Patsy Inez Earnhardt

Pat Earnhardt, 82 of Fort Sumner, NM died Wednesday evening, November 2, 2011 at St. Anthony's Healthcare in Clovis following a short illness. Patsy was born January 10, 1929 in Portales, NM to the home of Harold and Claudia (Cain) Gryder. She was raised in Portales, NM Denver, CO and Fort Sumner. She graduated from East High School in Denver, CO in 1948. Pat attended the University of New Mexico and graduated in 1953 with a General Degree in Business. Pat married Bill Earnhardt on February 17, 1951 in Albuquerque where they made their home and raised their three daughters. As a youngster Pat enjoyed Roller Skating and received many certificates for her accomplishments. She was also a qualified firearms shooting expert. Pat worked as a secretary for Albuquerque City Planning Department, she also worked as a secretary for the Las Vegas, NV Police Department, while living in Las Vegas she worked for the Golden Nugget. Following their retirement, Bill and Pat moved to Fort Sumner in the late 1970's. Pat worked for the De Baca County Sheriff Department as a secretary and as a dispatcher for several years. She also served as the Municipal Judge for the Village of Fort Sumner from 1990-1994. He last job was as a Census Worker. Pat was an active member of the Fort Sumner Senior Citizens Center where she enjoyed playing cards and visiting with her friends. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Fort Sumner. Pat was preceded in death by her husband Bill Earnhardt on December 15, 2009; three sisters Glenda Bain, Ruth Churchill, Jimmie Donnell, and one brother Dwight Gryder. Survivors include three daughters Alexine Benson and husband Glen of Oklahoma City, OK; Janice Kelton and husband Jim of Oklahoma, City, OK; Linda Burch and husband Garth of Albuquerque, NM; five grandsons Charles William Hirdman and wife Michelle of Oklahoma City; Jeremy Lowell Carlson of Albuquerque; James Dean Howell of Oklahoma City; Steven Patrick Howell of Oklahoma City; and Garth Edwin Burch II of Albuquerque; a grand daughter, Jennifer Nicole Burch of Albuquerque. Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Devin Jacob Hirdman, Riley Ann Howell and Dag Morgan Burch along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, November 4, 2011 from the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Sumner, NM. Dan Craig will officiate. Honorary bearers will include Earl Turnbow, Bob Addison, Glen Benson, Jim Kelton, Garth Burch, Steven Howell, Jeremy Carlson, and Garth Burch II. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 255-2311