James Silva

Willie Silva, 70, of Carrizozo died on October 23, 2011. He was born on January 16, 1941 in Fort Stanton NM. Willie attended Carrizozo High School and served in United States Marine Corps for six years. This is where he learned his culinary skills. He then settled in Carrizozo where he owned and operated the Four Winds Restaurant for over thirty five years as he and his wife Ruth raised 6 children. Willie was very proud to be a Marine Corps Veteran and let this be known. Willie was active in the Carrizozo community over the years serving on the Carrizozo Town Council, Rotary Club and Lions Club. He also raised money for Carrizozo High School senior scholarships, starting a WalkAThon in the early 90s. Retirement did not agree with Willie so in August 2010, he opened Willies Place where he enjoyed practicing his culinary arts skills until his untimely death. He was truly happy in the kitchen and mingling with patrons.

Willie is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Silva and his parents Lucinda and Alfredo Silva, brothers, Henry and Alfred Silva and Paul Montoya. He is survived by his children daughters: Diana Zamora and her husband Chris Zamora, Sandra Sanchez, her boyfriend Brian Harrison, Cindy Najar and her husband Lee Najar, his sons Arturo Cortez and his wife Christine Cortez, James Silva and his wife Michelle Silva, Willie Silva and his wife Melissa Silva. He is also survived by his sister Arcenia Lueras and his brother Eddie Silva. Willie also leaves behind grandchildren Matthew Silva, Joshua Sanchez, Stefan Najar, Christian Najar, Daniel Najar, Sarah Mora, Heather Lovelace, LeAnn Silva, Isabella Silva and an unborn granddaughter due early next year. Greatgranddaughter Ariana Silva, Anastasia Moore and several nieces and nephews.


Funeral Mass for James Willie Silva will be held at Santa Rita Catholic Church on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at the Silva Family Cemetery.

The family requests that donations be made to the Carrizozo PFK program.

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