Nellie M. Willmuth

Nellie May Willmuth passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of December 25, 2011 in Houston, Texas at the age of 95. Nellie was born November 11, 1916 in Union County, New Mexico to Harry and Grace Lammon. Weighing just over a pound at birth, she remained small in stature but lived a long and active life. Nellie began school in a one-room school house and graduated in Encino in 1933. Despite her barely five- foot frame, her favorite activity to participate in was basketball. She married Neal Willmuth in 1934 and raised her family in Fort Sumner where she worked in the families Pecos Valley Hotel. In 1949 the family moved to San Juan County where she and Neal lived for over thirty years. Nellie obtained her cosmetology license, became an entrepreneur, and owned “Nell’s Beauty Box” in Aztec until the 70’s. She later worked for the San Juan County Sherriff’s Office until she retired in 1980. The next twenty years were spent living in Roswell and Albuquerque. In 2009 she moved to Houston, TX to live with her daughter Cleo. Active in community affairs, Nellie was Mother Advisor the Aztec Chapter of Rainbow Girls, a life-long member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she presided as Worthy Matron and remained active for many more years. While living in Roswell she became a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was “Woman of the Year” in 1990. If ever there was anyone who loved the state of New Mexico, it was Nellie, as she was forever discussing the Indian culture, Painted Desert and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets that began and completed her days. Nellie is survived by her daughter Cleo McMinn, Houston, Texas. Grandchildren, Glennie and Jim Babcock, Bo and Allison Faverino of Houston. Vonnie McNeil and Guy Willmuth of Albuquerque, and six great-grandchildren. Survivors also include, her sister, Zola Horney and nephews, Paul Edward and Guy Horney of Fort Sumner. Ray Lammon, Anchorage Alaska and Russell Lammon of Aztec, Neices, Denise Wittwer of Cortez,Co, and Darise Johnson of Baltimore, Maryland. Preceding her in death were her husband, Neal and son Billy Ray Willmuth. Visitation will be Thursday, January 26, 2012, Chavez Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 27, 2012 with Dan Craig officiating. Burial will follow in the Lammon family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Babcock, Chris Cleve, Tristen Cleve, Paul Ed Horney, Russell Lammon and Guy Horney. 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