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ROSA LEE Beloved life-long resident of Santa Rosa, NM, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 26, 2011. She was 79. Born July 15, 1932 in House, New Mexico, she was preceded in death by her parents, local rancher Roy Armstrong and Dorothy (Darnell) Fritchman. After graduating as valedictorian of Santa Rosa High School's Class of 1951, she went on to attend Grace and Glory Bible School in Kansas City, MO, graduating in 1953. Upon returning home, she began a twenty-five year career with Mountain Bell Telephone. After "retirement," she worked at the local bank, the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Moon Cafe. Though her beautiful flaming red hair is oft mentioned, it was her deep and abiding Faith in Christ that most recall. This is her true legacy. Rosa Lee's spirit of gentleness and compassion will long be remembered. Those who knew her speak of a kind, generous heart and laughing blue eyes. She was always willing to listen to one in need and offer comfort. Even the stray cats knew she would give them a loving home. Generations of local folk remember Rosa Lee as their Sunday school teacher, a position she held for some forty years. Rosa Lee was part of several congregations, including Grace Assembly, and the Santa Rosa Baptist Church. Until a stroke twelve years ago, she dearly loved playing piano and organ. Well known as a church pianist of exceptional talent who could sight read any piece of music set before her, few knew she could also play a mean boogie-woogie. Though a brief marriage to Reverend Vander Espy in 1999 did not last, the two remained friends to the end. Until her brief time in hospice care at her sister's home in Albuquerque, Rosa Lee remained a strong, independent lady. In addition to a huge circle of friends in Santa Rosa and a large Christian family around the country, Rosa Lee is lovingly missed by her sister Anna Belle Van Huss of Albuquerque, nephew James Van Huss and Linda, niece Diana Sherwood and husband Michael, great-great nephew Nicholas Wilson, great-niece Julia Castro, her husband Edward and sons Nick, Alex and Zachary, great- nephew Christopher Enright and Lauren, great- nephew Benjamin Enright and Amanda, and their daughter, Lucy, cousin Hazel Roberts and all her family. Memorial services will be held on Saturday August 20, 11:00 am, at the First Baptist Church, 635 Lake Drive, Santa Rosa, NM with longtime family friend, J.E. Ballew officiating. Please feel free to share stories and even photos for a memory album the family is putting together. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street, Santa Rosa, NM (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit: www.chavezfuneralhome.com
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