaching career. She moved to Little Rock, AR to marry Raymon W. Castle in 1938. Upon relocating back to Las Cruces, she shaped & molded numerous generations, while teaching at Mesilla Elementary School from 1942 to 1956 and Court Junior High School from 1956 to 1980. Martha was awarded the Master Teachers Certificate in 1950. One of her biggest joys was running int! o past students, seeing them doing well and knowing she had a part in their success Martha is survived by her grandchildren, Richard Castle (Gayle), Christy Nieto (Hector), Tom Castle (Cathy), Carrie Castle (Edward) and John Castle. Great-Grandchildren, Jeff, Aaron, Steven, Brianna, Gabriel, Nathan and Lindsay. Nieces and nephews, Harry Beasley, Jimmy Dean & Martha Beasley, Bill & Lana Chambers, Chuck & Patty Chambers, John & Martha Jane Williams, Stan & Marie Kowalski and Molly & Steve Zerbach and special friends, Duffy, Phyllis and Cecilia. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, husband, Raymon W. Castle, and her sons, John T. Castle and William (Billy) Castle. Upon her request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Martha is planned for Monday, March 21, 2011 at 2:00pm at La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home Chapel 555 W. Amador with Dr. Bob Donohue officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News from March 19 to April 19, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Coronado, Bean, Magoffin, Armijo, Bloom Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5292/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Three Crosses: Symbols of Mesilla Valley history By Christopher Schurtz For the Sun-News Posted: 03/23/2011 LAS CRUCES - In 1940, the state celebrated the 400th anniversary of the expedition of Spanish governor Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. That year, Las Cruces organized the Fiesta de la Frontera, a three-day series of events celebrating the cultural history of the Mesilla Valley. Fiesta organizers decided to erect three crosses on a hill a mile north of Las Cruces at the entry point of the city, where North Main Street heads east onto the mesa toward Alamogordo. The intention, organizers told the Sun-News, was to "commemorate the event from which Las Cruces got its name." Private donations paid for the installation of three crosses, made from large rounded logs and painted white. Two of the crosses stood 14 feet high, with the center cross 20 feet high. "The markers are visible from a long distance," the Sun-News reported. "The view from the length of Main Street is very effective, as the crosses top the hill almost directly in line with the thoroughfare." On the evening of July 24, an estimated 2,000 people gathered at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church downtown, a principal supporter of the project, according to the Sun-News. Led by the Rev. H.D. Buchanan, the candlelight procession made its way up Main Street to dedicate the three crosses. Flares were installed to light the crosses throughout the three-day fiesta. Crosses on the hill Later that year in December, at the suggestion of the Mesilla Valley Garden Club, the Mesilla Valley Electric Company decorated the crosses with white Christmas lights, a tradition it, and later El Paso Electric, continued every December. The three crosses became something of a tourist attraction, and the Sun-News reported various entities were using three crosses in their official logos, including the city of Las Cruces, the Mesilla Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Las Cruces Country Club, and numerous local businesses. But the crosses on the hill were also sometimes the targets of vandals. The Sun-News reported in 1947 that "in the past one or two attempts have been made to cut down the crosses or to burn them down," and that several times the lights on the crosses were smashed or stolen. The wood crosses remained at their spot until 1960, when landowner P.T. Gonzales asked El Paso Electric to remove them so he could build a home there. In April 1960, workers with El Paso Electric took down the crosses, and the Las Cruces Country Club volunteered a small space on the west edge of its golf course, just across North Main Street along Solano Drive, where they remained for 10 years. New Cruces In 1969, Students Incorporated, a newly formed organization that provided part-time employment for local students, took over the duties of beautifying the three crosses. At that time, the city's downtown was undergoing an already unpopular transformation under urban renewal, which itself would include a three crosses-themed planter at the south end of the new Downtown Mall. Led by volunteer director Rev. Lee Hobert, Students Incorporated raised donations going door-to-door and from businesses, most prominently $3,000 from James Dawes, the owner of the nearby Surplus City. Initially, the idea was to refurbish the old crosses, but soon the group determined to install brand new ones at the corner of Solano and Main. Hobert, a pastor at Mesilla Valley Christian Church, designed three 30-foot metal crosses constructed of plowshares, discs and other agricultural implements "symbolizing the agrarian economy of the area," the Sun-News reported. The three metal crosses were installed in 1970, within a small patio-like area, and officially dedicated to the city as part of Vaquero Days in April 1971, according to the Sun-News. Since then, the city of Las Cruces has maintained the crosses, including lighting them during the holidays. Original site? When the first wooden crosses were dedicated in 1940, the Sun-News reported they were "placed on the approximate spot where 40 rude crosses marked the graves of the men who were killed by Apache Indians in 1840." No archeological evidence exists confirming where the site from which the city got its name was specifically located. Several historical and later newspaper accounts suggest the site was north of the place where Las Cruces was ultimately plotted in 1849, and that there were indeed a number of crosses that existed there for years. There are several different versions of a similar story as to the crosses' origins. The written account most referred to comes from the journal of Susan Shelby Magoffin, who came through here in 1847. Magoffin wrote of passing over the spot several miles south of Dona Ana, where she was told years earlier "a party of Apaches attacked General Armijo as he returned from the Pass with a party of troops and killed some fourteen of his men, the graves of whom marked by a rude cross are now seen." Fifty years later, Maude McFie Bloom recounted in her 1903 master's thesis the version told to her by Mesilla Valley pioneer and judge Sam Bean, who said he personally saw the crosses, each crudely crafted with two pine boards, when he first came to the New Mexico Territory in 1846. By then, the site was referred to in Spanish as "the place of the crosses" or simply "Las Cruces." According to Bean, the crosses marked the graves of a 40-man Chihuahuan trade party, killed as they camped along the river's edge in a "fearful mesquite jungle" off El Camino Real. McFie conjectured the spot was close to where the Alameda Ranch Resort sanitarium was then located, near Three Crosses Avenue, just a few hundred yards west of where the three metal crosses on North Main are now. But what happened to the original crosses? No one really knows. Some accounts, written long after the fact, say that since they were well outside of town, they were forgotten about and slowly deteriorated. Another account says the crosses were gathered and burned, with the ashes sent to the relatives. It's also possible the crosses did not mark graves, but rather where someone died, like the roadside memorials, called descansos, erected for victims of traffic accidents along New Mexico streets and highways. 'Keep the Crosses' There is no indication the three memorial crosses were installed to promote Christianity per se, though certainly that may have been the motivation of some. All news accounts of the three crosses, from 1940 when the first ones were installed up to the dedication of the current crosses in 1971, only describe them as referencing or celebrating the history of the city name. It is also true, however, that local religious entities were intricately involved with both of their installations. And the grouping of three crosses is a long-established symbol of Christianity. Local churches, if anything, celebrated their presence at the city entryway. But they weren't the only ones. Las Cruces Union High School's yearbook had always been called "The Crosses," and by the early 1940s the symbols wound up within the official logos of several local organizations, entities and businesses. This question of whether or not the three crosses as a city symbol endorses religion resulted in a five year court battle launched in 2003 by Las Cruces Paul Weinbaum, who argued the city and public schools' use of three crosses in official signage violated the constitutional separation of church and state. In the final ruling issued in 2008 by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, the court agreed with the city that in this specific case the symbols simply represented the name of the city and its historical founding. Christopher Schurtz can be reached at schurtz@zianet.com. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.