Obituaries

George Lester Jr

Nov 1, 2024

George Parker Lester, Jr, age 60, of Mescalero passed away on November 1, 2024, at his home. He was born on April 8, 1964, to George Parker Lester, Sr. and Anita Louise Lester (Pesewonit) in Mescalero.

George is preceded in death his father and mother as well as sisters Annette Torres and Becky Lester, brother Joel Lester, and niece...

George Schlageter

Oct 29, 2024

George Jackson "Jack" Schlageter, born on November 2, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away tragically in an automobile accident on October 29, 2024, in Carrizozo, New Mexico, along with his wife Jacquelyn.

Jack graduated high school in Grundy County, Tennessee, where he played the trumpet in the school band and was the captain his senior year. Following his education, he served...

Jacquelyn Schlageter

Oct 29, 2024

Jacquelyn "Jackie" Schlageter, born on February 16, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away tragically in an automobile accident on October 29, 2024, in Carrizozo, New Mexico, along with her husband George "Jack".

Jackie's journey of love began when she met her husband, George, at a movie theater while watching “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. George had unknowingly sat in her seat, prompting...

Ivora Fossum

Oct 25, 2024

Ivora Lou Fossum, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 25, 2024.

Ivora was born on June 18, 1938, in Mescalero, New Mexico to Ashley Guydelkon, Chiricahua Apache of Ft. Still Oklahoma, and Evelyn Martine Gaines, Chiricahua Apache of Mescalero, New Mexico.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John G. Fossum, who passed away on August...

Richard "Dick" Cull

Oct 25, 2024

Richard "Dick" Cull, born on June 5, 1942, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024. He was a man whose life was defined by his deep love for his family and his unwavering commitment to serving his country.

Dick served honorably in the United States Army Airborne as a Green Beret Special Forces, a testament to his bravery and dedication. His...

Betty Mills

Oct 20, 2024

In loving memory of Betty Mills, July 29th 1935 – October 20th, 2024

Betty Mills, born Betty Eidson to Inez and George-Ace Eidson, entered the world on July 29, 1935, in Crowder, Mississippi. Betty was born in a very small town where the midwife visited infrequently, which resulted in her not receiving a birth certificate until August 18, 1935. Despite this,...

Michael Rankin

Oct 14, 2024

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Michael Wayne Rankin, 68 of Ruidoso, NM. Mike Rankin passed away October 14, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, at Angus Church of the Nazarene, 103 Bonita Park Rd, Angus, NM 88316, with Rev. Jan Sweeney officiating. A private interment will take...

Gilbert Carpenter

Oct 8, 2024

Gilbert Warren Carpenter, 84, passed away at his home in La Luz, NM on October 8, 2024. Gilbert was born in Ruidoso Downs, NM to Warren and Anna Carpenter on August 23, 1940.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 55 years, Diane Carpenter; daughter Tracy Candelaria; granddaughter Kinsey Brook Candelaria; and sister Patsy Rucker.

...

Sherman Blake

Oct 7, 2024

Sherman "Johnna" Benedict Blake, III., was born on March 23, 1995, in Ruidoso, New Mexico and passed on October 7, 2024, in Mescalero, New Mexico. Sherman is preceded in death by his father, Sherman "Ben" Blake, Jr., and his brother Clint P. Blake. He is survived by his mother Janelle Tso-Blake, his partner Valencia Hirner, and nephew Santana Blake, which...

William Arthur McNay

Oct 6, 2024

William "Bill" McNay, age 87, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024 in Ruidoso.

Bill served our country in the United States Army for over ten years.

A memorial service with military honors will be held 10:00am Thursday, October 17, 2024, at LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso.

A full obituary will be published soon.

Courtney Meredith Pollock-Neeley

Oct 3, 2024

Courtney Meredith Pollock-Neeley was born on December 11, 1976, in Austin, Texas. She passed from this life on Thursday, October 3, 2023, in Ruidoso.

As a kiddo she was always smiling and loved her grandma and grandpa. She was in red hots and hot tots at Sierra Blanca and learned to ski at a very young age. At five, that girl...

Hector Alvarez

Oct 3, 2024

Hector Alvarez, age 83, passed away on October 3, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico. 

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Alvarez; sons, Michael Alvarez, and Jeffrey Alvarez; brothers, Jesus Alvarez, Lionel Alvarez, and David Alvarez; sister, Lorinda Ortiz; and a large extended family. 

Fredrick "Rick" Evans

Sep 26, 2024

Rick Evans, 76, of Glencoe, NM, departed this world on the morning of September 26, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife and children, wrapped in the love of those closest to him. Though his passing comes with great sorrow for those he left behind, his spirit remains a guiding light for his entire family, near and far, who carry...

Leigh Burnett Carr

Sep 26, 2024

Leigh Burnett Carr, born on August 6, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2024 in Ruidoso. She lived a life filled with dedication, love, and accomplishments that touched many.

Leigh began her career as a legal secretary/paralegal in Austin, Texas. With hard work and determination, she and her husband, Ruben Sanchez, established R&L Surveying Company in Frederick,...

Don Zimmerman

Sep 19, 2024

Don Zimmerman was born on July 6, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to George W. and Edith C. Zimmerman. Although his mother hoped he’d arrive on the 4th of July, he made his appearance two days later. Don grew up with his sister in California, but his family moved frequently due to his father's work. Eventually, they settled in Littleton,...

Barbara Ann Culbertson

Sep 16, 2024

Barbara Ann Culbertson, 93, of Las Cruces, New Mexico passed away September 16, 2024. She was born 24 July 1931 in Milton, Indiana to Harold Vesper Helmsing and Ruth Alice McCoy Helmsing. 

After graduating from Milton High School, Barbara continued to enhance her keyboard skills and musical education through private study on both piano and organ. On March 11, 1951, she...

Preston Royal Naiche Jr.

Sep 16, 2024

Preston Royal Naiche Jr., age 57, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024 in Mescalero, New Mexico surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on July 16, 1967 to the late Mary Elizabeth and Preston Royal Naiche Sr. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus...

Anthony Salas

Sep 15, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear, Anthony Jessie James Salas. He was born December 5, 2007 He left this world too soon, on September 15,2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico at the tender age of 16 years old. 

He is survived by his mom, Darlene Salas; and brother and sister Alex and Jasmine Salas. He...

Milford "Obie" O'Brien

Sep 14, 2024

Milford "Obie" O'Brien, a cherished soul whose laughter and warmth touched the hearts of many, passed away on September 14, 2024 just two days after celebrating his 94th birthday. Born on September 12, 1930, in Elmira, New York, Obie’s spirited nature was evident from a young age. He was very active in sports at Elmira High School, where he distinguished...

Michael Mitchell

Sep 12, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we want to share the sad news that Mike "Mitch" Mitchell has lost his

battle with cancer. Mitch never met a stranger and he always made everyone feel like they had

known him all of their lives.

Michael Thomas "Mitch" Mitchell was born in Pipestone, MN on February 8, 1953, to Merrill

...