In Memoriam…
Oleta Marie Stirling, 99, passed on May 12, 2011 in League City, Texas. She is survived by her sister, Madge Lundy, as well as many generations of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband R.D. Stirling. They were married for 52 years, all of which were spent as cattle ranchers in Colorado and New Mexico. She was active in the Girl’s Ranch of New Mexico, the Methodist Church in Las Vegas, the Rebecca Lodge of Las Vegas, the New Mexico CowBelles, as well as countless other charitable organizations we will never know about. She always showed wonderful hospitality to all who came into her life, always with a cup of coffee and something good to eat.
Joel Thomas Bennett, 33, Des Moines, passed away June 29, 2011, in Des Moines. He was born April 15, 1978, in Raton, the son of Vernon Ray and Linda Mae Kruse Bennett. Joel grew up on the Bennett Ranch along the Ojo del Pinaveta. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Raton Elks Lodge. He attended Des Moines Public Schools, graduating in 1996. Joel participated in many 4-H and school activities including FFA, student council, FHA, science fairs, basketball, track, and cross-country. He was valedictorian at Des Moines High School his senior year. Joel attended Clarendon College and then Oklahoma State where he received a bachelor of science in animal science in 2000. Joel is survived by his parents, Vernan and Linda Bennett, Raton; son James Ray Bennett, Raton; brother Justin Bennett, Des Moines; maternal great-grandmother Julia Ione Hawk Kruse, Fairview, Kansas, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John H. Mahoney, 63, Roy, was called home June 25, 2011, in an accident while working in his shop. He was born in Roy June 3, 1948, to John A. and Rena Mahoney and graduated from Roy High School in 1966 and from New Mexico State University in 1970. He is survived by his father John A. Mahoney; his wife June; his sons, Tappan (wife, Simone), Justin (wife, Shea), Joe (wife, Leslie) and Sean (wife, Tennessee); his two sisters: Janet Willis (husband, Jim), and Colleen Grogan; two grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends. John was a husband, dad, grandfather (Papo), brother, uncle, boss, mentor and friend. He was a member of the Roy school board and an active volunteer firefighter and EMT for several years. He was a master water well driller, serving northeastern New Mexico for more than 35 years. He was a member of both the New Mexico and National Groundwater Associations. John was NMGW president for numerous terms and served as a delegate for the NGWA making trips to Washington, D.C. He was a master of many trades, with a vast wealth of knowledge upon which many relied. He always had good advice for everyone, whether they wanted it or not. He could strike up a conversation or argument with anyone he met; he never met a stranger.
Ryan Thomas Hyatt, 22, Deming, passed away on June 9, 2011 while working on the ranch he loved. Ryan was born on October 26, 1988 in Las Cruces to Leedrue and Sandy Hyatt and was raised on the family’s homestead at Cook’s Peak. He attended Deming Public Schools and graduated in 2007. He was one semester from completing his bachelor’s degree at New Mexico State University where he was on the Dean’s List. He also worked for Torch Energy and at the Jornada Ranch. Ryan will be remembered for his work ethic, quick wit, sense of humor and capacity to make everyone around him happy. He was an excellent student, guitar player, accomplished hunter, and football player. Ryan was a member of the FFA, 4-H, and was a true friend to many. Ryan will be truly missed by his mother and father; sister Brady, Deming; brother, Garrett (wife, Terra) Minneapolis, MN; his grandparents, Betty Hyatt, Deming and Siegfried and Phyllis Thunborg, Corrales; as well as three nieces, his fiance, Jessica MacDonald, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and all the people who were blessed to have known him.
Michael Lee McWhorter, 52, Datil, passed away on April 12, 2011 in Albuquerque. Mike was born in Socorro to Frank and Lola McWhorter on August 5, 1958. He is survived by his wife, Katharina; his sons, Trampus and Kade McWhorter and their mother, Carol Lee, Hondo, Texas; his mother, Lola McWhorter, Socorro; two sisters, Linda Rosales (husband, Mario) Lemitar; and Cindy Curry (companion, Allen Rinehart) Alamogordo; one brother, Larry McWhorter, Socorro; his uncle, Dub McWhorter (wife, Becky); four nephews, one niece, and many other family members. Mike was a long time resident and rancher of Catron County, working for Quien Sabe Cattle Company for over 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, ranching, and fishing with his family and many friends.
