Vera Wehmer 
Memorial services are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for Vera Wehmer, 87 of Roswell who passed away Saturday, March 17, 2001, at a local hospital. Pastor Rose Commodore of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church will officiate. Vera will be laid to rest beside her family at Fort Meigs Cemetery in Perrysburg, Ohio, Friday, March 23.
Vera was born Feb. 9, 1914, in Toledo, Ohio, to William and Anna Rutchow Ward. Her parents have preceded her in death. 
She is survived by her husband, Arthur Wehmer, of the family home; three sons, Thomas Wygant of Edmond, Okla., Gerald Wygant of Redding, Calif., and Roger Wygant of Clovis; one daughter, Rebecca Adams of Redding; one step-son, Glenn Wehmer of Peoria, Ill.; two sisters, Ruth Connor of Minot, N.D., and Corrine Blakeman of Sylvania, Ohio; one brother, Richard Ward of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. 
She moved with her family to Perrysburg where Vera graduated from high school in 1932. Vera married John Wygant in 1937, and they began raising their family together. John passed away in 1975, after more than 38 years of marriage. 
In 1977, she married Arthur Wehmer, and they moved to Roswell where they shared and lived life to the fullest. 
Vera was a lover of the outdoors and was happiest with a breeze in her hair and the sun on her face. One of her more notable accomplishments was the backpacking and hiking of the entire 2500 mile Appalachian Trail, a foot trail stretching from Georgia to Maine. She accomplished this feat after she turned 60. She had also hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up. She inspired many with her love of life and spirit of adventure. Anyone who was fortunate to know her knew she was a loving wife, mother and friend. 
Family and friends can make memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1330 San Pedro, NE Suite 205, Albuquerque, NM 87110. 
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

Harold Wayne Richards
Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today, March 19, at Country Club Road Church of Christ for Harold Wayne Richards, 75, of Roswell who passed away Saturday, March 17, 2001, at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. George Elkins and Elton Dilbeck of Country Club Road Church of Christ will officiate.
Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery. 
Harold was born Nov. 26, 1925, in Haskell County, Texas, to Everett and Bessie Richards. They preceded him in death. 
He married Billie Stovall in April of 1954 in Aspermont, Texas. She survives him at the family home. 
Other survivors include two sons, Gary Wayne Richards and Chester Boyd Richards; two brothers, Everett Richards Jr. and James Calvin Richards; one sister, Merle Dean Frazier; and 10 grandchildren. 
Harold had been a resident of Roswell for 32 years and had retired as a professional truck driver. He had been employed by System 99 for 35 years and served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. 
Pallbearers will be Chris Bertola, Mark Carey, Maury Legg, Delbert Nelson, Mike Reed and Curtis Watkins.
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

Gertrude Marie Finley
Gertrude Marie Finley died Friday evening, March 17, 2001, at Mission Arch Care Center where she had been living for the last four months. A closed casket funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. at the Ballard Funeral Home chapel Wednesday, March 21. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. The service will be conducted by the Rev. jack Moriarty, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be today, March 20, from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Ballard Funeral Home. 
Gertrude was born Jan. 3, 1913, in Falls City, Neb., to Jess Raymond Nicholson and Gertie Mae Moody Nicholson. She had one brother, Raymond Everett Nicholson who died some years ago. Gertrude attended Peru State Teachers College in Nebraska and received her master’s degree in Tempe, Ariz. She was proud of the fact that she worked very hard to put herself through both colleges and graduated with highest honors. 
Gertrude married John Edward Finely in 1950. They conducted a little church, Bethel Tabernacle, at Midway in the 1960s. One of the greatest times Gertrude enjoyed was one summer when she and her husband drove all over the United States. Mr. Finley died in 1984. 
She taught elementary school in Humboldt, Neb.; Missouri Valley, Iowa; and Mesa, Ariz.; before coming to Roswell where she taught at Washington Avenue 
Elementary School as well as Sunset Elementary School. 
Gertrude never had any children of her own, but she dearly loved her “adopted” daughter, Edna Mae, and she enjoyed teaching children from kindergarten through fifth grade. 
Gertrude prided herself in being a landlady that her renters loved. She had several dogs, the last one of which, Cinco, she loved and spoiled to no end.
Survivors include her adopted daughter, Edna Mae Gilfillan of Seattle and several cousins, Sandra and Diana Eiden of Casa Grande, Ariz., Donna Wallace of Coolidge, Ariz., and John Smallwood of West, Mich.
Pallbearers will be Ray Lewis, Lee Straley, Dr. Gary Damron and Bill Berckes.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ballard Funeral Home.

