LaVerne M. Ray
LaVerne Morris Ray graduated from Our Lady of Victory Academy in Ft. Worth and married Earl Ray on September 18, 1931 in Carlsbad. NM. He died March 24, 1995.
LaVerne worked as office manager at Earl Ray Music Co. that was owned and operated by she and her husband. She was past president of Lubbock High School band booster club; honorary band parent of Monterey High School band and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Her memberships included the Business and Professional Women’s club, Credit Managers Association, South Plains Quilter’s Guild, Eastern Star, Second Baptist Church and Adult One Sunday School class.
Survivors include two granddaughters, Tracy Wancho of Cedar Park and Pamela Ray of Capitan, NM. She was preceded in death by a son, Bob L. Ray and two brothers, William Burton and Skeet Morris.
The family suggests memorials to the Texas Tech Institutional Advancement Fund, P.O. Box 1081, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5011. Please make a notation inside envelope specifying the name of LaVerne Ray and Texas Tech Band Scholorship Fund.
Mrs. Ray died Wednesday, August 28, 2003 at the age of 89.
Esther Garcia
(June 12, 1936 - September 27, 2011)
Esther (King) Garcia, age 75, died Tuesday, September 27, 2011 in Dalhart, Texas.
Rosary was recited at 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 29, by Deacon P. Louis Montoya and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 30, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton, New Mexico with Fr. Glenn Jones, Celebrant. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.
Esther (King) Garcia was born on June 12, 1936 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Caroline Sanchez and adopted by Enrique King and Bernada (Marquez) King. She attended school in Albuquerque and worked for an insurance company for 15 years. Esther married Ramon Garcia in 1978 in Albuquerque and they moved to Clayton in 1981. Esther was a good wife, she loved her children and grandchildren and she had love for everybody. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton. Esther was preceded in death by her mother and by her adoptive parents.
SURVIVORS:
HUSBAND: Ramon Garcia of Clayton, New Mexico.
2 SONS: Fred Contreras of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Sam Contreras of San Francisco, California.
1 DAUGHTER: Linda Metzgar and her husband Richard of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
6 Grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
1 STEP-DAUGHTER: Vicky Garcia of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
6 STEP-SONS: Jessie Garcia and Ray Garcia both of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Jessie Garcia, Marty Garcia, Joseph Garcia and Jerry Garcia all of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
3 step-sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Marguerite Poling
(May 14, 1923 - October 2, 2011)
Marguerite Poling, age 88, died Sunday, October 2, 2011 in Clayton, New Mexico.
Funeral Services were held at 2:00 P. M. on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Clayton with Rev. Jay Jones, pastor officiating. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.
Marguerite (Carter) Poling was born on May 14, 1923 in Burnham, San Juan County; which later became part of Union County, New Mexico to James McDonald Carter and Mamie Fay (Darden) Carter. She married George Allen Poling on October 3, 1940 in Union County, New Mexico and he preceded her in death on December 12, 1980. They were true partners in family and business. He included her in all aspects of the family business so she was well prepared to carry on when he died. Marguerite was a 2nd generation New Mexican with her matriarchal family, the Steeles, coming from Tyholland, Ireland to what is now Union County in 1880 arriving in the US on the immigrant ship “Ethiopia”. Her Patriarchal family, the Carter’s came from Dundreenan, Scotland. She was proud of her Irish, Scottish and New Mexican heritage. She attended school in Beenham, NM and had many stories to tell about traveling to and from school in all sorts of weather with her brothers and sisters. She appropriately received the award for Distinguished Pioneer of Union County and was a vital member of a group of “old timers” that were recording oral history. She was a strong supporter of education urging her children and grandchildren to gain as much education as possible and supported them both emotionally and financially in their pursuits of education. She also supported land owners rights and was actively involved in such rights related to mineral resources including Carbon Dioxide for more than 35 years. She was one of the founding members of the Clapham Extension Homemakers Club, a member of Cowbelles, and the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. She was an outstanding business woman, managing two ranches and a bank after the death of her husband. She used to say that the ranches and bank were managed with the support of her children; but everyone knew who the true boss was! Marguerite was truly a pioneer and western woman and she served as a role model to many. Her type of woman is almost totally gone from Union County and the west and it will be a huge void. She was loved and admired by many people and will be missed by all. In addition to her parents and husband, Marguerite was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Verna “Babe” Daves and Phoebe “Baby” Lawrence and 3 brothers; James Carter, Donald “Bud” Carter and Robert “Bob” Carter. She is one of the last survivors of what was once a strong and thriving community of Clapham which was a strong part of her life for more than 70 years.
