Paul G. Gallegos passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025 at the age of 83. A proud Navy man and true patriot, Paul leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Bertha Ann Gallegos. Survivors include their daughter Michaele and husband Jeff Kilian (Hawaii), son Larry and wife Melissa Gallegos (San Diego), and son Chris and wife Sarah Gallegos (Artesia), 9 grandchild and 1 great grandchild.

Born in Mesilla, NM to Donaciano Gallegos and Dolores Gil. Paul lived a life marked by service. Paul proudly served in the United States Navy for 32 years, where he achieved the rank of CW04 earning the respect of his peers and the gratitude of his country. His military career took him around the world, including tours in the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Paul was truly happy away on the ship serving his country. After retiring from the Navy, Paul taught NJROTC at Santa Teresa high school for 15 years.

Paul believed in doing things right and had a deep love for the simple pleasures of life. His family considered him a lawn game profit. A fierce competitor at every game of horseshoes, bean bag toss and the like. The game would start slow and encouraging for his opponent, like a spider luring its prey then quietly and swiftly he would shut it down with ringer after ringer after ringer, and close out the game with a grin, his competitor not sure of where they went wrong. He played to win, of course, but more than anything, he played to be with the people he loved. Paul was very much a Chargers fan and could often be found watching games on tv.

Above all, Paul will be remembered for the quiet love he showed to those around him. He wasn’t perfect, but he was ours and we were his.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 10am Friday, April 25, 2025 at St Anthony Parish in Artesia. His burial will be held with full military honors at General Douglas McBride Veterans Cemetery in Roswell at 2p that same afternoon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Anthony Hall renovation fund.

Hope, New Mexico resident Reese L. Carson passed away peacefully at Lovelace Regional Hospital on April 17, 2025. Reese was born on April 21, 1962 in Orange County, California. A few years later, Reese’s family returned to Artesia, New Mexico, where he remained until he graduated from Artesia High School in 1980. After graduation, Reese earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Reese’s education did not all occur in the classroom. Growing up, Reese learned many valuable lessons working on the family ranch, at Ivan’s Texaco and as a hand in the oilfield for Yates Petroleum. Those lessons would serve him well later in life.

After graduating from New Mexico State, Reese accepted a position with the Wichita, Kansas-based Federal Land Bank. The early 1980s were a tough time for Farmers and the Federal Land Bank held a portfolio in Colorado’s San Luis Valley that was riddled with bad loans. Management sent a young Reese Carson to the bank’s Monte Vista, Colorado office to help clean up the portfolio. While the tough decisions Reese had to make in Monte Vista were not always popular, area farmers recognized him as reasonable and fair.

Building upon his experience in Colorado, Reese accepted a position as an ag lender with First Interstate Bank in Porterville and later Fresno, California. He worked in Colorado for several years until he received a call from Ben Haines asking if he would be interested in returning to Las Cruces to work for First National Bank of Dona Ana-an opportunity he could not refuse. With his young family in tow, Reese returned to Las Cruces where he worked in banking for nearly twenty years, including as the President of First American Bank, Mesilla and Compass Bank’s Las Cruces banking center. Reese also worked at State National Bank with his friend and mentor, Jim Volk, for several years. After retiring from banking, Reese sold residential and commercial real estate for several years with Steinborn & Associates in Las Cruces.

During his career, Reese served on many community and industry-related boards including stints as president of Families & Youth, Inc., the Southern New Mexico Multiple Listing Service and the Las Cruces Association of Realtors. Reese also served several years as a member of the New Mexico Border Authority during the term of then-governor Susanna Martinez.

Although he worked hard, Reese never sacrificed relationships with family and friends. Nothing was more important to Reese than his relationship with his son Reese II. Nothing made Reese happier than sharing important times Reese II, whether it was showing a championship goat, working cattle, hunting deer or elk or playing golf. The strength of their bond cannot be overstated.

Later in life Reese successfully fought and beat cancer. It was an experience that nobody should endure but that he handled with courage, grace and dignity. After beating cancer,

Reese devoted himself to managing the family ranch with his brothers and following Reese II’s life and career as a golf professional.

Reese was predeceased by his parents, Joel and Eireen Carson, his brother Stephen Messmer and his sister, Michelle Matthews. He is survived by his son, Reese Carson II, his wife Robyn Carson. Also surviving Reese are his brothers Ron Carson and wife Ann and Joel Carson and wife Karen. Finally, he is survived by his nephews, Jake Matthews, Joel Carson IV and Chris Carson.