Norma Rosina Katherine Spriggs
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at Tabernacle Baptist Church for Norma Rosina Katherine Spriggs, 82, who passed away Friday, March 16, 2001, at a local nursing home. Dr. Onsy Whicker will officiate. 
Norma was born Nov. 14, 1918, to Christian and Martha Schilling, in Akaska, S.D. Her parents preceded her in death as well as a brother, Edwin Schilling; and her two sisters, Ilene Perman and Violet Schilling. 
She was married to Clifford V. Spriggs Oct. 12, 1940, in Aberdeen, S.D. He also preceded her in death. 
She was a restaurant owner and had lived in Roswell since 1971 after moving here from the state of Oregon. 
Norma is survived by daughters, Sandra Crawford and husband, Gerald, of Brentwood, Calif., Judy Mayotte and husband, Rex, of Bemidji, Minn.; brothers, Ruben Schilling of Hanna, Wyo., and Clarence Schilling of Helena, Mont.; sisters, Phyllis Ziegler of Roswell, Ruth Holsten of Aberdeen, Ramona Schackelford of Portland, Ore., Gladys Herman of Hardin, Mont., Rene Finley of Hardin and Mardie Morris of Hardin; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ballard Funeral Home.

Ora G. Evans 
Ora G. Evans is now in Heaven with her Heavenly Father. She left this world Jan. 30, 2001. Ora G. was born April 9, 1912, in Hilton, Okla., to Charles Houge and Sara Daniels.
Ora moved to Clovis when she was 16 and went to work as a Harvey Girl. She moved to Roswell in 1929 and went to work at the American Cafe on Virginia Avenue, where she met Richard Duncan Evans, her husband of 60 years. He preceded her to Heaven.
Ora was loved and will be missed by her sons, Doug Evans and Michael Stone; and grandchildren, Jeremiah, Christine and Adam Evans, and John Michael and Travis Stone.
A memorial service will be held at the gravesite at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at South Park Cemetery.