Jacquelyn (Jackie) Faye Warnica Spence, 79, Artesia, passed away on June 16, 2011. She was born December 29, 1931 in New Hobbs, the only child of Ralph Beaver Warnica and Lillian Fay Douglass. Jackie married James Solon Spence II on January 5, 1950. They spent their entire lives together farming the family farm in the Cottonwood community north of Artesia. Jackie was a stay-at-home mom, not working out of the home or off the farm until “the baby” started school. Jackie worked at Artesia High School as an assistant librarian and then was the rural mail carrier for the Lake Arthur Post Office. She was named Rural Mail Carrier of the year in 2000. She retired in 2001 but continued to be active in her church and community. She was a 4-H leader and fair judge for over 50 years. She and Solon were honored by the Eddy County Fair Board for their dedication and efforts to help with the building and development of the county fair and youth programs. Jackie was a longtime member of the St. Anthony’s Altar Society and served as a lector at mass on a regular basis. She loved to play cards, gamble a little, and visit new places. In recent years she especially loved to attend legislative sessions, and to debate issues with several elected officials, especially Sen. Tim Jennings. She was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. She is survived by her children: Mary Jane (spouse, Larry) Ward; Candy (spouse, Calder) Ezzell; Jim Spence and friend Carol Apple; Steve (spouse, Shellye) Spence; and Trampas (spouse, Vicki) Spence, and 18 grandchildren.
John T. Harrington Ph.D, 49, Rociada, passed away on June 6, 2011 in a bicycle accident. He was born on May 11, 1962 in Nashville, Tennessee to Francis Eugene Harrington and Mary Adelaide Kelly-Harrington. He married Anne Marie Wagner on April 20, 1991. Following BS and MS degrees in Wisconsin and Virginia, John received a Ph.D. in Tree Physiology from New Mexico State University in 1991. Since 1990 he has been at New Mexico State University’s Mora Research Center and was a Professor of Tree Physiology as well as Superintendent of the Research Center. In 2006 he worked with the USDA Forest Service – Research Policy Analysis group in Washington, DC for six months. In late 2010 he went to Afghanistan as part of NMSU’s AWATT Program to work with US AID, the US Military and the Afghan government to restore Afghanistan’s watersheds and forests. He also served on numerous Federal, State and Regional Committees including: New Mexico Tree Farm, New Mexico Forest Stewardship, New Mexico Forest Lands Enhancement Committee, and New Mexico Watershed Restoration Committee, serving as Program Chairman for the 2010 Society of American Foresters National Convention and Editor of New Mexico Tree Farm Newsletter. He was a member of the Society of American Foresters and numerous other professional organizations and he was an SAF Fellow and Certified Forester. John was an avid Ultra Marathoner, he had completed over one hundred Marathons and ultra Marathons. He loved the outdoors, was respected by everyone he worked with from federal policy makers to local land owners. He was a former member of Sapello/Rociada Volunteer Fire Company and of San Miguel Search and Rescue. He is survived by his wife Anne; parents, Francis Eugene and Mary Harrington, Indianapolis, Indiana; sisters, Maureen Harrington, Indianapolis; and Kathy Keough (husband, Dennis) Berwyn, PA; brothers: Joe Harrington (wife, Diane) Minneapolis; and Bob Harrington (wife, Connie) Greensville, Wisconsin; other survivors include in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many, many close friends.
