Obituaries

On Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, Fil Naranjo passed from this life to a happy and healthy new beginning with his Creator. A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. Pennsylvania Ave., at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Gorton Smith officiating.

Fil, 74, was born April 18, 1936, in Clayton, to Manuel and Lucy Naranjo. Fil grew up in Clayton and had very fond memories of being with his dad out at the ranch and trading cattle. Having lost his mom at the age of six, Fil and his father shared an amazing relationship that he cherished all of his life. Those preceding him in death include his parents; son, Michael Naranjo; and brother, Raymond Naranjo.

Roswell has been Fil’s home for nearly 50 years and his contributions to the community have been remarkable. Fil began his long and successful building career in Lovington, and during his career he had developments all over New Mexico and in Texas. Having owned his own development business for more than 50 years, Fil became a mentor to many younger builders and developed a multitude of friendships in the industry.

Fil’s lifelong dream was to someday return to ranching, and in 2003 that dream became a reality when he purchased the Thunderhead Ranch. As an astute businessman with an obsession for doing things the right way, the ranch quickly became his passion and he spent many long and happy hours pursuing his dream. Having lived a life that touched the lives of so many people, Fil will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Fil is survived by his wife, Pegi Naranjo, of Roswell; daughter, Michelle Naranjo, of Long Beach, Calif.; granddaughter, Henrietta Haycraft, of Long Beach; and brother, Tony Naranjo, of Clayton.

Viewing and arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at ballardfuneralhome.com.

A rosary will be recited for Mary Concie Sedelia Romero Valencia, 82, of Roswell, at 7 p.m., at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ignacio, Colo., Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, with father Doug Hunt officiating.  Burial will follow at Ignacio Cemetery West in Ignacio, Colo. She passed from this life and went to heaven on Aug. 28, 2010, in Roswell.
Mary was born Nov. 4, 1927, to Juan Andres Romero and Adelida Quintana in Falfa, Colo. She was raised in the Bondad, Colorado area where she met and married Harry M.J. Valencia on June 9, 1945. Her marriage to Harry ended on July 23, 1973.  She was a loving mother who worked hard all her life. She lived her last 20 years with the love of her life, Manuel Reyes, of Roswell. She enjoyed being around her family and friends as much as possible. No matter where she went, she made a friend, and never met a stranger. She lived her life with God and family as the most important.  She loved her dogs, knitting and even a little gambling on the slot machines. Her greatest joy, by far, was her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, as well as two daughters: Margaret Esther and Inez Valencia.
She is survived by three sons: Candido Gallegos of Salt Lake City, Utah, Juan Valencia of Ignacio, Colo., and Dale Joe Valencia of Bayfield, Colo.; one loving daughter: Sally Valencia of Ignacio, Colo.; 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Sally Valencia, P.O. Box 222, Ignacio, Colo., 81137.
Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com.
Services are under the direction of Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at South Park Cemetery, for Gordon Eric Lack, age 90, of Roswell, who passed away Aug. 29, 2010, at a local nursing home. Commander Robert Maples, retired U.S. Navy Chaplain, will conduct the service, assisted by the Roswell Veterans Honor Guard.
Gordon was born July 1, 1920, in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, to Horace Owen and Edith Clark Lack. He came to the United States as a baby and was raised in Brighton, N.Y.
He enlisted in the U. S. Navy on Oct. 20, 1937. He served on USS Minneapolis, the USS St. Mihiel,  U.S. Naval Station, in Seattle, Wash., the USS Willoughby, the USS Huntington, USS Aldebran, USS Paukatut. He was honorably discharged in November 1947. While in the Navy, duty took him to many ports of call.
He worked in broadcasting, working with KPHC, Walsenburg, Colo., KLMX, Clayton, NM, WPEO, Peoria, Ill., WRAY, Princeton, Ind., Fidelity Broadcasting System, Jacksonville Fla., KGAR, Garden City, Kan., WNXT, Portsmouth, Ohio,, WRAY-TV, Princeton, Ind., KLMS, Lincoln, Neb., KECK, Odessa, Texas, KFSA-TV, Fort Smith, Ark., and KVSO-TV, Ardmore, Okla. In February 1959, he came to the John Barnet Station KSWS-TV in Roswell. Later (1970-1982) did program “Inspiration” Sundays only for KBIM-AM, in Roswell. He also worked for state of New Mexico, New Mexico Rehabilitation Administration, from 1970 until retirement in 1982.
He was a member of American Legion Post 0027, life member of BPOE, AARP, Navy Shellback and Golden Dragon.
Survivors include two daughters: Dorothy Edith “Del” Lack, of Albuquerque, and Christie Eileen Garfield, and son-in-law, Walter Garfield, of Corona. Also surviving are nephews, Phillip Kurtz of Rochester, N.Y., and Thomas Kurtz, and his wife, Margaret Kurtz, both of Las Vegas, Nev.
Friends may make memorials to the Southeast New Mexico Veterans Transportation, at 2114 W. Second St., Roswell, N.M., 88201.
Friends may pay respects online at www.lagronefuneral chapels.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at the Salvation Army Church for Betty Lou Kosloske, 74, of Roswell, who passed away Aug. 28, 2010. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Captain Beau Perez will officiate.
Betty was born on May 5, 1936, to James Paul Woody and Bessie Hagar Woody in Roswell. Her parents have preceded her in death, as well as her husband, Earl Kosloske; her son, Baby Earl; her brother, V.J. Woody; and sister, Georgia Nichols.
Betty is survived by her son, William “Billy” and wife, Cathy Kosloske, of Bogart, Ga.; her brothers: William M. Woody of Dexter, Chester Woody of Roswell, and James Woody of Witcha, Kan.; her sisters: Nellie Harrington of Encino, Rose Buckner of Roswell, Pauline King of Roswell, Doris Beasley and Bessie Mae Rankin; grandchildren: Christa, Tommy, Jessica and Kristy; and great-grandchildren: Randy, Jazyn, Christian and Owen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty married Earl in 1959 and they lived together in Roswell. She was devoted to her family and cared deeply for her friends and enjoyed working at the Salvation Army. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army in Betty’s name.
The family is requesting that you join them after the burial at Salvation Army Church for lunch.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com.