Leo Urquides 
A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 22, in the Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home Chapel for Leo Urquides, 45, of Roswell who passed away Monday morning. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery. 
Leo was born in Roswell Jan. 28, 1956, to Carlos and Frances Urquides, and lived here all his life. Leo worked in the oil fields as a driller, loved to listen to music, play the guitar, and hunt. 
Leo is survived by two sons, Leo Jr. and Thomas of the home; his parents, Carlos and Frances Urquides; one sister, Susie Urquides Caraveo and her husband, Louie, of Midland; five brothers, Carlos Urquides and his wife, Siria, Robert Urquides, Ernest Urquides and his wife, Gena, Michael Urquides and Fernando Urquides, all of Roswell; his wife, Jinger; his dear friends, Peter Crist of Roswell and Clay Roark, of Lubbock; many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends. 
Pallbearers will be Peter Crist, Clay Roark, Carl Davis, Rick Beagles and Alfred Chaves.
Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Myrtle Clapper Finley
Myrtle Clapper Finley, a longtime resident of Roswell, passed away March 13, 2001, in Albuquerque. 
She was the beloved wife of George E. Finley Sr., who preceded her in death in 1989. 
She was a devoted mother, mother-in-law and grandmother to her family. 
She is survived by son, George E. Finley Jr. of Fairbanks, Alaska, and his children, Brian, James, Crystal and George III; son, Peter of Austin and his son, Greg; son, Les of Las Cruces and his wife, Connie, and their daughters, Renae and Jennifer; daughter, Lisa of Corrales and her husband, Wayland Davis, and their son, Matt; and son, Patrick of Albuquerque and his wife, Betsy, and their daughters, Laura and Katie.
She is also survived by a sister, Irene Smith of Ainsworth, Neb.; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
We will all miss our “Myrt.” She will be remembered for her kindness to people and animals, her love of learning, interest in the arts, delightful sense of humor and green thumb in the garden.
Myrtle was born Aug. 25, 1913, to John and Glennie Clapper in Brown County, Neb. A member of a large ranching family, Myrtle would ride her favorite horse to her job teaching in a one-room schoolhouse near Ainsworth. She later moved to the Tampa, Fla. area where she met her husband, George, who was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. 
After World War II, Myrtle and George moved to Roswell to be near George’s family. They raised their children in Roswell, where Myrtle was a substitute teacher and school librarian.
She was active in PTA, March of Dimes, Misslamo Extension Club, Pecos Garden Club and Native Plant Society. Myrtle enjoyed flower show judging, painting, photography, writing and other artistic pursuits. She designed a beautiful poster of New Mexico wildflowers that featured photographs taken by her husband. 
She was a published poet and newsletter editor. A video of Myrtle reading the English poem “A Crabbit Old Woman,” has been shown to nursing home staffs across the United States and has touched the hearts of many caregivers. 
Myrtle loved music, history and genealogy. She enjoyed her travels to Alaska, Texas, Colorado, Florida, the Bahamas, Canada, England and France.
After cremation, Myrtle will be buried beside her husband at the Veterans National Cemetery in Santa Fe. 
A memorial service for her family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Chapel of Laurel View Healthcare Center, 5900 Forest Hills Drive NE, in Albuquerque. 
Contributions in Myrtle’s name may be made to the Respite Care Program of the New Mexico Alzheimer’s Association, 1330 San Pedro NE, Suite 205, Albuquerque, NM 87110.
The family would like to extend their gratitude for the loving care provided to Myrtle by her home health aide, Patricia Jones. The family would also like to express their appreciation to the staff of Manzano del Sol Nursing Home in Albuquerque, with a special thank you to her wonderful nursing assistants in memory lane. Sandia Hospice and the Sunrise Society have also assisted the family with great compassion.

Eunice Irene Castle
A memorial service will be held for Eunice Irene Castle, 71, of Roswell at 10 a.m. Friday, March 23, at The RoadRunner Mobile Home Park Club House, 200 E. 22nd St., with the Rev. Butch Neal of Bethel Baptist Church officiating. 
Eunice was born Jan. 4, 1930, in Bisbee, Ariz., and died at the age of 71 years, two months and 15 days. 
Eunice married Willis Castle Sept. 7, 1957, in San Diego. She had lived in Roswell for 11 years moving here form Yuma, Ariz. Even though she had suffered with illness for the past eleven years, Eunice was known for her smile and kind words for everyone. 
For many years, with the exception of the last few, Eunice professionally studied, researched and instructed in the science of Genealogy. She had done research and taught in almost every state of the union with her work and teaching being considered as exceptional. 
She is survived by her husband, Willis, of the home; one son, Dr. Timothy N. Castle of Montgomery, Ala; three daughters, Holly Jensen of Elma, Wash., Rebecca Mealey of Medford, Ore., and Heidi Hernalsteen of Kenasaw, Ga.; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her mother, Bessie Roath Thompson; five sisters, Bette Hoffman of Windsor, Calif., Sheila Malolepszy of Livermore, Calif., Janette, Joanne and Jana and a brother, Michael, all of California. 
Her father, Robert A. Thompson, preceded her in death. 
Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. 

Beatrice Gonzales Cardona
WILMINGTON, Calif. — Beatrice Cardona, 89, is now in Heaven with her Heavenly Father. She left this world March 19, 2001. 
Beatrice or “Bico” as she was called by those who knew and loved her, was born Nov. 9, 1911, in Capitan. She lived in Roswell for numerous years until moving to Wilmington, Calif., where she lived for more than 60 years.
Preceding her in death was her husband, David Cardona. 
She is survived by her son, David Cardona Jr. and wife, Rachel Cardona; her daughter, Eleanor Aguilar and husband, Joe Aguilar; four grandchildren, George Sheppard, David Cardona III, Daniel Cardona and Denise Rivera; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom reside in southern California. 
Also surviving are her sisters, Mary Saavedra of Gardena, Calif., Anna Rigwald and Carolina Vasquez; a brother, Raymond Gonzales, all of Roswell; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
A memorial service will be held at St. Peter and Paul Church in Wilmington.

