A6 Thursday, October 23, 2014
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trying to read into those specific orders about what the president may decide are a little too cleverly trying to divine what the president’s ultimate conclusion might be,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. “What I would caution you against is making assumptions about what will be in those announcements based on the procurement practices of the Department of Homeland Security.” Ear nest did not say whether Obama plans to issue more work permits. Obama announced earlier this year that if Congress didn’t pass immigration legislation, he would act on his own. After twice postponing a final decision, he said as recently as last month that he would hold off on executive actions until after November’s midterm elections. The administration has repeatedly declined to say what options Obama was considering, but it is widely believed that he will expand protections from deportation already extended to more than 500,000 young
OBITUARIES
Erminia Espinosa
Erminia “Minnie” Melendez Espinosa was surrounded by the love of her family when she went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014. A rosary will be recited at 9 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 at St. John’s Catholic Church and Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. with Father Paul Juniet OFM officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Erminia was the loving wife of the late Elias Jimenez Espinosa, who passed away June 26, 2001. They shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. She was born on April 25, 1924, in Roswell, NM. She was the daughter of the late Ramona Vasquez Melendez. Er minia was a good homemaker and Home Economics teacher. She loved teaching others her great skills. She has also passed it down to many generations in her family. She was honored to have had one of her classes featured in the local newspaper with her children and grandchildren at a Home Economics class. Er minia was of the Catholic faith, and very active in her church and learning the word of God. Because of her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, she served as a Sunday school teacher. She loved singing in the church choir. She enjoyed reading her bible every day and shared her
immigrants who came to the United States as children. Under that program, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, many young immigrants who are in school or who have graduated and don’t have a criminal record can win protection from deportation for up to two years. They are also eligible for work permits.
The president does not have the legal authority unilaterally to of fer immigrants living in the country illegally green cards or any other permanent immigration status. But administration officials have said the president can authorize protection from deportation for immigrants on a case-by-case basis, such as with the DACA program, and issue them work permits. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez told an audience at a Georgetown University Law Center conference Tuesday that his agency was ready for whatever immigration changes Obama may announce. He declined to provide details.
readings and faith with those that came to visit her that day. Erminia loved going out for lunch and a good conversation. But her greatest joy came from spending time with and caring for her family. Erminia was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Words cannot describe how truly amazing she was or how dearly she will be missed. Her family finds comfort in all of the wonder ful memories they shared with Erminia and knowing that even though she is no longer with them on Earth, she will always be with them in spirit, watching over them. Erminia will be lovingly remembered by her three sons, Ramon Melendez and his wife, Margie, Elias Espinosa, Jr., and Edward Espinosa of Roswell; two daughters Yolanda Jones of Brownfield, Texas and Connie Perez and her husband, Gene of Roswell, NM; two brothers, Juan Ramos and his wife, Minnie of Phoenix, AZ and Antonio Melendez of Roswell, NM; grandchildren Sandra M. Ar nold, Ramon S. Melendez, Tom Melendez, Barbara Millard, Tim Millard, Donald Millard, Jr., Michael Jones, Monica Jones, Tracy Beltran, Anthony Espinosa, Vanessa Sexton, Wanae Jones, Aimee Espinosa, Devin Espinosa and Aaron Espinosa; 22 great-grandchildren; and seven greatgreat-grandchildren. Erminia was preceded in death by her sister, Estella Melendez and her brother Ralph Melendez, Sr. Pall bearers will be Anthony Espinosa, Tom Melendez, Chris Lucero, Michael Jones, Ramon S. Melendez, and Javier Moreno. The Honorary Pallbearers will be Devin Espinosa, Vanessa Sexton and Aimee Espinosa. A Psalm of David The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my
NATION/OBITUARIES
Roswell Daily Record
Social Security benefits get tiny increase again
WASHINGTON (AP) — Come January, nearly 60 million Social Security recipients will get benefit increases averaging $20 a month, the third straight year of historically small pay hikes. The 1.7 percent cost-ofliving adjustment, or COLA, will also boost government benefits for millions of disabled veterans, federal retirees and people drawing disability payments for the poor. Year after year of tiny increases are weighing on many older Americans. “What is it going to cover? Not even the cost of one medicine,” said Louis Grosso, a 66-year-old retired doctor who lives in Philadelphia. “Do you know how much my cholesterol medicine is?” The government announced the benefit increase Wednesday when it released the latest measure of consumer prices. By law, the increase is based on inflation, which has been below historical averages so far this year. For example, gasoline prices have dropped over the past year while the cost of clothing is up by less than 1 percent, according to the September inflation report. Even medical costs, which disproportionately affect older Americans, are up just 1.9 percent over the past year.
cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~Psalm 23~ Condolences can be made online at lagronefuneralchapels.com. Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.
Joseph Bashara Shamas Jr.
