Las Vegas, NM: Recent Obituaries & Local News - Remembering Our Community

07 May, 2025

What connects the heartaches of loss with the enduring spirit of a community like Las Vegas, New Mexico? It's the shared stories of its people, etched into the fabric of time, and now, they find a voice in the quiet reflection of remembrance.

The echoes of passing lives resonate through the streets and within the hallowed halls of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, where services were held for those who have departed. These are not just names in obituaries; they are the stories that compose the heart of Las Vegas.

The town of Las Vegas, NM, has been a backdrop for countless lives, each a unique narrative thread interwoven with the broader tapestry of its history. From the humble beginnings of Ralph Garcia, born on March 22, 1949, to the more recent departures, each person's journey adds a layer of depth to the community's collective memory. He, the third child of Matilde Herrera and Fidel Garcia, began his working life early, a bag boy at Ludi's Grocery Store at the age of thirteen. His story, like many others, is a testament to the everyday struggles, the small triumphs, and the enduring bonds that define Las Vegas.

Person	Details
Ralph Garcia	Born: March 22, 1949, Las Vegas, NM Parents: Matilde Herrera and Fidel Garcia Early Career: Bag boy at Ludi's Grocery Store Noted For: His early work life, starting after the death of his mother.
Olivia Montao	Born: July 10, 1981, Las Vegas, NM Parents: Oliver Baca and Victoria Gallegos Passed Away: December (date not specified) Noted For: Her connection with family and her departure.
Jeanette Torres Valdez	Born: March 5, 1966, Las Vegas, NM Parents: Judy Gonzalez and the late Joe Torres Passed Away: July 28, 2023 Noted For: A lifetime resident of Las Vegas, NM.
Lucille "Chila" Gallegos Martinez	Born: March 3, 1956, Las Vegas, NM Noted For: Beloved by her community.
Dana Delong Lamb	Born: April 28, 1956, Monticello, MN Passed Away: November 21, Centennial Hills Hospital, Las Vegas, NV Noted For: Moving to Las Vegas in 1977 and falling in love with the city.
Angelo	Born: January 1, 1976, Las Vegas, NM Noted For: Overcoming obstacles throughout his life, a fighter.
Emma Lujan	Born: May 8, 1938, Las Vegas, NM Parents: Magdalena and Ismael Lujan Noted For: Graduating from West Las Vegas High School in 1957 and working at the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute.
Edward Baca	Noted For: His family and legacy.
Gladys Dolores Hightower	Born: August 19, 1929, Valley Mills, TX Noted For: Being the second youngest of nine children.
Billie Marie Guerin	Passed Away: February 2, 2025 Noted For: Being remembered as sassy, funny, smart, and irreverent.
Gonynor ('Jimmie')	Born: February 20, 1934, Whitinsville, MA Passed Away: April 7, 2025, Las Vegas, NM Noted For: Being a graduate of St. Peter's High School, where he served as class president.

Source: Legacy.com

The community mourns the loss of Olivia Montao, who departed this world to meet her Lord and siblings. Her passing, on an unspecified date in December, leaves behind a void filled with the memories of a life lived among family and friends. Similarly, Jeanette Torres Valdez, a lifelong resident, passed away on July 28, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of connection to Las Vegas. Her story is one of many that shape the identity of the town.

The rhythm of life in Las Vegas continues, marked by both achievements and losses. The sporting achievements of the local high school, Robertson, who earned the no. 7 and 8 seeds, respectively. Robertson, is a reminder of the community's energy and commitment.

Beyond the individual stories, the life of a community is made up of local events, the business of government, and the ebb and flow of daily life. The resignation of City Manager Tim Montgomery, as reported by the Las Vegas Optic on April 23, 2025, is a moment of change, but also a reminder of the dynamic nature of a town continually moving forward.

Amidst the headlines and the everyday activities, the past provides a framework for the present. Genealogy records are always available.

The collective memory of a town like Las Vegas isnt confined to historical archives. It's in the local newspaper, the obituaries, and the tributes left by those who remember their loved ones. The Rogers Mortuary Inc., has served the Las Vegas and surrounding areas since 1941, helping residents navigate the loss of loved ones while providing service and support. Every remembrance adds a brushstroke to the mural of this New Mexico community.

The lives lived in this town are as varied as the landscapes that surround it. From the young Ralph Garcia, entering the workforce in his youth, to the more recent departures, each persons journey contributes to the unique character of Las Vegas. This community is not just a collection of individuals; it is a tapestry woven together by shared experiences, common bonds, and the enduring spirit of its people.

The legacy of those who have passed on is sustained by the living, through the recounting of memories, the sharing of stories, and the preservation of their influence on the community. For Las Vegas, the past is always present, a vital part of its identity and its continuing journey.

Ruben Garcia Jr. Obituaries lasvegasoptic

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Adolfo Ortiz Obituary 6 May 1969 Las Vegas Optic Newspapers

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Eliseo “Lee” Beltran Pacheco Obituaries lasvegasoptic

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Name : Miss Melyssa Hegmann Sr.
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Job : Copy Machine Operator
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