Dorothy Pauline Gameral 
Dorothy Pauline Gameral, 80, of Roswell passed away Sunday, March 18, 2001, at Casa Maria Health Care Center. 
She was born Aug. 24, 1920, in El Paso to Albert and Camille Vohs. Dorothy graduated from the University of Southern California. She and her husband, Bernard, moved to Roswell 35 years ago. They owned and operated the Fashion Center clothing store in Roswell. Dorothy was the founder of the League of Women Voters in Clovis, an active member of the Roswell Symphony and a community leader. 
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Bernard, of the home; two daughters, Lauri Gameral Riley of El Cajon, Calif., and Abby Gameral of Zihauntenejo, Mexico. 
A memorial service will be held at a later date in California for Dorothy.
Cremation was under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mildred Hernandez
Mildred Hernandez, 90, died in her home in Loving. She was married to Manuel Hernandez in Brady, Texas. He died in 1989.
Mildred is survived by eight children. Manuel Hernandez Jr. of Loving; Ralph Hernandez and wife Elvita; Eddie and Gloria Hernandez, all of Carlsbad; Pete Hernandez and wife Angie of Roswell; Inez Hernandez of San Jose, Calif.; Anita Perez and husband Manuel of Los Angeles, Calif.; May E. Hatfield of Artesia; and Virginia Jackson of Roswell. She is also survived by 62 grandchildren and lots of great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be at West Funeral Home in Carlsbad at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24, 2001, by Jehovah Witnesses.

John Emeterio 
Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at Waymaker Church, for John Emeterio, 48, of Roswell, who passed away March 19, 2001. Pastor Mike Knowlton of Waymaker Church will conduct the service. 
John was born March 16, 1953, in Fullerton, Calif., to Frank and Sally Chapman Emeterio. His parents survive him in Big Bear Lake, Calif. 
He married Robin Shannon on June 11,1983, in Grand Junction, Colo. She survives him at the family home in Roswell.
Other survivors include two daughters, Nichole Emeterio and Amber Emeterio, both of Roswell; three brothers, Frank Emeterio of Rogers, Ark., Tommy Emeterio of Yorba Linda, Calif., and Chris Emeterio of Anaheim Hills, Calif.; three sisters, CeCe Gaede of Highland, Calif., Angelique Emeterio of Brea, Calif. and Monique Noller of Yorba Linda, Calif. 
He is also survived by one granddaughter, Inez Luevano, and an aunt, Marilyn Dillard of Placitas. 
Mr. Emeterio had been a Roswell resident for seven years, and he was a member of the Waymaker Church. He had been a carpet layer. 
Pallbearers will be Frank Emeterio, Tommy Emeterio, Chris Emeterio, Chuck Shannon, Andrew Luevano, Richard Brown and Kent Barnett. 
Friends may make memorials to the Waymaker Ranch Fund, P.O. Box 2183, Roswell, New Mexico 88202. 
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. 

Thelma McWhorter
Graveside services are scheduled for Thelma McWhorter, 100, of Weatherford, Texas, at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time, on Monday, March 26, at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock, Texas. She passed away March 23, 2001. Officiating will be Malcolm Gwinn and Doug McWhorter, two of her grandsons.
Thelma was born on Dec. 17, 1900, in Knox County, Texas, to Alfred Collins and Anna Blakley Collins. They preceded her in death. She married Ben M. McWhorter on Jan. 29, 1918, in Fort Worth, Texas. He has preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by five sons. 
She is survived by two daughters, Charlotte Gwinn and her husband A.B. of Roswell and Virginia Jenkins of Plainview, Texas; one son, Gordon McWhorter and his wife Ila of Weatherford, Texas; and two daughter-in-laws, Stella McWhorter of Rogers, Ark., and Carny McWhorter of Lubbock, Texas. She had 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and four great -great -Grandchildren. 
Mrs. McWhorter has lived in the Lubbock area for 31 years and 69 years in Parker County. She was a member of Santa Baptist Church of Weatherford, Texas for 52 years. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your church or favorite charity in memory of Thelma McWhorter. 
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