SURVIVORS:
2 DAUGHTERS: Peggy Poling of Kabul, Afghanistan and Judy Robertson and her husband Van of Ione, New Mexico.
1 SON: G. A. “Buster” Poling and his wife Kay of Clayton, New Mexico.
5 GRANDCHILDREN: Bryan Kimsey and his wife Georgia of Grenville, New Mexico; Tres Poling of Clayton, New Mexico; Jamie Poling Wormsbaker and her husband Kelcey of Lubbock, Texas; Jana Robertson Lees and her husband Russell of Logan, New Mexico and Dustin Robertson of Ione, New Mexico.
10 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Brianna Kimsey, David Kimsey, Derek Kimsey, Ryder Wormsbaker, Aubrey Wilson, Garrett Wilson, Matt Lees, Ani Lees, Brook Robertson and Hailee Robertson.
She was particularly close to many of her nephews and nieces from the Poling and Carter families and several preceded her in death.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests that memorials be made to the Herzstein Memorial Museum or to the CHS Alumni Scholarship Fund
Ruth Irene Sullivan
(June 8, 1918 - October 5, 2011)
Ruth I. Sullivan, age 93, died Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at her home in Clayton, New Mexico.
Graveside services were held at 10:00 A. M. on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Clayton Memorial Cemetery in Clayton, New Mexico with Mike Phipps, pastor of the Clayton Gospel Church. Services were under the direction of Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.
Ruth was the last of a pioneer homesteading family that came to Union County in 1908. She was born at the family homestead 10 miles west of Clayton on June 8, 1918 to William Hess McCook and Susie Amanda (Beckner) McCook. All of her brothers and sisters have preceded her in death. She attended school in the Otto Community. The McCook and Beckner families that Ruth was a part of were a prominent part of Clayton’s history. She was raised on a 320 acre homestead her Father proved up about 10 miles West of Clayton. She like to say she had lived through the dust bowl, a world war, chiggers and bed bugs, a plague of rabbits and lived to tell the story. Ruth married Howard Sullivan on June 26, 1935 in Raton, New Mexico. They moved to Lubbock, Texas then to California in 1942. Ruth worked for Dr. Fredrick Thomas and family as a housekeeper and caretaker of his children in California. They returned to Clayton in 1976 to be near their son, Thomas, and his family. In Clayton, Ruth was a loving caregiver to so many. Ruth received the award for Distinguished Pioneer of Union County, recognizing her years of caregiving. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Howard on February 19, 2006, by 1 son, Thomas Howard Sullivan on June 22, 1984, and by 21 brothers and sisters.
SURVIVORS:
1 DAUGHER-IN-LAW: Bonnie Longwill and her husband Bob of San Patricio, New Mexico.
1 GRANDSON: Travis Sullivan and his wife Salana of Clayton, New Mexico
1 GRANDAUGHTER: Nicole I. Sullivan of Guymon, Ok.
2 STEP GRANDSONS: Robert Longwill and his wife, Sara (Maggie) of Dalhart, Texas and Dusty Longwill and his wife, Maggie of Raton, New Mexico.
1 STEP GRANDDAUGHTER: Kelsey Kohler and her husband, Kendal of Clovis, New Mexico
2 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Thomas Sullivan and Camry Sullivan
6 STEP GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Mary Longwill, Peyton Longwill, Serenity Longwill, Braxton Longwill, Ross Kohler and Derek Kohler
1 SISTER-IN-LAW: Violet Sullivan Thurman and her husband C.C. of Phelan, California.
and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity or scholarship of your choice.
Michael Encinias
(May 23, 1956 - October 24, 2011)
Michael Encinias, age 55, died Monday, October 24, 2011 in Amarillo, Texas.
Rosary was recited at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 27, by Deacon P. Louis Montoya and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 28, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton, New Mexico with Fr. Glenn Jones, Celebrant. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.
