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Wilma R. Kelly, a longtime resident of Socorro County, NM passed away Saturday, October 11, 2003 at her home in Lemitar, NM. Wilma was born on a ranch in Corona, NM to Lum R. Richards and Theda (Jones) Richards. Wilma continued ranching and farming up until the time of her death. She is survived by her children, Cynthia Van Landingham and husband, Larry of Lemitar, NM, Clint Martin and wife, Reba of Belen, NM and Sandra Herkenhoff and husband, Ben Haines of Las Cruces, NM. She is also survived by Elijio Chavez and wife, Petra and family of Lemitar, NM whom she also considered to be her son. Wilma leaves behind six grandchildren, Shane Van Landingham and wife, Monica, Brandi Van Landingham Jones and husband, Jeff, Lance Van Landingham and wife, Antoinette, Joshua Kaufmann and Freedom, Kyle Martin, Katie Martin Rother and husband, Brett; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Wilma's entire life was devoted to others, always thinking of everyone's needs but her own. Wilma was the ultimate volunteer. Her service to the community included many years as a founding Hospital Auxilary Gray Lady, officer in the Socorro County Farm Bureau, Sacaton Cowbelles and the organization closest to her heart, the Socorro County Fair and Rodeo. In 1999 Wilma was especially honored to be named Grand Marshal of Socorro County Fair and Rodeo Association's Golden Anniversary. Wilma's many accomplishments included crocheting, quilting, taking thousands of photographs of every aspect of her life and organizing volumes of photo albums for every member of her family and many friends, all the while being a vital, hands on force in the every day operations of the family farm and ranch. Wilma was just as comfortable in the branding pen as she was at accompanying J.B. to accept a National Farming Award in California, dressed to the nine's, or receiving well deserved accolades from New Mexico State University for achievements of excellence in agriculture. Above all, Wilma was the consummate mother, mother-in-law and grandmother devoting her entire life to the welfare of her family. A celebration of her life will be held at Kelly Hall, at the Socorro County Fair Grounds, which was named for and dedicated to Wilma and her late husband, J.B. Kelly. Services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2003. Arrangements have been made with Steadman-Hall Funeral Home in Socorro, NM. The family has requested donations be made to Socorro General Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 1009, Socorro, NM 87801.
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