Shirley Thurman 
Memorial graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, at South Park Cemetery for Shirley Thurman, 67 of Roswell, who passed away Sunday, March 25, 2001, at her residence. Pastor Rick Hale of Grace Community Church will conduct the services. 
Shirley was born on March 30, 1933 in Portales to Walter and Tanzy Slaybaugh Tisdale. They preceded her in death as did her brothers, Frank and Ben Tisdale. 
She married Daniel Thurman on July 15, 1951, in Roswell. He preceded her in death in December of 1999. 
Survivors include her daughters Kitty Thurman and her husband, Kelvin Smith of Tacoma, Wash.; Brenda Lee of Mineral Wells, Texas; Janie Thurman of Summit, N.Y.; and Deborah Havenor and her husband, Kay, of Roswell; a sister Muriel Coggin of Roswell; three grandchildren, Mark and Sam Lee of Mineral Wells, Texas; and Jenni Phillips of Weatherford, Texas. 
Shirley spent much of her youth in Roswell, graduating from Roswell High School in 1950. She caught the eye of Dan Thurman shortly thereafter and after a brief courtship, they were married. They raised four very independent daughters. 
As Dan’s wife, Shirley led an amazing and adventurous life. She lived in many wonderful places with him, from their ranch in Texas to the snowy peaks of an obscure Colorado town. When Dan built his lodge high in the mountains, Shirley played the role of a true pioneer’s wife. 
She acted as Dan’s venerable “vice-president”, which entailed everything from cooking her amazing fried chicken dinners for a lodge full of guests, to leading groups of frosted tourists on snowmobiles through the back country to the lodge, to shoveling out the driveways She was tough to the core, the ultimate good sport, and Dan’s constant companion for 48 years. 
She was an active member of the Samaritan Rebekah Lodge No. 14, as well as the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. During her residence in Roswell from 1987 to 1994, she worked for Jennings Law Firm as a legal secretary. She was an avid reader, a passion she passed on to all of her daughters. She created beautiful needle point pictures which adorn the walls of her daughters’ homes. 
Shirley will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. But we are blessed in knowing she is finally reunited in eternal peace with Dan. 
Memorials may be made, in Shirley’s name, to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 719, Roswell, New Mexico, 88201-0719. 
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGroneFuneral Chapel.

Jean Barela Lara 
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for Jean Barela Lara, 77, of Roswell, who passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2001, at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. 
A mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Fr. Juan Montoya O.F.M. will officiate. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. 
Jean was born Dec. 15, 1923, in Tularosa to Casimiro and Mary Barela. Both parents preceded her in death, as well as her grandparents Marcos and Elena Bueno, brother Ray Barela, and sister Virginia Betancur. 
After moving from El Paso, Texas, Jean resided in Roswell for 56 years, where she was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a nursing home employee. 
Her survivors include: daughters, Diana C. Montoya of El Paso, Texas, Bertha J. Alva Jane B. Barreto, Tammy Fletcher Stewart all of Roswell, and Jenny Salinas of Albuquerque; brothers Marcos Barela and Julian Barela; sister Felicita Carrasco; grandchildren Melissa and Israel Archuleta Sr., Monica Romero, Michelle Page, Melanie Page, Nicole Tafoya of Odessa, Texas, Niki Tafoya, Cody Tafoya, Samantha Tafoya, Alan Tafoya, Chad Stewart and Antony Stewart of Roswell, Anna G. Lara of Albuquerque, Jeannette Otero of Ruidoso, John Giron of Denver Colo., and Denise Montoya of El Paso; great grandchildren Israel Jr., Brianna and Brittani Archuleta, Adrian Gonzalez, Anissa Day and Ashlee T. Munoz of Roswell, Dwayne Garcia Jr., Andrew G. and Chloe Lara of Albuquerque, Arianna and Matthew Otero of Ruidoso; and two great grandchildren on the way. 
She is also survived by close and dear friends Lucy Romeroand Renee’ Archuleta of Roswell. 
Pallbearers will be John Romero, Cody Tafoya, Alan Tafoya, Charles Day, Joshua Archuleta and Roy Page.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ballard Funeral Home. 
The family will receive visitors at 319 E. Church St. following the services. 

