Obituaries

Charles Smelker

Jan 13, 2025

Charles Smelker, 81, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 13, 2025, in his home in Ruidoso where he has lived for the past 28 years. His story starts on September 25, 1943, on the plains of eastern Colorado. He grew up on the family homestead outside of Stratton Colorado with his 4 brothers and sisters and many cousins and kin. Charles...

Dominick "Bobby" "Montgomery" Peso

Jan 10, 2025

Dominick "Bobby" "Montgomery" Peso, born on September 6, 1967, in Mescalero, New Mexico, passed away on January 10, 2025, in the same town he called home. Bobby was known for his remarkable journey as a chef, traveling across the country from Washington State to Delaware. He showcased his culinary skills in various regions and was well-versed in many types of...

Scott Randall Forster

Jan 6, 2025

Scott Randall Forster, who teed off on March 12, 1968, went to the 19th hole on January 6, 2025. He was a dedicated PGA Golf Professional, obtaining his membership in 1993 and proudly representing the sport he loved.

Scott’s journey in education began at New Mexico Tech, where he attended in 1987 before transferring to NMSU and earning a Bachelor of...

Howard Townsend

Jan 5, 2025

On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Henry Townsend of Ruidoso, NM, spiritually ascended into the arms of his and our Lord Jesus Christ. Henry was 88 years old.

Howard Henry Townsend, Sr. was born on January 20, 1936, in Arch, NM. He was the fifth of eight children born to Richard and Margie Townsend. He spent his first six years in Arch...

Ezekiel Kazhe

Jan 5, 2025

On June 19, 2020, this world was blessed with our sweet angel baby, Ezekiel Josiah Kazhe (Zekey). Although we prayed hard and wanted him to stay here on Earth with us, our Heavenly Father called him home on Sunday, January 5, 2025, while he was surrounded by his family.

Ezekiel is survived by his loving and devoted parents, Thomas...

Sylvia Mae Scott

Jan 2, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sylvia Mae Scott, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was born on September 30, 1925 in Atoka, Oklahoma, and went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2025. Sylvia spent her life spreading joy, kindness, and love to everyone she met. 

Sylvia was a beacon of warmth, always...

Henry B. Rue

Dec 29, 2024

Henry B. Rue, born on October 19, 1934, in Dexter, New Mexico, passed away on December 29, 2024, in Ruidoso, New Mexico, with his family by his side.

Henry was a self-made man who embodied a strong work ethic, working since the age of five. He came from humble beginnings and dedicated himself to providing a wonderful life for his beloved...

George "Larry" Anklam

Dec 24, 2024

George "Larry" Anklam went home to be with our Lord on December 24, 2024. He was born on January 24, 1936, in Tucson to Jesse Paddock Anklam and Ralph Anklam. Larry's uncle and aunt, George and Pearl Anklam, homesteaded in Tucson and they have Anklam Road named after them. Soon after, more of the Anklam family followed. He grew up...

Ellyn Bigrope

Dec 20, 2024

Krista Lee Padilla

Dec 16, 2024

Krista Lee Padilla, age 35, passed away on December 16, 2024. She was born on March 18, 1989, in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Krista was a beautiful person inside and out. She cherished spending time in the beautiful mountains of Lincoln County where she enjoyed hunting for arrowheads. She had a great laugh that could light up any room. Krista was kindhearted...

Ervin Aldaz

Dec 13, 2024

Ervin Aldaz, 73, beloved Husband, Son, Father, and Grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on December 13, 2024. He entered this world on April 15, 1951 in Roswell, NM, born to Tommy and Gloria Aldaz. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Stephanie Aldaz; mother Gloria Aldaz; daughter Anita Gallegos and husband Marcelino Gallegos, sons Gabriel...

Christopher John Rodela Sr.

Dec 9, 2024

Christopher John Rodela Sr. was born on May 17, 1964, and he left us on December 9, 2024. Christopher lived a life full of laughter and joy, known for his funny and charming personality. He had a big heart and was a flirt who could light up any room with his smile. Christopher loved to dance and often made those...

Zanagoliche Benally

Dec 8, 2024

Zanagoliche Virginia Benally, 69 years old, of Mescalero, NM passed away on to a better place free of pain and suffering on December 8, 2024, in Ruidoso, NM. Virginia was born on January 6, 1955, to Kee Benally and Angeline Bigmouth in Mescalero, NM.

Virginia was a mother to two sons, Alvin Benally and Percy Benally and daughter,...

Colleen Widener

Dec 5, 2024

Colleen Widener, age 84, passed away on December 5, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Colleen was born on January 4, 1940 in Littlefield, Texas. 

Colleen was a hard working woman, always working multiple jobs. Her and her husband owned properties all over the state. She retired from Visions after 35 years, and was always the life of the store. Colleen always...

Johnie Brady

Dec 4, 2024

Johnie Brady, 80 years young, moved from his worn out tent to his eternal mansion in heaven, December 4, 2024. He spent his final days living with his youngest brother Alan and sister in law Patricia Brady, after battling failing health for the past 7 years.

Johnie is survived by his daughter, Rose; grandsons, Jason, Christopher, Timothy, Josiah, and Nathan; five...

David Baca

Dec 3, 2024

David Chavez Baca was born on November, 19, 1945 to Julian and Raquel Baca in Corona, New Mexico. In David's younger adult life he worked on ranches in the Corona area. In 1977, he married Sally Baca and made his home in Carrizozo, New Mexico with her and their 3 children. David retired from the New Mexico Department of Transportation...

Jose Roberto "Beto" Guillen

Nov 17, 2024

Jose Roberto "Beto" Guillen was called home to the Lord on November 17, 2024. He was born on August 14, 1961 in Mexico to Abraham Guillen and Margarta Ruiz. Beto was a great carpenter. He worked in Lincoln and Chaves county. 

He is survived by his parents, Abraham and Margarta; Becky, Isaac, Milika, and Kendy; four grandsons, Isaac, Kensaac, Malik, and...

Fredric James "Freddie" Second

Nov 14, 2024

Fredric James Second "Freddie", age 61, passed away on November 14, 2024 in Mescalero, New Mexico. He was born on March 11, 1963 to the late Ireta and Cedric Second. 

Fred ice skated in his adolescence. As a teen in high school he competed in cross country and was a marathon runner. Later in life, he enjoyed fighting fires in multiple...

Steven Guilez

Nov 7, 2024

Steven Gilbert Guilez, born in Tularosa, NM on April 13th 1967 left Earth on November 7th 2024 to do his biggest gig yet- in Heaven. Steve is going to be on lead guitar. Steve's dad Chon Guilez as back up guitar and lead vocals for his newest band. On drums is John Bonham (Formerly of Led Zeppelin) and on bass...

Pat Huey

Nov 6, 2024

Pat L. Huey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2024, at the age of 85. He was surrounded by loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.

Pat was born on April 3, 1939, in Gran Quivira, NM, to Kenneth A. and Gertrude Harrison Huey. He grew up in Claunch, NM,...