Joseph Edward Stevens
January 6th, 1942 – December 8th, 2025
In the early morning hours of December 8th, 2025, Joseph “Ed” Edward Stevens, 83, passed away peacefully in his home in Hurley, New Mexico.
Ed was born on January 6th, 1942, in Douglas, Arizona, to Joseph Ernest Stevens and Katherine Elizabeth (Kimble) Stevens. At the age of five, his family relocated to Deming, New Mexico, where he spent his childhood and adolescent years. Ed played high school football for the Deming Wildcats. In 1960, he enrolled at McMurry College (now McMurry University), where he studied business, played the clarinet in the college band, and met the love of his life, Nancy Jay (Smith) Stevens. Ed and Nancy were married in Midland, Texas, in 1964. Nancy preceded him in death on July 7th, 2012, after 49 years of marriage.
Following his graduation in 1964 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Ed and Nancy settled in Silver City, New Mexico. There, Ed managed his family’s soda pop bottling business, while Nancy continued her studies at Western New Mexico University. They purchased their first home on Mississippi Street, where they raised their two children, Christina Cathleen (Stevens) Rigtrup and Gary Edward Stevens. The “Mississippi Street House” became a cornerstone of the Stevens family—symbolizing the belief that while hard work could take you far, love could take you even farther.
A lifelong businessman and gifted entrepreneur with an unwavering work ethic, Ed would tell stories of how he began working at the age of five alongside his father at the 7UP Bottling Company in Deming, New Mexico, where he sorted soda pop bottles. After the sale of the family business, he continued his career with Royal Crown Cola in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Abilene, Texas. Together with Nancy, he also owned and operated Mi Ranchito Foods, and later with his son, Suntreat Beverage and Kokopelli Enterprises.
Ed founded Suntreat Beverage and Sun Chile, achieving remarkable success in both ventures. Under his leadership, Suntreat became the largest independent broker of Gatorade in the State of Arizona, working closely with the U.S. Forest Service and various regional partners. A cool head in crisis, Ed kicked into action during the wildfires, supplying water and Gatorade to first responders. Always achieving success, Sun Chile assumed a multi-state reputation, stretching all the way to California, for the down-home hospitality and welcoming experience individuals could find while purchasing roasted chiles. Ed transitioned into the world of additional chile products, spices, and specialty Southwestern goods, establishing a respected legacy in the industry including the annual chile roast.
In 2013, Ed fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening The Patio Restaurant in Hurley, New Mexico. The restaurant proudly displays treasured pieces from Ed’s life, including his beloved antique soda bottle collection and the beautiful artwork of his sister, Jo Beth “Joby” Lamplot. He found great joy in serving his community, creating a place rooted in passion, hospitality, and the spirit of the Southwest.
In March of 2016, Ed was elected Major of the Town of Hurley, New Mexico. Deeply committed to his community, he approached public service with humility, integrity, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of those he represented. Mayor Stevens served two consecutive terms and was honored by the community with his election to a third term. A man of the people, Ed passed away before he was able to be formally sworn in, closing his life of service in the very role he cherished.
Ed was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Ernest Stevens; his mother, Katherine Elizabeth (Kimble) Stevens; his wife, Nancy Jay (Smith) Stevens; and his sister, Jo Beth (Stevens) Lamplot.
He is survived by his daughter, Christina Cathleen Rigtrup; his son, Gary Edward Stevens; his daughter-in-law, Allison Marie Stevens; his granddaughter, Shelby Jane Rigtrup; his grandsons, Brent Joseph Rigtrup, Joseph Edward Stevens III, and Garrett Emerson Stevens; his brother, Kenneth “Kenny” Elliot Stevens; his sister, Katherine Alice (Stevens) Paulk; his dear friends Hector and Esther Gil; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ed will be remembered for his unwavering grit, steadfast integrity, sharp wit, deep commitment to his community, and a heart as generous as it was strong. He was a man of simple wishes, one of which was to be set to rest without any formal services. Instead, when you have an opportunity, raise a glass or bottle on the passing of a good man.
From his grandchildren:
“To our Grandaddy, thank you for instilling in us that what we build in life depends on the work we’re willing to do, that life is tough but we are tougher, that secret words are the best medicine, and that a little orneriness makes life far more fun. You set high expectations and taught us how to use our talents and our intellect, to care for those around us, and that if you look really hard, you can see Burritos dashing under a table. It is an honor beyond measure to be your grandchildren. We hope we have made—and will continue to make—you proud. We love you immensely. Love, Shelby Jane, Brent, Joseph, and Garrett.”