Cordelia (Cordy) Carolyn Cowan, 86, long time Arizona/New Mexico rancher, passed away on June 7, 2011, in Albuquerque. She was born January 1, 1925 to Marguerite and Ben Robertson in Deming. Cordy met William (Bill) R. Cowan in high school in Douglas and were married in December 1943. They lived in McNeal where they raised Quarter Horses and began the Southwest’s first Brahman herd in 1948. In 1967 Bill and Cordy moved the headquarters to New Mexico and lived there till 2001 when they moved to Tucson. In 2009 Cordy moved to Albuquerque. She was a Charter Member of the Cochise College Foundation board, president and remained on the board for 30 years. She was instrumental in the establishment, funding, and continuation of the Cochise College rodeo program. It is difficult to separate Cordy’s accomplishments from Bill’s because they were such a team for 63 years. As a couple they were inducted into the Hidalgo County Hall of Fame with Cordy being the first woman inductee. She and Bill raised the National Champion Brahman Heifer at the Houston Livestock Show. Their ranch was once highlighted by Paul Harvey. Cordy is survived by her daughters Ruth Evelyn Cowan Giles (husband, Bob) Sierra Vista, AZ; Marguerite Vensel and Flossie Holly both of Albuquerque; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ernest Pérez, 87, Encino, passed away on June 6, 2011 while doing his morning chores. He and his wife Jewel of 65 years and family owned a registered and commercial Rambouillet sheep and Hereford cattle operation. His sheep operation was started by his father, Victor Pérez, who came to New Mexico form the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe in Isaba, Spain in 1904 at the age of 15. Ernest volunteered for service in World War II and was part of the invasion of The Beaches at Normandy in 1944. After four years of service he returned home to Encino to manage the family ranch. He was responsible for 5,000 ewes and 400 cows. Ernest acquired his first registered Hereford cow in 1950. Due to drought the cow herd was dispersed in 2004. Earnest was known world wide for his registered Rambouillet sheep operation. He sold sheep in 22 states, exhibited the champion fleece at the National Western Stock Show 10 times, and retired three flock fleece-traveling trophies, which had to be won three years consecutively to retire the trophy. Ernest’s greatest accomplishment was being the first American to win Champion Fleece of the World in 1989 in Tasmania, Australia. He was also named New Mexico Sheepman of the Year in 1994. Earnest was also devoted to his community serving on the Encino school board for 35 years and helping countless 4-Hers with their projects. Survivors include his wife Jewel; 3 sons Michael, Jeffery, Chris; 2 daughters, Diana Gallegos, Kathrin Dinwiddie; 8 grandchildren; and 2 great-grand children. Ernest will always be our sheepman of the year.
Ivy Jay Whetten, 88, Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, passed away on June 4, 2011 in El Paso. He was born in Chuichupa, Chihuahua in 1922. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; two sons, Jay (wife, Jennifer), Thatcher, Arizona; Mark (wife, Alison), Newkirk; three daughters; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Chuch of Latter-day Saints.
Patricia (Pat) Grambling Harvey, 84, Las Cruces and Upper St. Regis, NY, died on June 30, 2011, in Upper St. Regis. She was born on February 24, 1927 in El Paso, TX, to Allen Rowell Grambling and Marion Hogan Grambling, and lived there until the past 15 years. She graduated from Texas Western College (now UTEP) in El Paso in 1947. There that she met E.P. (Phil) Harvey, just back from World War II. They were married on April 24, 1948, a marriage that would last over 59 years. Phil came from a ranching and banking family, so Pat was also quite involved. She accompanied him on many trips to New Mexico Cattle Growers’, American National Cattlemen’s, and Public Lands Council meetings as well as lobbying in Santa Fe and Washington, DC. Pat was a member of the American Guild of Organists, an avid gardener and played tennis, being a long-time member of the El Paso Tennis Club. Patricia was raised in the Episcopal Church, and was a member of the Colonial Dames and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Patricia is survived by her three sons, Eldon P. (Phil) Harvey, Jr. (wife, Carlitta) Mesilla; Allen G. Harvey (wife, Julie) Midland; and Patrick L. Harvey (wife, Lisa) Scottsdale; and 5 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren.
