In Memoriam …
Billy Joe Wells, 83, Claunch, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2014 in Albuquerque. Billy was born February 13, 1931 in Gran Quivira, New Mexico to James and Mennel (McDaniel) Wells. Billy was a member of the NRA. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mennel Wells; wife Carolyn Elizabeth; grandchildren Amber Langley and Danny Wells. Billy is survived by his sons, Ken Wells (wife, Marti), Las Cruces; Wendell Wells (wife, Jimmie), Claunch; and Jeff Wells (wife, Carol), Las Cruces, NM; daughters, Barbara Langley and her husband Allen of High Rolls; and Rhonda Zurcher (husband, Jeff), Tacoma, Washington; sisters, Nora Austin, Dora Hubbard and Laura Morris; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
G.W. “Mutt” Shanks, 93, Roswell, passed away at home on September 15, 2014. G.W. was born on August 24, 1921 to George H. and Mary “Audie” Shanks. He married Lorraine on December 4, 1941. He was a cattle and sheep rancher who took great pride in his livestock, a conservationist, who protected and loved nature. He never met a stranger and he was always willing to lend a hand. He was a good neighbor and was a strong believer in the power of prayer. G.W. was always thankful for the rainfall, no matter how small or large. He attended Country Club Road Church of Christ and was a member of the Wool Growers. G.W. is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his son, Howard C. (wife, Mary) Shanks, Capitan; his daughters, Mary Frances Sanders, San Angelo, Texas; Cheryl E Ringheimer (husband, Jerry), Roswell; Karla J Matchin (husband, Tom), Greenville, Texas; niece, Linda Bathey (husband, Hank), Napa, California; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.