Helen Eike
Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, at LaGrone Funeral Chapel for Helen Eike, 92, of Roswell who passed away March 24, 2001, at a local hospital. Robin Cox of the Church on the Move will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Calif. 
Helen was born in El Reno, Okla., on Jan. 22, 1909, to Charles Clinton and Bennie May Booher Miller. 
In 1926, Helen married Charles Eike in Olathe, Kan. He has preceded her in death, as well as three sisters; Pearl Gavin, Hazel Morris and Blanche Payne. 
Survivors include two sisters; Maude Wolfe of Roswell and Juanita Marqueson of Columbus, Ohio; one sister-in-Iaw, Mildred Thomas of Lenexa, Kan.; nieces and nephews, Karen Woods and her husband Bob of Columbus, Ohio, Gary Marqueson and wife Jenny of Lancaster, Ohio, Juanita Millsap and husband Bob of McLoud, Okla., James White and wife Mary of Santa Maria, Calif., Yvonne Weber of Atlanta, Ga. and Joan Cox and her husband Garland of Roswell. 
Helen had been a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Kansas City, Kan., for 26 years. She had been a resident of Roswell since 1991. 
Honorary Pallbearers Albert Cox, Garland Cox, Jack Cox and Jim Cox. 
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. 

Robert Knight Perry
The family of Robert Knight Perry, most recently of Roswell, announce the passing of Bob on March 23, 2001. 
He is survived by wife Hazel of 60 years, sons Michael of Roswell and Gerry of Tucson, Ariz., and daughter Marcialyn of Arroyo Grande, Calif., and their spouses, along with nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren and beloved dog, Nilla. 
Robert “Bob” was born April 30, 1919, in El Paso, to Harold R. and Vera Christina Pearce Perry. They moved to Tucson, Ariz., where he grew up attending grade school, Tucson High School, and the University of Arizona with his degree being interrupted by World War II. 
Married almost 60 years, Bob and Hazel were only apart for those terrible war years. They parented three children, but they also were models for all their grandchildren. Together, they raised an entomologist, a wildlife manager, a National Guard colonel, and a high school/college English teacher. 
Among their grandchildren, they can count a paramedic/fireman, two college age girls who are studying to teach and write, a medical receptionist, an aerospace engineer, an electrical engineer and a future chemist. Though neither parent graduated from college themselves, their children and grandchildren attended the colleges of Arizona, California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. 
Bob Perry was a highly decorated veteran of World War II, having served with the Arizona Army National Guard and mobilized with the famed Arizona Bushmasters 158th Regimental Combat Team in 1940. He was initially assigned with the Battalion to Oklahoma then Panama to guard the Panama Canal. In 1943, the Bushmasters along with Lt. Perry, were reassigned to the Pacific theater where they entered combat at Arawe, New Guinea. 
Lt. Perry was severely wounded in the Arawe action with Company F, 158 RCT, and received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest medal for bravery, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart for his heroism in that battle. After retiring from The U.S. Army with a medical disability due to the war injuries, he returned to Arizona with his wife and young son Michael and began a career with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and Horticulture serving for over 30 years. 
He retired in 1979 as deputy director of that agency. During the interim, two more children Marcialyn and Gerry, were added to the family. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a York Rite Mason, most recently belonging to the Roswell Lodge #18, AF&AM, a Shriner of the El Zaribah Temple in Phoenix and Roswell, Eastern Star Past Patron most recently a member of the Roswell Chapter No. 10, a member of the Masonic Family National Camping Travelers No. 163 Hohokam, a life member of The Retired Officer’s Association, a member of the Southwest Arizona Hillbilly Clan No. 65, the National Rifle Association, and Disabled American Veterans in Cottonwood Ariz. 
In his active retirement, he enjoyed hunting with family, fishing, camping, RV travel and being with friends. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his beloved sister, Virginia and cousin, Lila Wright.
A memorial service will be held in Roswell at Anderson-Bethany Chapel at 2 p.m. on March 31, followed by a graveside service in Tucson, Ariz., at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Contact the family for details of the Tucson Cemetery.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations be given to the Shriners Crippled Childrens Hospital. Checks can be made out to: El Zaribah Transportation Fund, c/o El Zaribah Shrine Temple, 552 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85002.
Further, Bob would be especially pleased if you also remember him by planting a tree, or some flowers, or by enjoying being with your families.