Services are scheduled for Henry Mendoza, age 66, of Portland, Ore., and formerly of Roswell, who died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at his home in Portland after a courageous battle with heart disease. Services will start at 9 a.m. at Saint Catherine's Church in Hagerman, on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. A funeral Mass will follow at Saint Catherine’s in Hagerman, with Father Brian Guerrini officiating. Graveside services will be at Hagerman Cemetery with a military Honor Guard.
Henry was born in Dexter, on Oct. 28, 1943, to Panfilo and Felipa Mendoza.
He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Mendoza of Oxnard Calif.; granddaughter, Luisa Mendoza; grandsons, Jose Mendoza and Alex Rivera; great-granddaughter, Ariana Mendoza; great-grandson, Paul Mendoza, all of Sioux City, Iowa; sisters, Eloisa and husband, Damasio Regalado, of Hagerman, Rosita Sigala of Albuquerque, Lupe Sanchez of Roswell; sister-in-law Mikki Mendoza of Albuquerque; brothers, Eliseo and wife, Prestina Mendoza, of Tucson, Ariz., and Robert and wife, Gloria Mendoza, of Roswell; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving  him are his beloved cats.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Panfilo and Felipa Mendoza; brothers, Robert and Richard Mendoza; maternal grandparents Enrique and Esiquia Mendoza and paternal grandparents Jose and Manuela Mendoza; and niece, Rita Sigala-Gomez.
Henry's life was forever changed on Jan. 14, 1969, when the he was a crewman aboard the USS Enterprise. He was severely injured surviving the blasts that threatened to bring down the Big E, but the heroic efforts of his shipmates saved the ship that fateful day. The fire on The USS Enterprise resulted in a documentary on the History Channel and a book that Michael J. Carlin wrote, “Trial: Ordeal of the USS Enterprise.”
Henry went on to be a social worker for the VA hospital in Vancouver Wash., counseling  many war veterans.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank his landlady, Chris Dole, and her husband, Tim, of Portland, Ore., who provided many home-cooked meals. We would especially like to thank his shipmates from the USS Enterprise Fire Reunion. Your friendship and support to Henry through the years gives great comfort to us all.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place in Portland Ore., under the direction of the Omega Funeral Home. Care has been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home. Please post your thoughts and remembrances at www.ballardfuneralhome.com.