The family is planning a memorial service and celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Chase Foundation or the Lea County Museum.

Rusty Brake, 36, of Artesia, New Mexico, passed away on April 17, 2025. Born in Amarillo, TX and raised in Tucumcari, NM. Rusty graduated from Tucumcari High School in 2007, attended Mesalands Community College and then went on to earn an Associates of Applied Science degree from Eastern New Mexico University. He was a devoted husband, a loving and doting father to two children and two stepchildren, and a man who brought warmth, joy, and reliability to everyone around him. A true “Mr. Fix-It,” Rusty was as handy around the house as he was in the garden, where his green thumb was always at work. Whether crafting something special for his family, playing his guitar, or simply being there for a friend, Rusty was a man of many talents and endless heart.
Rusty was a dedicated and hardworking member of the PSC Group at the HF Sinclair Renewables PTU in Artesia. He quickly rose through the ranks, beginning as a railcar loader and becoming a qualified railroad engineer. He was promoted to crew leader, then unit operator at the wastewater treatment plant, followed by outside crew lead, and ultimately, a Control Board Operator. Rusty was respected not only for his skills and leadership, but also for his consistency, safety, and efficiency on the job. His presence and professionalism made a lasting impact on his coworkers, who viewed him as a dependable leader and a valued friend.
Rusty married the love of his life, Ruth, in October 2022. They were not only partners in life, but also best friends who shared an unbreakable bond. Together, they found joy in the simple things-laughing, exploring new places, and making unforgettable memories. While they both cherished time with their children and family, they held their private moments sacred-traveling, dreaming, and building a future filled with love and quiet adventures. They looked forward to growing old and gray together, hand in hand, never taking a single day for granted.
Rusty was a hands-on and loving father who found deep fulfillment in spending time with his children. He made it a point to teach them the things he loved most-showing them how to tend a garden, build and fix things with their own hands, and take pride in a job well done. He often included them in small projects, passing down his knowledge of craftsmanship and creativity. He also passed along his joy of music, teaching them how to play guitar and other instruments, always encouraging their curiosity and self-expression. Rusty’s time with his children was filled with patience, laughter, and guidance, planting seeds of wisdom and love that will continue to grow for a lifetime.
Rusty is preceded in death by his brother Leonard Dwayne Brake, Jr. and grandmother Patsy Thomas.
Rusty’s survivors include his wife, Ruth Brake and children, Lorelei and Sebastian of Artesia, NM and Sawyer and Clayton of Dumas, TX. Grandparents, Rusty Jr and Nell Brake. Parents, Leonard and Lateresa Brake. A sister, Sam Brake and nieces Dally, Quincy and a nephew, TJ all of Tucumcari, NM.
There will be a Memorial Service in Tucumcari at Divine Connection at 2:00 p.m. on April 26th, 2025, with Pastor Fred Caton officiating.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Baptist Church at 4:00 p.m. on May 6th, 2025, with Pastor Robby Ballew officiating.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the community for their unwavering support, compassion, and kindness during this profoundly difficult and heartbreaking time.

Hollis Munson, of Wade, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born on January 6, 1942, in Artesia, New Mexico, to Cecil Henry and Catherine Sadie (Anderson) Munson. On May 31, 1963, he married the love of his life, Linda Sue Bell, in Artesia.

Hollis lived the first 51 years of his life in the southern mountains of New Mexico, in the close-knit community of Weed. There, he and Linda raised their three children. He graduated from Weed High School, as did all three of his children, and his first grandchild began school there before the school closed in 1990.

A rancher, logger, and sawmiller by trade, Hollis lived a life defined by grit, dedication, and quiet strength. His deep passion for cattle and horses shaped his way of life. It was often said that Hollis wasn’t just a cowboy, he was a cow man. He measured his wealth not in material things but in the health of his livestock and the love of his family. Fishing offered him rare moments of rest and reflection from the demands of the day.

Hollis’s life was a testament to honesty, integrity, and the enduring value of hard work. He leaves behind a legacy of strength and love that will be carried forward by those who knew him best.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda Sue (Bell) Munson of Wade; his daughters, Starlyn Munson and Marcelle Munson-Woolsey and her husband Chance Woolsey; his son, Trustin Munson and wife Deidra; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; his sister, Joyce James; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Sadie Munson; and his siblings, Grubs Munson, Carrie Godley, and Betty Clark.

Graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Avis Cemetery in Avis, NM, with lifelong friend Terry Lewis officiating.