Vernon Clayton Spidahl 
Vernon Clayton Spidahl, 78, of Roswell, who passed away Monday, March 26, 2001, was born in Minot, N.D. on March 3, 1923 to Alfred and Mary Spidahl. 
He married Charline Seymore on April 17, 1948, in Carlsbad, NM. They moved to Roswell 47 years ago where Vernon was employed as a radio announcer/salesperson for many years and owned and operated the Golden Age Retirement Home for sixteen years. Vernon served with the United States Navy in World War II. 
Vernon is survived by his wife Charline of the home; a daughter, Kathy Spidahl of Roswell; a son, Eric Spidahl and his wife, Becky, of Lewisville, Texas; three grandchildren, Brian Malott of Portales, Melanie Malott, of Roswell, and Erica Spidahl of Lewisville, Texas; a brother, Ernest Spidahl of Canon Falls, Minn.; and a sister Jane Evanhaus of Wenatchee, Wash. 
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Shane Malott, a brother Arnold Spidahl, and a sister, Cora Spidahl. 
A memorial service will be held at a later date. 
Cremation is under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. 

Eleanore Bagaeff 
Private memorial graveside services are scheduled for Thursday, March 29, at South Park Cemetery, for Eleanore Bagaeff, 79, of Roswell, who passed away March 23, 2001, at a local nursing home. The Rev. Don Hayhurst of Bethel Baptist Church will officiate. 
Eleanore was born April 16, 1921, in Seattle, Wash., to David and Dorothy Burr Thompson. Both parents preceded her in death. 
She married John Bagaeff on Feb. 14, 1951. in Redwood City, Calif. He also preceded her in death. 
Survivors include a son, Mike Bagaeff of Ontario, Calif.; and two daughters, Lauri Porte of Dexter, and Gina Marks of Dexter. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 
Eleanore had been a Roswell resident for 14 years, and she was a homemaker. She was of the Baptist faith. 
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. 

Lucille Viola Nufer 
Lucille Viola Nufer passed away on March 25, 2001. She was born in Morris, Minn., and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents and her son, William N, Nufer. 
Lucille is survived by her husband of 55 years, William S. Nufer; her beloved daughter Nancy Susan Gallion; beloved grandchildren Lauren and Christian Gallion of Peoria, Ill.; brother, Mervin E. Koppert of Sacramento, Calif.; and let us not forget “Peety.” 
Her interests were many: painting, classical music, poetry, arts and crafts and was a compulsive reader. 
There will be a memorial luncheon at noon on Tuesday, April 3, in the Villa Park Clubhouse, 410 E. 23rd St., Roswell. All friends are welcome to come and share memories of “Lu.” 

Effie Sessum Peters
Funeral services for Effie Sessum Peters, 97, who passed away March 27, 2001, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 30 at Terpening and Son Chapel in Artesia. Wayne Bedingfield and J.B. craft will officiate and interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery.
Peters was born Oct. 4, 1903, in Alba, Texas, to Thomas Wiley Newman and Josephine (Weir) Newman.
She married Floyd Leon Sessum on Dec. 25, 1919, in Old Glory, Texas. He passed away May 5, 1960.
On June 25, 1962, she married Bill Peters in Roswell. He passed away March 4, 1983. She was also preceded in death by a daughter Faye Cage, two other children, a grandchild, four brothers and four sisters.
Peters moved to Artesia from Roby, Texas, in 1939. She was a waitress and a cook at Artesia Hotel and a housekeeper for O.A. and Ruth Pearson. 
Peters was a member of the Moose Lodge and was part of the Pentecostal denomination.
Peters is survived by two sons, Charles Sessum of Ruidoso and Joe Sessum and wife Georgia of Weatherford, Texas; six daughters, Norma Mansfield and husband E.B. of of Martinez, Calif., Effie Potter of Artesia, Jeannette Boyer of Pinole, Calif., Barbara Noling of Artesia, Elizabeth Grissom and husband Steve of Lebanon, Ore., and Peggy Hooten and husband Bobby of Littleton, Colo.
She is also survived by one sister, Lila Coats of Abilene, Texas; one brother, Julian Newman of Houston; 26 grandchildren; and numerous great and great great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vista Care Foundation, 601 N. Canal, Carlsbad N.M. 88220 or New Mexico Women’s Bowling Scholarship, 1505 W. James, Artesia N.M. 88210.

