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La Donna D. Kutz, 66, passed away December 31, 2001, after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Jack; daughter, Julie Ann; mother, Elsie Debban 89; and brother, Kermit Debban of Lexington, NE. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Jo; and a son, Terry John. La Donna moved from Nebraska to Albuquerque in 1962 with Jack, Julie and Terry. As a member of the New Mexico Mountain Club, La Donna became one of New Mexico's first woman rock climbers, participating in 76 high-angle, technical rock climbs in the Sandia Mountains, 13 of which were first ascents. At the same time, she was active in Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council and took part in many arduous life-saving missions. As a nature photographer, her work appeared in many southwestern magazines and books. La Donna's love of the mountains led her to become a charter member of New Mexico Wilderness Study Committee; a citizen group whose efforts protected and preserved numerous endangered wild lands. In 1975, she was appointed by Governor Jerry Apodaca to the New Mexico Wilderness Commission. In this official capacity, she traveled the state mediating conflicts between various public land users. La Donna's deeply compassionate nature made her a dedicated human rights activist as well. She worked tirelessly with the local peace and justice movement, made solidarity trips to war-torn Central America and harbored refugees for the Sanctuary movement. La Donna lived fully and joyously and was loved by all who knew her. A Memorial gathering will be held Saturday, January 5, 2002, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at Hillcrest Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NM Wilderness Alliance, P. O. Box 25464, Albuquerque, NM 87125-0464. Hillcrest Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE, 265-5959.
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