Obits — Dec. 18, 2008
RALPH DIAL
Ralph Dial, 81, of Estancia passed away on Dec. 7, 2008, at his home, with his family beside him.
Ralph was born on Dec. 4, 1927, in Silverton/Estancia to Elmer and Lola (Strong) Dial. He always said he was told that it was during a snow storm and the doctor didn’t get there for two weeks, but his dad still had to pay the doctor $25 for the delivery. He attended Estancia Schools, graduating in 1945. After graduation he went into the Army, serving during World War II. His overseas assignment was in Japan serving in Occupation Services. He served in the Army 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolf Hounds.”
Ralph married Bernardine Kemper on Sept. 5, 1948, at her parents’ home following the Sunday’s evening services at First Baptist Church in Estancia. Ralph was a retired school bus contractor-driver of the Estancia Schools. He also had several businesses during his lifetime. He was a great fix-it man, anything from tuning up sewing machines, repairing clocks, tuning pianos and anything else he was called on to do. He always enjoyed a challenge and did not give up easily whether it was repairing one of the children’s toys or unlocking a door for a widow woman who had inadvertently locked herself out of her house. Intrigued with new technology, he would always find out how anything worked, getting into some interesting pickles in the process.
Ralph was very active in the American Legion Post 22, where he served as Adjutant and also coordinator for the Honor Guard Team. He also held the office of District 3 Commander for many years until the present time. He was always willing to do whatever he was called upon to do for the American Legion or the Auxiliary. Ralph was a member of First Baptist Church in Estancia. He served in many capacities, during his years of membership, including Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Lay Minister, choir member, and custodian. You could often find him doing some kind of repair, replacing broken windows or just fixing-up around the church. Music and humor marked his life. He spent many happy hours entertaining at nursing homes, community affairs and just jamming with family and friends. His death left many pleasant memories in our hearts. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother. Ralph is survived by his wife, Bernardine of the family home; daughter, Catherine Pope and her husband Sam of Estancia; brothers, Jack, Alfred and Almer (Buster) of Estancia, and Roy of Brewster, Wash. Grandsons, Mark Pope and wife, Kim, Jeremy Pope and wife Alicia, and Clay Pope and wife Larrissa, all of Estancia, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, several foster children and foreign exchange students that he sheltered and mentored, numerous nieces and nephews, plus a host of friends. There was a viewing on Dec. 9 at Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty. Services were held Dec. 10 at First Baptist Church in Estancia with Pastor Jonathan Richard officiating. Interment was at the Estancia Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Lawrence, Paul Sanchez, Charlie Chavez, Victor Barela, Carlos Chavez and Johnny Lujan. Honorary Pallbearers were members of the American Legion Post 22.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
FLOYD EARL PROCTOR
Floyd Earl Proctor was born in Corona on Aug. 2, 1936, to Floyd and Loretta Proctor.
He was the first of eight children. Growing up on the family ranch in Corona, he epitomized the role of big brother to Bo, Dee, Sissy, Radna, Veda, Sandy and Alma. In 1956, he ventured to Farmington seeking his fortune in the developing oil and gas industries. Floyd Earl soon became a skilled welder. With hopes of returning to ranch life his inherent work ethic and dedication to quality served him well and he was quickly accepted into the industry.
While in Farmington he met and married Gwendell Jones. The couple began a family with the birth of their first three children Veronica, Fred and Meridee. After five years with El Paso Natural Gas Co., the lure of the range drove him to purchase a small farm in southern Missouri. Ranch life in New Mexico had not prepared Floyd Earl for farming in the Midwest, and soon he was compelled to enter the workforce again, but not before a fourth child, Martha, was born.
Floyd was attracted to the industrialized area of Northwestern Indiana, just outside Chicago. Floyd Earl’s never changing charisma and western flair overtook all that he met. It’s safe to say that while in Indiana, Yankees learned to speak fluent New Mexican dialect while Floyd Earl never wore bell-bottom britches. In Indiana, the fifth of Floyd Earl’s first five children, Tracie, was born.
After 13 years, the call of home and open skies were too overwhelming, so Floyd Earl moved his family back to New Mexico, first settling in Albuquerque then returning to Farmington as a welder. In the mid 1980s Floyd Earl returned to Corona and the family ranch helping to care for his father and ranching.
In the early 1990s he resumed welding and pipeline, this time in the Permian basin, living in Eunice, N.M. While living in the Southern part of the state, he reacquainted himself with Peggy Bussey from the Corona area. Floyd Earl and Peggy were married on Sept. 5, 1998, and soon made their home in Corona. This union doubled the size of Floyd Earl’s family, a true source of pride in his life. As the years, miles and rigors of life began to overtake Floyd Earl, he and Peggy relocated to Artesia.
Floyd Earl passed away from this world on Dec. 13, 2008. Floyd Earl is preceded in death by his father, Dee Floyd Proctor, and brother, Dee Proctor. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; mother, Loretta; sons, Jimmy, Fred and Chad; daughters; Veronica, Denise, Meridee, Martha, Sam, Tracie and Edna; 27 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. His brothers, Bo and Sandy; sisters; Sissy, Radna, Veda, and Alma; numerous nieces and nephews, and a world of friends. Floyd Earl was laid to rest at the Proctor Family Cemetery in Corona on Dec. 15. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Corona’s Buyers Club and Corona FFA.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
MARY LEE MCCLENDON
Mary Lee McClendon, 83, of Edgewood passed away in Albuquerque on Dec. 6, 2008. Mary Lee was born to Murry and Mary (Sanders) Vardeman on January 31, 1925. She married John Edward McClendon in Idalou, Texas, on Jan. 16, 1943. She was a longtime resident of Edgewood.