Johnny Floyd Summerour, 76, Dalhart, died on July 2, 2011 in Amarillo, Texas. He was born to Elmer and Dorothy (Pronger) Summerour on December 9, 1934 at the Pronger Ranch. He lived at the Summerour Ranch all of his life, doing what he loved to do – working with cattle and raising registered Herefords. Johnny graduated from Stratford High School and attended Panhandle State College at Goodwell. He was a Member of St. James Episcopal Church of Dalhart. Johnny was active in many different organizations. He served as director for the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Association for 15 years, was President of The Texas Hereford Association for two years, was president of the Panhandle Livestock Association, and President of Great Plains Hereford Association of Guymon. He served on the Stratford School Board for 5 years. On July 4, 1954 he married JoWayne Harding. He is survived by his wife and two daughters: Melody Sample (husband, Buddy), and Stephanie Sanders all of Ft. Worth, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers: Jimmy (wife, Helen), and Buzz (wife, Nell), Dalhart and a sister Donna (husband, Bob) Brasch, Los Angeles, California, and several nieces and nephews.
Brahaim Ali Hindi Jr., 59, Duran, passed away on February 2, 2011. He was born on February 10, 1951 to Susie Marcille Garde and Brahaim Duran Hindi. Known to all as “Brother,” he graduated from New Mexico State University and loved teaching until his retirement. He was a lifelong member of the Duran Fire Department and Chief for the past two years. He was on the Vaugh School Board and the Torrance County FSA Committee. He was a fine horseman and tireless rancher as well as a saxophone player and a great dancer. He is survived by his father Brahaim Sr.; siblings Helen (Isidora) Manzanares, Samia, Kathy Rodriguez, Jamil and Anna, as well as nephews, a niece, extended family and many friends.
Jesus (Susie) Garde Marcilla, 89, Duran, died peacefully on January 26, 2011. She was born to Emila Anaut Marcilla and Maurici Echandi Garde in October 1921 in Vaughn. She graduated from New Mexico State Univeristy and enjoyed a career as a county agent until her marrige in 1945. She was a homemaker and mother until her youngest was 9. She began teaching in Vaughn, retiring in 1979. She was a prolific and skilled cook as well as a tirelss aunt and mother. She is surived by her husband Brahaim Sr., children Helen (Isidora) Manzanares, Samia, Kathy Rodriguez, Jamil and Anna; grandchildren, nieces, nephews; brother Ray Garde, sister Helen Lewis and extended family and friends.
Jacquelyn (Jackie) Faye Warnica Spence, 79, Artesia, passed away on June 16, 2011. She was born December 29, 1931 in New Hobbs, the only child of Ralph Beaver Warnica and Lillian Fay Douglass. Jackie married James Solon Spence II on January 5, 1950. They spent their entire lives together farming the family farm in the Cottonwood community north of Artesia. Jackie was a stay-at-home mom, not working out of the home or off the farm until “the baby” started school. Jackie worked at Artesia High School as an assistant librarian and then was the rural mail carrier for the Lake Arthur Post Office. She was named Rural Mail Carrier of the year in 2000. She retired in 2001 but continued to be active in her church and community. She was a 4-H leader and fair judge for over 50 years. She and Solon were honored by the Eddy County Fair Board for their dedication and efforts to help with the building and development of the county fair and youth programs. Jackie was a longtime member of the St. Anthony’s Altar Society and served as a lector at mass on a regular basis. She loved to play cards, gamble a little, and visit new places. In recent years she especially loved to attend legislative sessions, and to debate issues with several elected officials, especially Sen. Tim Jennings. She was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. She is survived by her children: Mary Jane (spouse, Larry) Ward; Candy (spouse, Calder) Ezzell; Jim Spence and friend Carol Apple; Steve (spouse, Shellye) Spence; and Trampas (spouse, Vicki) Spence, and 18 grandchildren.
