Larry norman Rulmyr

Larry Norman Rulmyr, 76, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Born on January 16, 1950, Larry grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. He was an Army veteran, a bass player, and a friend to generations of musicians.

Larry opened Mountain Music in 1986. Over the next 40 years, the store became a place where people came for guitars, strings, and equipment—and stayed for Larry. He knew his gear, loved a good trade, and always had time for a conversation. Whether someone was buying their first guitar or had been playing for decades, Larry made them feel welcome.

Larry’s best friend Jerry Phillips was also his business partner. For the past 15 years, his friend James Pacheco supported him and helped bring Mountain Music’s sales online. Many other friends became like family to Larry, sharing in the music, the work, and the everyday life of the store.

The memories people have shared tell the story of what Larry meant to Las Cruces. They remember the instruments he helped them find, the advice he gave, and the hours spent talking about music and life in his shop. Young musicians remember him encouraging them when they were just starting out. Others remember stopping by years later and picking up the conversation as though no time had passed.

Larry made music himself, playing bass with local musicians and one band being the band Night Flight. One friend remembered Larry saying, “It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.” It is how many people will remember him.

Larry is survived by his sister, Julee Williams of Pharr, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Rulmyr and Margie Hovick Rulmyr. He will also be deeply missed by his close friends, fellow musicians, bandmates, business partners, and the many people who found a friend at Mountain Music.

Friends are invited to gather at Mountain Music, 1410 S. Solano Drive, on Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring an instrument, share a story, or simply stop by to remember Larry and the place he made for this community.