Obituaries

Charles Evans Mendez

Charles Evans Mendez

Jul 26, 2026

In Loving Memory of Charlie Mendez

Charlie Mendez was a man of remarkable faith, strength, kindness, and generosity. A cattleman at heart, Charlie believed in hard work and took great pride in sharing what he knew with others. He was always willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn, but one of the things he loved sharing most was the...

Bill Tucker

Bill Tucker

Jul 25, 2026

Bill Tucker, age 92, passed away on July 25, 2026, in Ruidoso, New Mexico. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. 

A full obituary will be posted soon. 

Garrett A. Trent

Garrett A. Trent

Jul 20, 2026

Garrett A. Trent passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, in Ruidoso, New Mexico, at the age of 79. Born on March 14, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland, Garrett’s life was marked by a deep passion for the arts, a steadfast commitment to education, and service to his country.

Garrett’s early years were shaped by his upbringing in Baltimore, where he was...

William Edward Sheffield Jr.

William Edward Sheffield Jr.

Jul 17, 2026

Willam Edward (Eddie, Ed) Sheffield, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our admired Father, Ed. He was a beloved Father, Stepfather, Brother, Grandfather and friend who passed away peacefully at his home in Nogal, New Mexico in the presence of his beloved wife Carol of 43 years. Our Father was a man of depth...

Mona J. Lopez

Mona J. Lopez

Jul 6, 2026

On June 6, 2026 Mona Joy Lopez, 88, of Mescalero, NM, fell asleep and is safely treasured in the memory of her loving God, Jehovah. She was born September 15, 1937 to Luke Carrillo and and Catherine Kenoi, in Mescalero. Although Mona had no biological children, she helped in rearing many and was valued by them all as their mother. 

Mona...

Kathryn Hale Williams

Kathryn Hale Williams

Jun 24, 2026

Kathryn Hale Williams, age 97, was born October 9, 1928, in Fort Stanton, New Mexico and passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Kathryn is survived by her two sons, Neale Henry Williams (Karen), and Borde Hale Williams (Lisa); four grandchildren, Shirryn Williams, Rachael Williams, Haley Morin (Marc), and Ryan Wiilliams; and seven great grandchildren, Noah...

Eddie R. Sanchez

Eddie R. Sanchez

Jun 11, 2026

It is with deep sadness and heartfelt love that we announce the passing of Eddie R. Sanchez, who passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on June 11, 2026, at the age of 75.

Eddie was a devoted family man, loyal friend, and a source of strength, wisdom, and laughter to all who knew him. He lived a life...

Roseanna Tinker Smith

Roseanna Tinker Smith

Jun 10, 2026

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Roseanna Tinker Smith, who left us on June 10, 2026. Born on October 11, 1982, Roseanna was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her life, enriching the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Roseanna was a wonderful mother, always making space for everyone in her life and heart. She loved...

Nancy Ann Otey

Nancy Ann Otey

Jun 9, 2026

Nancy Ann Bucklin, only child of Frank and Eunice Bucklin, was born in Olean, New York on May 11, 1940. She grew up to the age of twelve when the family moved to Fort Worth, Texas as a result of her father’s career change. She finished her high school education there. At the age of fifteen she met and dated...

Robert Hawkins Jr. "Hawk"

Robert Hawkins Jr. "Hawk"

Jun 9, 2026

Robert Hawkins Jr., affectionately known to many as "Hawk," passed away on June 9, 2026. Born on February 17, 1960, Hawk lived a life marked by honesty, generosity, and a distinctive, outspoken spirit that endeared him to those who knew him well.

A master tech mechanic by profession, Hawk was recognized not only for his exceptional skill and expertise but for...

James Patrick Rogge

James Patrick Rogge

Jun 2, 2026

James (Jim) Patrick Rogge was born on June 16, 1953, in Wiesbaden, Germany. As the son of a military family, Jim spent his early years moving from base to base before eventually settling in Belleville, Illinois, where he completed his high school education.