Joseph (Joe) Bashara Shamas Jr., 85, of Roswell/New Mexico passed away Oct. 19, 2014. Joe was bor n to Joseph Bashara Shamas, Sr. and Almaza Dahtar Shamas on Jan. 5, 1929, in Douglas, Arizona. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Janette Paul Shamas, four sisters, Mabel Shamas, Annie David, Martha Myers and Gloria Mize, one brother Ralph D. Shamas, and one granddaughter Jill Georgeann Gardner. Joe is survived by one sister, Joanna L yle, two daughters, Bonnie Berry and her husband Tom of Roswell, Denise Gardner of Bedford, Texas, two sons, Phillip Shamas of Roswell and Greg Shamas and his wife Martha of Albuquerque, 11 grandchildren, Lisa Nicholson, Joshua Berry, Chris Gardner, Ty Gardner, Ashley Boss, Brian Shamas, Sandra Trombala, Joseph Shamas, Emilia Shamas, Eric Shamas, Michael Shamas, 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. Joseph Shamas Sr. moved to Roswell in the 1940’s and opened Shamas Food Markets. Joe Jr. purchased the stores and continued operating and expanding them, not only becoming a well-respected businessman but becoming a friend and ever -present help to the people who passed through his doors. When he sold the stores in 1985, his entrepreneurial
Meanwhile, the amount of Americans’ wages subject to Social Security taxes is also going up. Social Security is financed by a 12.4 percent payroll tax on the first $117,000 of a worker’s wages — half is paid by the worker and half is paid by the employer. Next year, the wage cap will increase to $118,500, the Social Security Administration said. As for payments to beneficiaries, Congress enacted automatic increases in 1975, when inflation was
high and there was a lot of pressure to regularly raise benefits. For the first 35 years, the COLA was less than 2 percent only three times. Next year, the COLA will be less than 2 percent for the third straight year, and the fifth time in six years. This year’s increase was 1.5 percent, the year before it was 1.7 percent. “While any increase is better than no increase, the fact of the matter is that for millions of seniors, retirees and federal employees, these
annual increases will be gone before most even receive them,” said J. David Cox, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees.
spirit led him to enter the real estate business in addition to owning several car lots and other businesses. Joe, in the tradition of his father and brother, cared deeply for and loved the people of Roswell and Chaves County. He, without any fanfare or seeking any recognition, lived out his faith by helping countless families in need over the years and was a lifelong supporter of the Poor Clare Monastery. A viewing will be open to the public and condolences to the family will be received from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at Ballard Funeral Home, 910 S. Main, Roswell. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at South Park Cemetery with Father Charlie Martinez, OFM of St. Peter’s Catholic Church officiating, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at 10 a.m. Serving as pallbearers are Joshua Berry, Brian Shamas, Ty Gardner, Chris Gardner, Joseph Shamas, Eric Shamas and Michael Shamas. The family wishes to thank Joe’s dedicated doctors, Dr. Adajar and Dr. Pinon, the staff of Emeritus Senior Living at Roswell, Cathy and the staff at Mission Arch Care and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and professional care. Donations may be made in memory of Joe to Poor Clare Monastery, 809 E. 19th St., Roswell, NM, 88201. May those who loved him and cared for him be blessed. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at ballardfuneralhome.com.
Otis Air Force Base, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Edwin H. Armstrong and R. Ar mstrong. Wyvonne Robert attended Archbold, Ohio schools. He most recently resided in Roswell, New Mexico and worked at Roswell Racquetball Club and Harvest Ministries. Survivors include three sisters, Cheryl McCullough and husband James from Mayhill, NM and Elephant Butte, NM, Suzanne Williams and husband Travis from Odessa, Texas and Beth Smith and husband Joe from Roswell, NM and one brother, David Armstrong from Cloudcroft, NM. Robert has many nephews and nieces and great-nephews and greatnieces that love him dearly. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin H. Armstrong and Rena Wyvonne Armstrong, both of Roswell. Services celebrating the life of Robert Armstrong will be held on Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. at Harvest Ministries (address shown below). In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to Harvest Ministries, 601 N. Main St., Roswell, NM 88201. (575) 624-2415
his stories he was larger than life. He had a passion for woodworking, to include the making of toys for his grandchildren. Roy also loved working on his home and his yard and garden. He enjoyed “picking” at yard sales and flea markets, establishing a wonderful collection. Roy was revered by those who knew him well, and he will be greatly missed. Roy was the best neighbor anyone could wish to have. He would do anything to help people in need, and would literally give the shirt off his back, if necessary.
Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong, age 56, died on Oct. 18th in Roswell, New Mexico, from melanoma cancer. Born June 12, 1958, at
In all, the COLA affects payments to more than 70 million Americans — more than a fifth of the country.
About 59 million retirees, disabled workers, spouses and children get Social Security benefits. The average monthly payment is $1,192.
Roy is survived by his wife, Gloria, to who he was married for 50 years. He is also survived by his son, Bill Anderson of Las Cruces; daughter, Cindy Derrick and husband, Dave, of Oklahoma City, OK; sisters, Evelyn Forman of Alabama; Barbara Coverdell of Califor nia; Joyce Pressley of Alabama; brother, James Thomas Anderson of Alabama; six grandchildren, Mike Derrick, Brandon Derrick, Robert Derrick, Taylor Avaroe, Lauren Anderson,and Maddy Anderson; 5 great grandchildren, Ashley Wiedeman, Juliana Weideman, Emma Derrick, T roy Avaroe, and Nicola Derrick. Roy is also survived by nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, who he loved dearly.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Bentley Anderson and Eunice Hindman Anderson; brothers, Herbert Anderson, Billy Wayne Anderson, Robert Anderson and sister, Mary Anderson.
Roy M. Anderson
A memorial service to honor the life of Roy M. Anderson, 75, of Roswell will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home with Pastor Adam Soliz. Roy passed away Monday, Oct. 20, 2014. Roy was bor n April 9, 1939, to Bentley Anderson and Eunice Hindman in Ashland Alabama. Roy adored his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to have them visit, cook for them and take them shopping at the dollar store. Roy will be remembered as a prolific storyteller, who could sit for hours telling stories about his life and family. Through
Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online registry book at andersonbethany.com.
Services are under the direction of AndersonBethany Funeral Home and Crematory.