Cisco Aragon
A memorial service for Cisco Aragon, 6, of Hondo will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 30, at the Hondo School Gym with the Rev. Al Lane officiating.
Cisco died Sunday, March 25, 2001, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born Aug. 27, 1994 in Roswell and had lived in Lincoln County since 1995. He was in kindergarten in the Hondo School District.
He is survived by his mother, Maria Aragon and his father, Paul Sanchez, both of Hondo; two sisters, Lanay Aragon and Zilina Sanchez of Hondo; two brothers, Hector and Matthew Horton of Albuquerque; cousins Santana Uzzia Alaniz of Roswell; three uncles, Ray Aragon and wife Michelle of Amarillo, Toby Sanchez Jr. of Hondo and Sidney Trujillo and wife Sylvia of Ruidoso; five aunts, Dora Aragon of Amarillo, Angeliqu Aleniz and her husband Rick of Roswell, Monica Keller and her husband Dewey of Ruidoso Downs, Valerie Sanchez of Ruidoso and Jessica Sanchez of Ruidoso.
Cisco is also survived by his great grandfather Raymond Aragon Sr. and wife Alice of Roswell; great grandmother Gertie Ramirez of Roswell; grandpa Raymond Aragon Jr. of San Patricio; grandparents Toby Sanchez of Hondo and Rosa Sanchez of Ruidoso; and grandmother Betty Aramirez of Roswell.

Raymond H. Rockow 
Raymond H. Rockow died March 14, 2001, in William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso, Texas. He was buried in Fort Bliss Military Cemetery March 22 with full military services. 
Ray was born May 28, 1922, in Dallas. He grew up in Roswell, attending school here and graduated from Roswell High School in 1941. 
Ray served his country in the U.S. Army for 20 years, serving during World War II in Europe, New Guinea, Turkey and Germany. He worked in the medics as x-ray technician. He was a master sergeant when he received his honorable discharge. 
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Claude Pirtle; one sister, Ruby Ashford of Globe, Ariz.; and one brother, Jesse Pirtle of Olathe, Kan. 
Ray is survived by his companion, Sally Marcella Christianson of El Paso; three sisters of Roswell, Phyllis Smith, Marie Tucker and Ivalene Shannon; two brothers, Ira Pirtle of Roswell and Gerald Pirtle of Firebaugh, Calif. 

James Sublette Jr. 
No services are scheduled at this time for James Sublette Jr., 50, of Ruidoso Downs, who passed away March 27, 2001, at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center in Roswell. 
James was born Oct. 23, 1950, in Fort Sill, Okla., to James Campbell and Ruth Eline Burgess Sublette. His Mother preceded him in death, as well as a sister, Mitzi. His Father survives him in Ruidoso Downs. 
Other survivors include a son, David Campbell Sublette and his wife Amber of Atoka, Okla.; two daughters, Tina Mae Tiller and her husband Charles of Hartshorne, Okla. and Shawn Sublette of Atoka. 
He is also survived by three sisters, Maudie Marie Yermall and Barbara Louise Paul, both of Post, Texas, and Judy Kay North of Mammoth Lake, Calif.; numerous cousins, including Norma Pinkston of Ruidoso Downs with whom he lived; and four grandchildren. 
James had served his country in the U.S. Army and was self employed as a carpenter. He had been a lifelong resident of Ruidoso, and was a Baptist. 
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

James ‘Alabama’ Michael Taylor Moorer III 
Memorial Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, March 29, at LaGrone Funeral Chapel, for James “Alabama” Michael Taylor Moorer III, 20, of Fort Worth, Texas, who passed away on March 23, 2001, in Fort Worth. The Rev. Steve Chappell of First United Methodist Church will conduct the service. 
James was born March 25, 1980 in Carlsbad to James Taylor and Leslie Diane Roberts Moorer. His father preceded him in death his mother survives him in Fort Worth. 
“Alabama” was an auto mechanic, and was of the Baptist faith. 
Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.