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Rhenea J. Garris, 66, left this earth to go to her heavenly home on Tuesday evening, December 3, 2002, following a severe illness. She was preceded in death by her father, Futha Edward Kirkland. She is survived by her husband, David Garris; mother, Mildred Kirkland; children, Brett Garris and wife, Debbie, Roxanne Salsman and husband, Glenn, Vance Garris, Kirk Allen Garris; grandchildren, Aaron Bell, Megan Kulju; and three great-grandchildren. Rhenea was born in Winslow, Arizona on September 23, 1936 and moved to New Mexico in 1954 following her marriage to David. Rhenea was instrumental in implementation of the YMCA pre-school programs in the Albuquerque area and taught Sunday School and pre-school at Hoffmantown Baptist Church and Eastern Hills Baptist Church for a total of 36 years. Rhenea was so dedicated and gifted an educator, instilling lessons of principle and honor within her students, while encouraging their individual creativity, following her retirement, the Honorable Mayor Martin Chavez declared May 13, 1995 as Rhenea J. Garris day in Albuquerque. Rhenea also co-authored a children's book entitled"Fall Roundup", with her friend and co-worker of many years, Jolene Davidson. During her teaching years, she touched the hearts and lives of hundreds of adults and children and will be missed by all those who knew her. At Rhenea's request, cremation has previously taken place and a Memorial Service has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2003, at New Covenant Church, 7201 Paseo Del Norte NE, Rick Donaho officiating. If you so desire, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Rhenea's name to All Faith's Receiving Home, 1709 Moon St. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112. If tears could build a stairway And memories a lane, I'd climb right up to Heaven And bring you back again.
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