Michael Encinias was born on May 23, 1956 in Clayton, New Mexico to Paul Encinias and Viola (Fernandez) Encinias. Michael lived most of his life in Clayton where he worked with his father as a painter and he also worked in Amarillo, Texas for a few years. Michael was preceded in death by his father; Paul Encinias on June 29, 2002, his father-in-law; Freddie Archuleta on January 10, 2001, his mother-in-law; Agnes Archuleta on October 21, 1996 and by a brother-in-law; Lance Archuleta on November 25, 2009.
SURVIVORS:
WIFE: Stella Archuleta of Clayton, New Mexico.
MOTHER: Viola Encinias of Clayton, New Mexico.
1 DAUGHTER: Pamela Archuleta and Tino of Clayton, New Mexico.
1 SON: Michael Paul Encinias and Barbara of Clayton, New Mexico.
1 STEP-DAUGHTER: Charlotte Archuleta of Clovis, New Mexico.
1 STEP-SON: Carlos Archuleta of Hawaii.
4 GRANDCHILDREN: Justin Richardson, Alexis Richardson, Jacob Richardson and Steven Richardson.
3 SISTERS: Dolores Garcia of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Melissa Dominguez and Adon of Clayton, New Mexico and Bernadette Encinias of Clayton, New Mexico.
3 BROTHERS: Dario Encinias and Earlene of Dumas, Texas, Ralph Encinias of Clayton, New Mexico and Pablo Encinias and Janice of Dumas, Texas.
3 SISTERS-IN-LAW: Cleo Archuleta of Las Vegas, New Mexico, Rachel Archuleta and Rick Braddock of Leveland, Texas and Silvia Archuleta and Pete Crain of Clayton, New Mexico.
and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Verleen LoRee Atchley
(April 13, 1936 - October 28, 2011)
Verleen LoRee Atchley, age 75, died Friday, October 28, 2011 at her home in Clayton, New Mexico.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Clayton, New Mexico with Rev. Jay Jones, pastor officiating. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.
Verleen LoRee Atchley was born on April 13, 1936 on the family farm seven miles North of Oakley, Kansas to Ray Nye and Velma Lora (Brittain) Nye. Verleen married Leland Ansley in 1951 in Oakley, Kansas and they had 4 children. They later moved to Alamosa, Colorado and were divorced in 1974. Verleen opened her own Beauty Salon in Alamosa and operated it for many years. She met Gene Atchley in Alamosa and they were later married on September 5, 1981 in Raton, New Mexico. They moved to Perryton, Texas for a little while before moving to Clayton in October of 1982. Verleen was very involved in many organizations including the Phi Beta Kappa Sorority, Federated Women’s Club, The Clayton Arts Council where she served as president for 20 years, the Lariat Cowbelles where she was in charge of decorating for the 5 States Cowbelles convention for several years and she was a member and past president of the 20th Century Club. Verleen received the award for Artist of the year in 1977 and was honored in 2008 by the Mayor of Clayton certifying October 3 as Verleen Atchley day. Verleen enjoyed traveling and spent time in Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, The Bahamas and Alaska. She was a gifted artist but her greatest love was always for family. In addition to her parents, Verleen was preceded in death by a daughter; Kimberly Lora Warren, 3 grandchildren; Nathan Warren, Meagan Warren and Caleb Warren and 2 brothers; Wallace Duane Nye and Harold Ray Nye.
SURVIVORS:
HUSBAND: Gene Atchley of Clayton, New Mexico.
2 DAUGHTERS: Vickie Lynn Seegrist of Westminster, Colorado and Christina Dawn Ansley of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
1 SON: Brian Lee Ansley of Clayton, New Mexico.
3 STEP-DAUGHTERS: Durga Deason and her husband Dan of Grenville, New Mexico, Janell Wiley and her husband Jack of Clayton, New Mexico and Leann Poling and her husband Barry of Texline, Texas.
4 GRANDCHILDREN: Stephanie Whipple and her husband Jim, Michael LeJeune, Yancy Neiswanger and David Warren.
8 step-grandchildren
1 SISTER: Shirley Benda of Tucson, Arizona.
3 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Jacqueline Torrey, Kyle Whipple and Isabella Warren.
1 GREAT-GREAT-GRANDSON: David James Torrey.
And 12 step-great-grandchildren.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests that memorials be made in Verleen's Memory to the Clayton Arts Council, P. O. Box 187, Clayton, New Mexico 88415 or to the charity of your choice.