John T. Harrington Ph.D, 49, Rociada, passed away on June 6, 2011 in a bicycle accident. He was born on May 11, 1962 in Nashville, Tennessee to Francis Eugene Harrington and Mary Adelaide Kelly-Harrington. He married Anne Marie Wagner on April 20, 1991. Following BS and MS degrees in Wisconsin and Virginia, John received a Ph.D. in Tree Physiology from New Mexico State University in 1991. Since 1990 he has been at New Mexico State University’s Mora Research Center and was a Professor of Tree Physiology as well as Superintendent of the Research Center. In 2006 he worked with the USDA Forest Service – Research Policy Analysis group in Washington, DC for six months. In late 2010 he went to Afghanistan as part of NMSU’s AWATT Program to work with US AID, the US Military and the Afghan government to restore Afghanistan’s watersheds and forests. He also served on numerous Federal, State and Regional Committees including: New Mexico Tree Farm, New Mexico Forest Stewardship, New Mexico Forest Lands Enhancement Committee, and New Mexico Watershed Restoration Committee, serving as Program Chairman for the 2010 Society of American Foresters National Convention and Editor of New Mexico Tree Farm Newsletter. He was a member of the Society of American Foresters and numerous other professional organizations and he was an SAF Fellow and Certified Forester. John was an avid Ultra Marathoner, he had completed over one hundred Marathons and ultra Marathons. He loved the outdoors, was respected by everyone he worked with from federal policy makers to local land owners. He was a former member of Sapello/Rociada Volunteer Fire Company and of San Miguel Search and Rescue. He is survived by his wife Anne; parents, Francis Eugene and Mary Harrington, Indianapolis, Indiana; sisters, Maureen Harrington, Indianapolis; and Kathy Keough (husband, Dennis) Berwyn, PA; brothers: Joe Harrington (wife, Diane) Minneapolis; and Bob Harrington (wife, Connie) Greensville, Wisconsin; other survivors include in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many, many close friends.
Ernest Pérez, 87, Encino, passed away on June 6, 2011 while doing his morning chores. He and his wife Jewel of 65 years and family owned a registered and commercial Rambouillet sheep and Hereford cattle operation. His sheep operation was started by his father, Victor Pérez, who came to New Mexico form the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe in Isaba, Spain in 1904 at the age of 15. Ernest volunteered for service in World War II and was part of the invasion of The Beaches at Normandy in 1944. After four years of service he returned home to Encino to manage the family ranch. He was responsible for 5,000 ewes and 400 cows. Ernest acquired his first registered Hereford cow in 1950. Due to drought the cow herd was dispersed in 2004. Earnest was known world wide for his registered Rambouillet sheep operation. He sold sheep in 22 states, exhibited the champion fleece at the National Western Stock Show 10 times, and retired three flock fleece-traveling trophies, which had to be won three years consecutively to retire the trophy. Ernest’s greatest accomplishment was being the first American to win Champion Fleece of the World in 1989 in Tasmania, Australia. He was also named New Mexico Sheepman of the Year in 1994. Earnest was also devoted to his community serving on the Encino school board for 35 years and helping countless 4-Hers with their projects. Survivors include his wife Jewel; 3 sons Michael, Jeffery, Chris; 2 daughters, Diana Gallegos, Kathrin Dinwiddie; 8 grandchildren; and 2 great-grand children. Ernest will always be our sheepman of the year.
Ivy Jay Whetten, 88, Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, passed away on June 4, 2011 in El Paso. He was born in Chuichupa, Chihuahua in 1922. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; two sons, Jay (wife, Jennifer), Thatcher, Arizona; Mark (wife, Alison), Newkirk; three daughters; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Chuch of Latter-day Saints.
Patricia (Pat) Grambling Harvey, 84, Las Cruces and Upper St. Regis, NY, died on June 30, 2011, in Upper St. Regis. She was born on February 24, 1927 in El Paso, TX, to Allen Rowell Grambling and Marion Hogan Grambling, and lived there until the past 15 years. She graduated from Texas Western College (now UTEP) in El Paso in 1947. There that she met E.P. (Phil) Harvey, just back from World War II. They were married on April 24, 1948, a marriage that would last over 59 years. Phil came from a ranching and banking family, so Pat was also quite involved. She accompanied him on many trips to New Mexico Cattle Growers’, American National Cattlemen’s, and Public Lands Council meetings as well as lobbying in Santa Fe and Washington, DC. Pat was a member of the American Guild of Organists, an avid gardener and played tennis, being a long-time member of the El Paso Tennis Club. Patricia was raised in the Episcopal Church, and was a member of the Colonial Dames and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Patricia is survived by her three sons, Eldon P. (Phil) Harvey, Jr. (wife, Carlitta) Mesilla; Allen G. Harvey (wife, Julie) Midland; and Patrick L. Harvey (wife, Lisa) Scottsdale; and 5 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren.