Mary Lee is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, James Murry, Garner, and Bill Vardeman. She is survived by her husband of Edgewood; sons, Jimmy McClendon of Dallas; and Sammy McClendon and wife, Tonya, of Edgewood; daughter, Terry Lovato and husband, Damian, of Tijeras; four grandchildren, Sammy and James McClendon, and Shawna and Tamara Lovato; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any charity of your choice.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
BARBARA L. DILS
Barbara L. Dils, 68, of Aztec, passed from this life at her home on Dec. 12, 2008. Barbara was born Feb. 27, 1940, in the Estancia Valley.
Barbara is survived by her two children, daughter, Teresa L. Myers and husband Glen Myers; children Laura Smalley and husband Andrew; Eric Myers and Kevin Myers and wife Savannah; son, Brian W. Dils and wife Leslie; children Colby King and wife Tammy; Dallin King and wife Sarah; Ashley King; Saige Dils; Brilie Dils; and Brynn Dils. Great-grandchildren, Natalee Smalley; Kaleb Myers; and Emilyn King. She is also survived by two sisters, two brothers, and numerous brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, and precious friends. Barbara was preceded in death by husband Walter F. Dils of 43 years of love; daughters, Louise Dils; Debbie Dils; and Sandra Jo Dils; her sister Bessie Chapel, and brother Wesley Caster. Funeral services were held Dec. 16 in Mountainair at the First Assembly of God Church. Doris Jaquess and Shirley Sweat officiated. Interment followed at the Mountainair Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brian W. Dils, Colby L. King, Dallin L. King, Glenn V. Myers, Eric S. Myers, and Kevin C. Myers. Honorary pallbearers were William Caster, Harold Caster, Jerry Metzger, Bill Wells, Charlie Dils, and Glenn Hendricks.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
RAYMOND EDWARD LEMIEUX
Raymond Edward Lemieux, 75, of Moriarty passed away on Dec. 1, 2008, at his home with his loving family beside him.
Raymond was born on Nov. 26, 1933, in Newmarket, N.H. to Homer and Helen (Roy) Lemieux.
Raymond retired as an Air Force master sergeant. He also retired from General Dynamics/Civil Service and was a bishop in the LDS Church. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Paula Marie Meadows. He is survived by his wife, Lana M. (Robie) Lemieux of Moriarty; sons, Michael E. Lemieux and wife Robin of Omaha, Neb.; Bruce A. Lemieux and wife Diana of Roy, Utah; Gregory P. Lemieux and wife Ann of Bartlett, Tenn.; daughters, Theresa R. Lapsley and husband Gerald of Edgewood; Jeanne M. Lemieux of Bunker Hill, Ind.; Linda L. Lemieux of Orrville, Ohio; brother, Paul L. Lemieux of Dover, N.H.; sisters, Jeanette Stokel of San Diego, Calif.; Leona Butler of Newmarket, N.H.; Doris Houle of Pasadena, Calif.; Pauline Schanda of Newmarket, N.H.; 21 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
AGATHA M. GARRISON
Agatha was born May 1, 1918, in Putnam County, W.Va. and passed away in Albuquerque on Saturday morning, Dec. 13, 2008.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rosalie Peters, and grandson, Wesley Peters. She is survived by various cousins, nieces and nephews. Agatha was proud of her service as an aircraft mechanic for the Air Force during World War II. She moved to Torrance County in 1981 and will long be remembered for her good humor and love of music. Raising African violets was one of Agatha’s interests. She was a member of the Albuquerque African Violet Club for over 20 years, holding the positions of judge, vice-president, secretary, historian, and publicity chairman. She won blue ribbons for her plant and design entries in the club’s spring shows.
Agatha also attended many of the annual national conventions of the African Violet Society of America. In 2004 at the convention in Tucson, she was awarded the AVSA Hudson Memorial Award for Affiliate Leadership. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 at the Estancia United Methodist Church, 600 Williams Ave. in Estancia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Albuquerque African Violet Club, c/o J. Bowden, 407 La Veta Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
ELIZABETH BURR
Elizabeth Burr passed away on Dec. 11, 2008, in Albuquerque.
She was a resident of Torrance County.
Elizabeth was born in Las Cruces and was the daughter of Ethel B. Jamison and Mac Jamison, McKinley Williams and Winnie Williams. She was married to Alonzo Burr who preceded her in death in 1999. They have a home in the Ewing area and have been residents of Torrance County for over 30 years, having been the first African-American family to settle in the county.
She is survived by three children, Maye Bernard, son-in-law Edward Bernard and grandchildren Elizabeth, Joshua, Samantha and Alexandra. A second daughter, Juanita Woolfolk, and her children Victoria, Larry L. Jr., Jeffery, Yvonne Waters and husband Marcus Waters, Michelle Thompson and her husband Jason Thompson and great-grandchildren Michael and Micah. She also is survived by one son, Joe Burr, and his children, Kimberly and Joseph, and other great-grandchildren. She has two sisters, Ms. Gladys Williamson and her husband, Allen Williamson, and her children Johnny, Earl, Joe and Anthony; Lola Johnson and husband, Eugene Johnson, and their children. She had many family members living in Texas and California as well as New Mexico. At the time of her passing she was 85 years old. She loved the sunsets and sunrises of New Mexico. And she was an avid animal lover all her life. She was well known by many community members and friends.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Pilgrims Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 315 53rd Street SW in Albuquerque. The officiating pastor is the Rev. Alonzo Twitty Sr.
Elizabeth had been ill for some time and many community friends and neighbors have helped her. The family wishes to extend gratitude to all who helped her during her time of illness.