A memorial service for Lola “Jewel” George, 88, of Roswell, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday Sept. 4, 2010, at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home with the Rev. Jack Ferguson officiating. 

Jewell was born in Dexter, on July 16, 1922, to Charlie Byrd Griffin and Lillie Ro Hanie Pence. Her family homesteaded northeast of Roswell in the 1930s. She began her education in Acme, and finished at Frazier. She married Floyd George on Aug. 11, 1941. Floyd and Jewell raised four children who blessed them with several grandchildren with whom they enjoyed traveling and camping. She enjoyed spending time canning, making candy, baking coconut cream pies for grandpa, sewing on her old Singer sewing machine, making aprons, clothes for the grandkids and even a few prom dresses. She loved working with yarn, making dolls and crocheting doll clothes. Puzzle books were also a favorite pastime. She has a great collection of owls and Tweety Bird. She had so much love for her grandkids that spoiling them was natural to her. Having the grandkids over for their favorite breakfast of chocolate gravy will always be a special memory. The grandkids would stay over to watch Disney Channel, Dukes of Hazard, Beverly Hillbillies, Knight Rider, and Little House on the Prairie as often as they could. Being one amazing wife, mom, grandma and friend was natural for her. She will be missed and remembered by all whose lives she touched. 

Jewell is survived by her husband, Floyd George, of Roswell; a brother, Boyd Griffin, of Lovington; two daughters, Helen Cockrum, and her husband, Floyd, of Roswell, and Patricia George, and her fiancé, Bobby Stotts, of Roswell; a son, John George, of Brownfield, Texas; 14 grandchildren: Brenda Dear, of Roswell, Ronda Satterfield-McClure, of Alamogordo, Shawnna Satterfield, of Roswell, Tamara Spicer, of Roswell, Sharla Coats, and her husband, Lynn, of Roswell, Melissa Duran, and her husband, Paul, of Roswell, John George, of Lubbock, Heath Harrelson, and his wife, Christina, of Lamar, Colo., Lola DeChant, and her husband, James, of Edmond, Okla., Maria McIntyre, and her husband, Pat, of Sturgis, S.D., Thomas Harrelson, and his wife, Danika, of Lamar, William Litrell, and his wife, Nikie, of Columbia, S.C., Charlie Litrell, of Roswell, and Christopher Litrell, and his wife, Jamie, of West Columbia, S.C.; one stepgrandchild, Jamie Cockrum, and his son, Garik Cockrum; 27 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four sons, Orville, Delbert, Gorden and Clifford George; one daughter, Jessie Harrelson; three brothers; and nine sisters.

The family would like to invite all the friends and family to join them after the services at 5911 Kincaid, Roswell, NM 88203.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com.

Care has been entrusted with Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

