Obituaries

Apr 9, 2023

Don A. Shelnutt was born April 8th, 1942, and passed away on April 9th, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife Kaydette, his parents Buran and Velma Shelnutt and brothers James, Leslie, Ronnie and Carold Shelnutt. He is survived by his two sons Scott and Jamie Shelnutt and three daughters Celeste Stone, Cyndie Walker and Cally Walker,...

Apr 2, 2023

Nina tortilla, 85, was born on September 12, 1937, to Eloise and Lee Antonio in the Elk district of Mescalero. She went to school at Elk Silver Day school and Carrizo day school until the 6th grade. She attended Albuquerque Indian school from 7th grade until she graduated high school in 1955, she stayed in Albuquerque to attend and...

Mar 29, 2023

Dee A. Woodward, 81, passed away on March 29, 2023. Dee was born in Tucson, Arizona to Ed and Dorothy Alsup on February 5, 1942 while her father was building natural gas pipelines to supply copper mines for World War II. In first grade she went to seven different schools in seven different states, as the family was following...

Mar 25, 2023

Naomi Rebecca Cleveland was born in Phoenix Arizona on November 13, 1988 and passed on March 25, 2023. She was 34 years old. She attended Seba Dalkai Boarding School till the fifth grade. She transferred to Ruidoso Middle school and completed High School in Grants, NM. Naomi is survived by her two sons; Isaac Verne Garcia (14 years) and Dominick...

Mar 23, 2023

George W. Morgan, 28, beloved Son, Brother, Cousin, and Grandson, was called to his eternal resting place on March 23, 2023. He entered this world on November 23, 1994, in Ruidoso, NM, born to Danny Morgan Sr and Veronica Treas. He is preceded in death by his furry companions Mary and Dro. He is survived by his furry companion Mary...

Mar 18, 2023

Bruce Comanche Sr, 76, of Mescalero, New Mexico died Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Alamogordo. He was born December 13, 1946, at Mescalero, New Mexico. He worked at Ski Apache for many years. He enjoyed playing his guitars and baking. A Wake will be held at his residence at 273 Kokopelli Dr starting at 5pm Wednesday March 22, 2023....

Mar 16, 2023

Cheryl Smith passed away on March 16, 2023. Her final days were spent with her loving husband on their beloved ranch. Cheryl's life may have been cut short, but she touched the hearts of many while she was with us. Cheryl was born on January 11, 1966, in Columbus, Ohio. Cheryl had a passion for family that was deeply...

Mar 15, 2023

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary (Maria) Padilla Romero, age 86, of Ruidoso Downs, NM passed away on March 15, 2023 at home surrounded by loved ones. Mary was born on October 17th, 1936, to Abran and Sarah (Padilla) Garcia in Capitan, NM. In 1947, the family moved to Dexter, NM. On June 27th, 1959 she married Ralph (Rafeil)...

Mar 15, 2023

Patrick Benard Pafford passed away peacefully at his home in San Patricio, New Mexico on March 15, 2023. Pat was born on July 2, 1952 in Fort Worth, Texas to parents Betty Ruth Morrow and Winton Benard Pafford. Pat completed high school in Albuquerque, NM in 1970. Pat proudly served his country as a helicopter mechanic in the Marine...

Mar 13, 2023

Lorena T.Sanchez was called to her eternal resting place on March 13, 2023, She was 81 years young. Lorena entered this world on January 6, 1942 in Belen, NM, born to Joe and Lily Tabet. Lorena is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Gilbert Sanchez, parents Joe and Lily Tabet, her brothers Wilfred Tabet, Herman...

Mar 12, 2023

Ernest Hunt Rettig, 93, a long-time resident of Alto, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on March 12th from congestive heart failure-while his heart gave out, his spirit will live on forever. Ernie will be greatly missed as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, veteran, business owner, and avid golfer. Ernie was born on September 29th, 1929, to Thelma...

Mar 4, 2023

Charles Dean Shanta, 71, passed away on March 4, 2023, in Ruidoso, NM. He was born to parents Albert Haus and Vera Shanta on June 1, 1951, in Ruidoso. Charles was an avid Elk Horn Hunter and loved the outdoors. Charles is survived by his daughters Ramona Chino, Sierra "Povi" Shanta, Shantal Shanta, Monet Shanta, Melissa Shanta, and Rochelle...

Feb 25, 2023

Jean Montes Riga, 73, beloved Mother and Daughter, was called to her eternal resting place on February 25, 2023. She entered this world on September 25, 1949 in Hondo, NM, born to Serapio and Lucinda Montes. She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Bennie Montes, Efren (Ruby) Montes, and Mike Montes. She is survived by her...

Feb 25, 2023

Emmett Lee Hatch was born in Old Glory, Texas and came to New Mexico as a small child. While attending Roswell Junior High School, he met Jeanette Thompson, who would be his girl for the next 60 years. Emmett was a Marine and served in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He retired from the Marines as...

Jan 23, 2023

Ervin A. Gutierrez, 42, beloved Father, Brother and Son was called to his eternal resting place on January 23, 2023. He entered this world on January 27th, 1980 in Ruidoso, NM. Born to Father Robert Gutierrez and Mother Della Torrez.

Ervin is survived by his children Ervin J. Gutierrez, Roman Gutierrez, Cielo Gutierrez and Children's Mother Rosa...

Jan 23, 2023

Thomas A. Jay (Tommy) of Ruidoso went home January 23, 2023. He was the son of Albert V Jay and Viola Harmon Jay. Born October 13, 1942, in Roswell, New Mexico. A true horseman from mucking stables at the racetrack as a boy graduating to trotting and riding horses as young man going on to breaking and training quarter...

Jan 10, 2023

Bill Pippin, 89, of Ruidoso, NM, crossed the finish line peacefully into the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. He was born August 30, 1933, in Portales, NM, to the late Mary (Lovorn) and Cleve Pippin. In his youth, Bill attended Portales High School, served in the US Army, and attended...

Dec 30, 2022

Linda Lou Carwile Burch 78 passed away on December 30,2022 at home in Carrizozo, NM surrounded by her family. Linda was born in Tularosa, NM to Ronald Earl & Sarah Carwile on Feb 13,1944. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend to all. Linda loved the lord, her family and friends with all her heart. She was loved...

Dec 19, 2022

Buddie Collin Vuicich, a wonderful, loving and gracious man, passed away on December 19, 2022 in Fredericksburg, Texas.   Originally from West Texas, Buddie was born in Seagraves, Texas and raised in Denver City, Texas.  Buddie attended San Angelo State University.  Buddie formerly owned and operated several retail businesses with his family in Lincoln County beginning in the 1980s.   The...

Dec 18, 2022

Karen DeLeeuw, 75, was called to her eternal resting place on December 18, 2022. She entered this world on October 29, 1947 in Las Cruces, NM. She was loved and will be missed by many. She is survived by her sons Tracy Morlack and Sean McCracken,. Grandchildren Cara Morlack, Warren McCracken and Kyle Morlack. Great grandchild Oliver McCracken. She...