David Michael Montoya
(February 5, 1963 - November 4, 2011)
U.S. Veteran
Services are pending at this time.
David Michael Montoya was born on February 5, 1963 in Clayton, New Mexico to Leo R. Montoya and Mary F. (Vigil) Montoya. A lifelong resident of Clayton, New Mexico, David graduated from Clayton High School in 1981 and worked for Teles Casados for several years and for the Best Western Kokopelli Lodge. David served in the Army National Guard and he loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was very serious about personal fitness and enjoyed reading. David was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandparents and Maternal Grandparents.
SURVIVORS:
3 SONS: Matthew Montoya, Mikie Montoya and Tim Montoya all of Clayton, New Mexico.
HIS PARENTS: Leo & Mary Montoya of Clayton, New Mexico.
1 GRANDSON: Deion Montoya of Clayton, New Mexico.
2 SISTERS: Leola Gonzales and her husband Bobby of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Caroline Vital and her husband Pete of Los Lunas, New Mexico.
5 Nieces and Nephews: Clarissa Gonzales and her fiancé Daniel Archuleta and their son Daniel Archuleta Jr., Cassandra Gonzales and her fiancé Shawn Franco and Robert Gonzales all of Albuquerque, New Mexico and P. J. Vital and Alyssa Vital both of Los Lunas, New Mexico.
and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Frankie Farias
(December 2, 1939 - November 8, 2011)
Frankie Farias, Jr., age 71, died Tuesday, November 8, 2011 in Clayton, New Mexico.
Rosary was recited at 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 10, by Deacon P. Louis Montoya and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 11, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton, New Mexico with Fr. Glenn Jones, Celebrant. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.
Frankie “Tate” Farias, Jr. was born on December 2, 1939 at his grandmother’s home in Clayton, New Mexico to Frank A. Farias, Sr. and Frances J. (Salazar) Farias. A lifelong resident of Clayton, New Mexico, Frankie was born with polio and was taken care of by his family for most of his life, until his father died in 1981 and Frankie had to go into the nursing home in Clayton for care. His family made several trips to Hot Springs for treatments while Frankie was young. Frankie loved to play the violin and guitar with his grandparents and later while in the nursing home he also played the Ukulele with the musicians that would come preform for the residents. Frankie was preceded in death by his father on June 16, 1981, his mother on June 2, 2007, his paternal and maternal grandparents; Max Salazar, Adelila Salazar, Reymundo Anaya and Aroma Anaya and by an aunt, Linda Sanchez.
SURVIVORS:
2 SISTERS: Margaret Tucker and her husband Kenneth of Aurora, Colorado and Barbara Mann and her husband Kirk of Clayton, New Mexico.
3 BROTHERS: Phillip E. Farias and his wife Cheryl Snakenberg of Loveland, Colorado, Ben Farias of Clayton, New Mexico and Max R. Farias and his wife Ruby of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Irene Mae Earle
(March 6, 1929 - November 11, 2011)
Irene Mae Earle, age 82, died Friday, November 11, 2011 in Clayton, New Mexico.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Clayton, New Mexico with Rev. Billy Rammage, pastor officiating. Burial followed in the Grenville Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.
Irene Mae Earle was born on March 6, 1929 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to Edward Oldham and Hazel (Mahannah) Oldham. Irene worked for the phone company as a telephone operator from 1952 - 1993. After 41 years of service, she returned home to Grenville where she was an active City Council Member until she retired a few months ago. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; Edward Oldham on March 1, 1981 and Hazel B. Oldham on September 14, 1985 and by two brothers; Edsel Oldham on July 15, 1991 and Walter Oldham on October 10, 1991.
SURVIVORS:
3 SONS: Eddie Kent Earle and his wife Diane of Aurora, Colorado, H. J. Earle and his wife Pancha of Clayton, New Mexico and Jeff Earle of San Antonio, Texas.
1 DAUGHTER: Judy Jacobs of Grenville, New Mexico.
And Their Father: Harrison “Cotton” Earle of Tucumcari, New Mexico.
1 ADOPTED-DAUGHTER: Sandra Fernandez of Des Moines, New Mexico.
1 SISTER-IN-LAW: Betty Oldham and her children of Folsom, New Mexico.
22 Grandchildren
26 Great-Grandchildren
and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild
