Michael Rostel Mack

Michael Rostal Mack, age 59 of Fort Sumner, NM died Saturday, July 23, 2005 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas following an illness. Michael was born June 8, 1946 in Safford, Arizona to the home of Rostel and Madeline (Talley) Mack. He was reared in the Gila Valley, attended and graduated from Safford High School. Mike married Linda Claridge on July 16, 1984. Mike was a lifelong cowboy. He worked with his family on the D Bar Ranch in the Gila Wilderness; Diamond A Ranches in Winston, NM; Eagle Creek Ranch in Arizona; White Ranch (Dick Manning) in Puerto De Luna, NM; and was currently ranch manager for Harvey Ranches in De Baca, Otero, and Torrance Counties of New Mexico. Mike and Linda made their home in Fort Sumner in 1994. Mike was active in the Fort Sumner community; he served as chairman of the De Baca County Republican Party and was in his second term as councilman for the Village of Fort Sumner, he was appointed Mayor Pro-Tem during this second term. Mike was a member of Clovis Ward of Church of Jesus Christ, LDS. He was also a member of NM Cattlemen’s Assn; and Farm Bureau. Mike loved to read, enjoyed leatherwork and dutch oven cooking. According to his family he could “doctor” any animal in his care. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Rostel Mack. Survivors include his wife Linda Mack of the home in Fort Sumner; two sons Jake Mack and wife Jennifer of Pima, Arizona; Tanner Mack and wife Jennifer of Fort Sumner; a daughter Lacie Miller and husband Ross of Fort Hood, Texas; his mother Madeline Talley Mack of Safford, AZ; two brothers William Mack of Missouri; Chris Mack and wife Kim of Safford, AZ; two sisters Sue Ward and husband Freddy; Nina Carpenter and husband Joe all of Safford, AZ; and a sister-in-law Diane Mack of Missouri. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Kelsi, Bradan, Brittany, Samantha, and Jade Marie Mack; Emily and Caiden Mack; and Jayda Miller. Other survivors include several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends and good neighbors. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2005 from the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Sumner with President Max Torres officiating. A reception will follow at the Fort Sumner Community House. Burial will take place at 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2005 from Central Community Cemetery in Central, Arizona. A reception will follow at the home of Don and Virginia Ross in Thatcher, AZ Pallbearers will include Tyrel Layton, Raymond Joe Samora, Ricky Samora, E.W. Gunkel, J.D. Allen, Tanner Mack, Jake Mack, Bill Mack, Chris Mack, Freddy Ward, Joe Carpenter,and Ross Miller. Honorary bearers will include Joe Steele, Charlie Vaughan, Joe Russell, Carlos Hernandez, Larry Davis, Juan Chavez, the Cortese families, Bob Jack, Danny Traylor, all his family, friends, and past and present ranch neighbors. Visitation hours will be Tuesday from 10am to 6pm at the funeral home. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (505) 355-2311. Online condolences may be posted at www.chavezfuneralhome.com.