Shortly after graduating, Jim followed his brother Bill to New Mexico, where he would spend the next 50...

John Nicholas Smith

John Nicholas Smith

May 26, 2026

John Nicholas (Nickey) Smith was born to John Lela K Smith and Mary Doris Meyers Smith on December 10, 1947 in Lamesa, Texas.

He resided in Lamesa the majority of his life. He was a crop insurance agent for 37 years.

Nickey lost a hard fought 5-year battle with Multiple Myeloma on May 26, 2026 at his home in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

He...

Bassett Merritt Bryant Jr.

Bassett Merritt Bryant Jr.

May 25, 2026

Bassett Merritt Bryant Jr., 94, was born on October 28, 1931, in Canadian, Texas, and passed peacefully on May 25, 2026.

Bassett is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Georgia Bryant; his sons, Mark Bryant (Laura), Mike Bryant, and Matt Bryant (Kristi); his grandchildren, Megan Evans (Ryan), Brittany Hall (Wesley), Amanda Kenyon (Zach), Nathan Bryant (Maddie), and Roberta Roser...

Eddie Leon Parker

Eddie Leon Parker

May 17, 2026

Eddie Leon Parker, 83, passed away peacefully May 17, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of service, education, and deep devotion to his family and community. Born on September 5, 1942, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he grew up with a tremendous work ethic, graduating from Portales High School in 1958. He went on to proudly serve his country as a...

Isabel Garcia Cadena

Isabel Garcia Cadena

May 16, 2026

isabel Garcia Cadena, 84, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at her home in Ruidoso Downs, NM.Isabel is survived by her daughters, Cyndi Cadena of Las Cruces, Debbie Cadena of Ruidoso Downs, Marian & Rob Taylor of Ruidoso Downs, and a son Javier "JV" & JoRae Cadena of Ruidoso Downs. She is also blessed to be survived by 13...

Troy Lewis Camillo Saenz

Troy Lewis Camillo Saenz

May 15, 2026

Troy Lewis Camilo Saenz, 59, of Mescalero, NM, passed away on May 15th, 2026.

Born on February 1, 1967 in Mescalero, NM.

Troy was the child of George W. Saenz and Kita M. Saenz. He worked as a Wild-land Firefighter, Logger, Truck Driver and most recently with the Mescalero Utility Department.

He was known for his generosity,...

Timothy Leon Bowden

Timothy Leon Bowden

May 12, 2026

Timothy Leon Bowden, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026. Born on March 26, 1963, Tim was known throughout his life for his sharp wit, kind heart, and unwavering dedication to the things he loved.

Tim's formative years were spent in Crane, Texas, where he attended high school and participated passionately in the school's football team, graduating in 1981. His love...

Justin Ross Fiveash

Justin Ross Fiveash

May 11, 2026

Justin Ross Fiveash, a cherished lifelong resident of Ruidoso, New Mexico, passed away on May 11, 2026. Born on February 23, 1987, Justin brought joy and laughter to all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy defined by his warm and fun-loving spirit.

A graduate of Ruidoso High School in 2004, Justin dedicated his career to construction work, where his hard...

Cruz Michael and Jessalynn Annina Mendez

Cruz Michael and Jessalynn Annina Mendez

May 9, 2026

Together in life and forever united in spirit, Cruz Michael Mendez and Jessalynn Annina Mendez shared a love rooted deeply in family, faith, hard work, and the beauty of the outdoors.

Cruz was born on May 3, 1987, and passed away on March 30, 2025. Jessalynn was born on January 11, 1992, and passed away on May 5, 2026. Both...

Darlene Kay Tyson

Darlene Kay Tyson

May 8, 2026

Darlene K. Tyson, 85, passed away peacefully, with her loving daughter by her side on May 8, 2026 at Haciendas at Grace Village in Las Cruces NM. She was born Darlene Kay Willis on January 9, 1941 in Hackberry Township, Labette County, Kansas to Irvin Harold “Arky” and Mary Austaphine Ina (Davis) Willis. 

Darlene graduated from Altamont High School in Altamont,...