Pallbearers are Aaron Steward, Kelly Munson, Justin Munson, and Cody Munson. Honorary pallbearers include Alton Munson, Jeff Bell, Joel Bell, and Spike Goss.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com

Marjorie “Margie” Maxine Cole, 80, passed away on March 16, 2025, in Artesia, New Mexico.

Cremation was handled under the direct care of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Margie was born on April 8, 1944, in Floydada, Texas, to Arthur and Mary Washburn. The oldest of eight children, Margie helped raise her younger siblings and grew up in southern New Mexico, where her roots ran deep.

Life brought Margie more than her share of challenges, and she met them with grit, determination, and a deep love for her family. She raised three sons, Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson, and Audie Cole, who were the pride of her life. Though she worked primarily as a convenience store clerk, Margie would tell you her greatest accomplishment wasn’t found in any job title it was in raising good men.

She loved reading and could devour books at a remarkable pace. She also enjoyed quilting, and was a lover of classic films, especially the old black-and-whites. While she could come across as stubborn or sharp-tongued, those who knew her well understood there was fierce loyalty beneath that exterior. She was proud of her many nieces and nephews, even if she didn’t always say so out loud.

Margie was a woman of deep faith. She spoke with her sons nearly every day and made it a point to remind them often to stay close to God. She worried about the state of the world, held strong conservative values, and was able to find a renewed hope with the change in direction of the country over the past year.

She is preceded in death by her sister Karen Schoolcraft and brother Billy Washburn.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Joe Jackson (and daughter Amanda Jackson), Michael Jackson and wife Sheila (with their children Tiffany and Brandon), and Audie Cole and wife Charlie, who returned to Artesia in recent years to help care for her. She is also survived by her siblings Johnny Washburn, Bobby Washburn, Virginia Jackson, Peggy Ballou, and Belle Wilson, as well as her longtime caregiver Ambar Avila, who she loved dearly.

In honor of Margies life, the family invites others not to send flowers, but instead to pay it forward: Raise your children well, stay close to God, and stand firm in your values. She would have liked that.

Barbara (Perry) Colwell Little of Mineola, Texas, peacefully entered Heaven’s Garden on March 29, 2025 at the age of 80 at the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. She was surrounded by the love of her family throughout her final moments.

Born on November 28, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to W.T. and Virginia Perry, Barbara was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, children’s church teacher, and friend. She was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church where she spent her time growing in Christ and sharing her passions for Christ with her amazing friends. She spent her life caring for others and dedicated herself to her family and community. Known for her Christ-like approach to teaching young minds, and with her subtle stubbornness to never accept defeat, she had a heart full of love and an unwavering devotion to those she cared about.

After Barbara graduated from Artesia High School, she attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, where she met her first husband, Henry Huey Colwell, Jr. The two of them had three children together, John Colwell, Jimmy Colwell, and Leah (Colwell) McQuitty. Barbara went on to teach elementary school in Midland/Odessa, Texas, and Lubbock, Texas. After the passing of Henry in 1990, Barbara reconnected with her high school sweetheart, James (Jim) Arthur Little. They were married on April 2, 1994, in Lubbock. She went on to teach middle school in Liberal, Kansas. She and Jim both shared a passion for travel, family, and education. Barbara passed away just days before their 31st wedding anniversary.

She is preceded in death by her parents, W.T. and Virginia Perry, her sister, Carol (Perry) Crenshaw, a son, Jimmy Clint Colwell, and a grandson, Jameson Dudley McQuitty.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Little, sister, Nancy (Perry) Hargrave (husband, Tom), a son, John H. Colwell (wife, Carol), daughter, Leah (Colwell) McQuitty (husband, Ryan), daughter, Heather (Little) Dondis (husband Andy), son, Michael Little (wife, Kelly), and daughter, Whitney (Little) Farnham (husband Jim). Her grandchildren, Randi, Kaiden, Kris, Alexander, Abby, James, Ava, Jack, and Benjamin, and great- grandchildren, Rhett, Bowman, Peyton, Nolan, and Addie, who were her pride and joy and those she loved to dote over.

Not only did she love her family intensely, but Barbara was an avid reader and writer who loved to document her travels and stories. Her passions touched the lives of everyone around her. Whether it was through her teaching at schools and churches or sharing her son Jimmy’s story of addiction and recovery, she left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and many students who she loved and cared for over the years, and who will carry forward her values of love, compassion, and strength. She was the cornerstone of our family, and her memory will be cherished forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at New Hope Baptist Church in Mineola, Texas. A second service will be held in Artesia, NM at a later date for her inurnment ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to New hope Baptist Church Youth Ministry in her memory.