Johnny Floyd Summerour, 76, Dalhart, died on July 2, 2011 in Amarillo, Texas. He was born to Elmer and Dorothy (Pronger) Summerour on December 9, 1934 at the Pronger Ranch. He lived at the Summerour Ranch all of his life, doing what he loved to do – working with cattle and raising registered Herefords. Johnny graduated from Stratford High School and attended Panhandle State College at Goodwell. He was a Member of St. James Episcopal Church of Dalhart. Johnny was active in many different organizations. He served as director for the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Association for 15 years, was President of The Texas Hereford Association for two years, was president of the Panhandle Livestock Association, and President of Great Plains Hereford Association of Guymon. He served on the Stratford School Board for 5 years. On July 4, 1954 he married JoWayne Harding. He is survived by his wife and two daughters: Melody Sample (husband, Buddy), and Stephanie Sanders all of Ft. Worth, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers: Jimmy (wife, Helen), and Buzz (wife, Nell), Dalhart and a sister Donna (husband, Bob) Brasch, Los Angeles, California, and several nieces and nephews.
Brahaim Ali Hindi Jr., 59, Duran, passed away on February 2, 2011. He was born on February 10, 1951 to Susie Marcille Garde and Brahaim Duran Hindi. Known to all as “Brother,” he graduated from New Mexico State University and loved teaching until his retirement. He was a lifelong member of the Duran Fire Department and Chief for the past two years. He was on the Vaugh School Board and the Torrance County FSA Committee. He was a fine horseman and tireless rancher as well as a saxophone player and a great dancer. He is survived by his father Brahaim Sr.; siblings Helen (Isidora) Manzanares, Samia, Kathy Rodriguez, Jamil and Anna, as well as nephews, a niece, extended family and many friends.
Jesus (Susie) Garde Marcilla, 89, Duran, died peacefully on January 26, 2011. She was born to Emila Anaut Marcilla and Maurici Echandi Garde in October 1921 in Vaughn. She graduated from New Mexico State Univeristy and enjoyed a career as a county agent until her marrige in 1945. She was a homemaker and mother until her youngest was 9. She began teaching in Vaughn, retiring in 1979. She was a prolific and skilled cook as well as a tirelss aunt and mother. She is surived by her husband Brahaim Sr., children Helen (Isidora) Manzanares, Samia, Kathy Rodriguez, Jamil and Anna; grandchildren, nieces, nephews; brother Ray Garde, sister Helen Lewis and extended family and friends.
Kyon Daniel Hobbs, 20, Cimarron, passed away on July 1, 2011 in Denver. Born on July 9, 1990, to Martie McDougall and Mike Hobbs, Kyon graduated from Maxwell High School and worked for the Table Mountain Ranch in Denver training show horses. For many years he worked on the UU Bar Ranch working cattle and living the cowboy life. He had a passion for music and lived life to the fullest. He had a kind heart and never met anyone he didn’t consider a friend. In addition to his parents, Kyon is survived by his sister Michlyn Hobbs; brother Shyle Hobbs; maternal grandparents Don and Dianne McDougall; maternal grandmother Joyce Martin; a niece, a nephew and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
Editor’s Note: Please send In Memoriam announcements to: Caren Cowan, N.M. Stockman, P.O. Box 7127, Albuquerque, NM 87194, fax: 505/998-6236 or email: caren@aaalivestock.com. Memorial donations may be sent to the Cattlegrowers’ Foundation, a 501(c)3, tax deductable charitable foundation serving the rights of ranch families and educating citizens on governmental actions, policies and practices. Cattlegrowers Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 7517, Albuquerque, NM 87194.