A memorial service for Robert Leon Rutley, 81, of Roswell, will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home with Pastor John McLean of First United Methodist Church in Canyon, Texas, officiating.
Robert was born in Detroit, Mich., on Dec. 28, 1928, to James Lindsey and Greta Rutley. His mother was a cement sculptor and he fell right in line, learning from her and creating his own. At the time of his passing, Robert was working on a 500 pound replica of his mother’s Japanese lantern. Robert was a teacher to many and a student of life. He earned his sixth degree in Judo and dedicated himself to teaching martial arts for 45 years. He was a “purist” and believed strongly in tradition. For him, martial arts were a way of life. He was a member of the largest Judo club in California during the 1970s. It was not uncommon for you to see him practicing Tai Chi Chuan at Cahoon Park.
Professionally, Robert worked as an automotive design engineer in Michigan. He was on the team that designed the original Humvee. If you’re driving a vehicle, chances are, he had something to do with the history of the design. Robert’s persistence, discipline and humor, among many other qualities, set him apart from others. He believed in doing a job well and was a man of his word. It has been said that he “is one of a kind.” He had great wit and incredible insight. He loved to talk and meet new people. He was a great storyteller and historian. He never doubted that he could do anything and he never hesitated to try something new. From the time he retired in his 60s, until the day he died, he taught himself as many things as he could including the guitar, knife-making, tai chi and poetry. He was a dog lover. His steadfast companion, a German shorthair named Bergseiker, was always by his side.
Robert is survived by his wife, Patricia L. Rutley, of Roswell; one sister, Alana Chaney and her husband, Richard O’Kelly, of Tucson, Ariz.; two brothers: Ronny Chaney and wife, Sharon, of Chesterfield, Mich., and Gary Chaney of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Shirley McKennan of Chesterfield, Mich.; four daughters: Jill Rutli of Lynchburg,Va., Kelly Walker of Charlotte, N.C., Hilary Schubert (Thomas) of Ashburn, Va., and Kimberly Rutley of Albuquerque; two sons: James Rutley and wife, Michele, of Carlsbad, and Hugh Rutley of Kingsport, Tenn.; eight grandchildren: Mina and Ellie Schubert, Casey, Hannah, and Pearl Rutley, Aidan Rutley, Gavin Garcia and Hunter Garcia.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, and two sons, Robert Leon Rutley Jr. and Mark Cameron Rutley.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Roswell Humane Society.
Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com.
Care has been entrusted to Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Alvin “Bob” Harcrow, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Ruidoso on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, after a long illness.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters, Marilyn Lane and her husband, Joe, of Alamogordo, and Frances Traylor and her husband, Hub, of Capitan; stepsons, Doug Pereau and his wife, Terri, of Parker, Ariz., and Jory Pereau of Carlsbad; sister, Aliene Cooper of Roswell; brother, Donald Harcrow and his wife, Della, of Artesia; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Harcrow; his mother, Mary Lafferty Harcrow; brother, Earl Harcrow; his first wife, Marjorie Latham Harcrow and grandson, Bobby Lane.
Bob was born June 19, 1924, in Roswell, to Alvin Harcrow and Mary Lafferty Harcrow. Bob was 6 years old when his mother died and he was raised by his grandparents. Bob grew up in Capitan, and graduated from high school there in 1942.  As soon as Bob turned 18, he joined the Army Air Corps and served in the South Pacific as a nose gunner on a B29. He completed 35 combat missions and received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with six Service Stars (bronze) and one Service Star (silver), Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Service Star (bronze) and one Overseas Service Bar.
He married Marjorie Latham in 1945 and in 1949 went to work for the New Mexico State Highway Department. Marjorie died in 1975 and in 1978 he married Jan Pereau. Bob reitred from the highway department in 1979 as the district maintenance superintendent.
Bob loved history and loved to read about New Mexico and Lincoln County. He was a rich source of information about the Southwest and so many of the old timers who settled and ranched in this area. Right up to within days of his death, he was able to answer questions and tell stories about so many of the families that planted their roots here. Bob loved a good joke. He loved to visit with friends, listen to good fiddle music and spend time with Jan, their family and friends. He will be missed and remembered by many.
A memorial service for Bob will be held at the First Christian Church in Ruidoso at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 3, 2010. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lagroneruidoso.com.

A family service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Sept. 1, 2010, at 513 S. Beech Ave., for Alex O. Salcido, 74, who passed away Aug. 27, 2010.
Alex was born on Aug. 6, 1936, in Dexter to Raymond Salcido and Adela Orona. His parents preceded him in death; also preceding him in death are his two sons, Robert Sr. and Louie Sr.; brother, Raul Salcido; and sister, Rachel Salcido Flores.
Alex leaves behind his ex-wife Ruth Salcido; daughters, Lori and partner, LaKeta, of Amarillo, Texas, and Lisa and husband, Edward, of Roswell; son, Jesse Ray of San Antonio, Texas; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
We would like to thank his son-in-law, Edward, for the loving care he gave our dad.
Rest in peace Dad, Grandpa, we love and miss you always.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory.  An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com.

A memorial will be held at later date for Wesley J. Howe who passed away Aug. 29, 2010, in Albuquerque.

Wes is survived by his wife, Jamie; and two daughters, Corby (Terry) Cummins, of Roswell, and Pamela (Jeff) Block, of Tampa, Fla.; granddaughter, Aimee (Antoine) Gallaway, and great-granddaughter, Raelynn Gallaway, both of Phoenix; and our four loving dogs.

Wes loved his family, church and our dogs.

The family expresses its thanks to Dr. Chechani, the caring staff of Roswell Regional and his many caring friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at ballardfuneralhome.com.