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Smith -- Nancy Kay Wiant Smith, 62, went to be with her Lord on October 3, 2000 as a result of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. She was born August 29, 1938 at Dayton, OH and was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Laura Wiant. When her family moved to Alamogordo, NM in 1947, Nancy expressed an early interest and a dedication to music by playing the flute. She was blessed with opportunities to pay the flute beginning at age ten. Prior to graduating from Alamogordo High School in 1956, she was first flutist in the high school band. Her attendance at the University of New Mexico began in 1956 and provided opportunities to participate with the Woodwind Quintet, University Band and UNM Orchestra. While attending UNM she majored in English, later changing to music. Her skills and commitment provided further opportunities to perform (she also played the organ) at many churches and fellowship meetings of the Body of Christ in Albuquerque. Nancy was formerly married to Richard Smith, who resides in Pearl River, NY. She is survived daughter, Karen Jeanne Fitzgerald and husband, Michael of Albuquerque; son, Scott Edwin Smith and wife, Jeanine of Tom's River, NJ; granddaughter, Sydney Michelle Fitzgerald of Albuquerque; brother Jerry Robert Wiant of Fort Davis, TX; nephew, Jason Wiant of Texas and niece, Jann Holt of Florida. Nancy moved to New York the day after her marriage in 1960. Her move interrupted the educational process, however, it was later resumed at UNM in 1985, and in 1986 she was awarded a degree of Bachelor of University Studies. From 1974 to 1981 she served as a teacher's assistant at several Pearl River, NY schools. From 1981 to 1985 she served as a Recreational Therapist at Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, NY. Nancy began her clowning career early in 1985 by presenting the Clown Character"Charity" in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, NJ and also at Children's Hospital in New York City. Later in 1985, she continued the activity in Albuquerque with volunteer appearances at birthday parties and several functions along with frequent appearances at elementary and high schools. Clowning for Nancy was not so much for performing, as it was to combine humor with real life situation. She often stated that it was much easier than playing the flute and required much less practice. Her clowning activity was not for commercial reasons, but to honor the Lord and provide joy to the many people to whom she was blessed to present her skills. She was employed by Prison Fellowship as Office Coordinator in Albuquerque from 1992 to 1999 and previously provided secretarial assistance to several Albuquerque companies. In early 1998 she began experiencing considerable physical difficulties that later were diagnosed as ALS, an incurable disease. As it progressed, need surfaced for various kinds of medical appliances, together with the requirement of 24-hour daily medical attention. Various caregivers were employed, together with a number of volunteers who were friends and Sisters associated with the Body of Christ, assisting her, as she was cared for in her home. Visitors and caregivers were impressed and amazed at the resilient and persevering attitude of friendliness, peace and joy she manifested to others that visited her with prayer and comfort and left comforted themselves. Her condition grew progressively worse and her capacity to function extremely limited. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be presented at Glory Christian Fellowship, 2421 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque, NM, 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2000. Presenting the service will be Brothers Edward Kaufman and Sam Soleyn. Music will be provided by Debbie Lewis and Kelli Marshall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Support Group, 8525 Princess Jeanne NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 or to Friends in Time, 4806 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM.
        Published on: Thu October 05, 2000

Sather -- Gertrude "Trudy" Wright Sather, 79, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, died Friday, September 29, 2000. She is survived by her niece, Trudy L. Wallace and husband, Ron of Belen; nephews, Leroy M. Thomas of Albuquerque and Wayne Green of Belen; great-nephews, Lyle McGuire and wife, Joann of Belen, Jimmy Rodriguez and wife, Lisa, Joseph Dillon and David Dillon, all of Albuquerque; great-niece, Julia C. McGuire-Smith and husband, Mark; great-great-nephews, Robert E. McGuire and Will R. McGuire-Smith; great-great-nieces, Jennifer L. McGuire and Promise A. McGuire-Smith, all of Belen. Services will be held Monday, 2:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Pastor Larry Sanchez officiating. Pallbearers will be Leroy Thomas, Wayne Green, Lyle McGuire, Jimmy Rodriguez, Mark Smith and Joseph Dillon. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to University of New Mexico Hospice, 4001 Indian School NE, Suite 300, 87110. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Mon October 02, 2000

Brogdon -- Cecil O'Neal (Curly) Brogdon died September 26, 2000 after an extended illness. He was born August 24, 1923 in Walnut Grove, Arkansas to Ernest and Elza Brogdon. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Dean Keating. Cecil served in the US Navy during WWII. He moved to Albuquerque in 1961. He worked at Pete's Garage as a mechanic for 33 years. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Irene Smith Brogdon. Neal was a kind friend to many with a sense of humor that made many people smile. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His memories will be cherished by his two sons, Michael and wife, Kathi of Bosque Farms, Mark and wife, Mary Alice of Albuquerque; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Aaron, Sheena and Case Brogdon; three nieces, Becky Jones, Elza Keating and Dorothy Butler of Batesville, AR; two nephews, Paul Smith, Jr. and Sonny Keating of Batesville, AR; sister-in-law, Juanita Smith; brother-in-law, Roy Lee Keating and great-niece, Lorie Johnson. The family is grateful for all the loving care and kindness given to Neal by the employees of Valle Norte Caring Center. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
        Published on: Sun October 01, 2000

Sather -- Gertrude"Trudy" Wright Sather, 79, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, died Friday, September 29, 2000. She is survived by her niece, Trudy L. Wallace and husband, Ron of Belen; nephews, Leroy M. Thomas of Albuquerque and Wayne Green of Belen; great-nephews, Lyle McGuire and wife, Joann of Belen, Jimmy Rodriguez and wife, Lisa, Joseph Dillon and David Dillon, all of Albuquerque; great-niece, Julia C. McGuire-Smith and husband, Mark; great-great-nephews, Robert E. McGuire and Will R. McGuire-Smith; great-great-nieces, Jennifer L. McGuire and Promise A. McGuire-Smith, all of Belen. Services will be held Monday, 2:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Pastor Larry Sanchez officiating. Pallbearers will be Leroy Thomas, Wayne Green, Lyle McGuire, Jimmy Rodriguez, Mark Smith and Joseph Dillon. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to University of New Mexico Hospice, 4001 Indian School NE, Suite 300, 87110. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Sun October 01, 2000

Brogdon -- Cecil O'Neal (Curly) Brogdon died September 26, 2000 after an extended illness. He was born August 24, 1923 in Walnut Grove, Arkansas to Ernest and Elza Brogdon. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Dean Keating. Cecil served in the US Navy during WWII. He moved to Albuquerque in 1961. He worked at Pete's Garage as a mechanic for 33 years. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Irene Smith Brogdon. Neal was a kind friend to many with a sense of humor that made many people smile. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His memories will be cherished by his two sons, Michael and wife, Kathi of Bosque Farms, Mark and wife, Mary Alice of Albuquerque; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Aaron, Sheena and Case Brogdon; three nieces, Becky Jones, Elza Keating and Dorothy Butler of Batesville, AR; two nephews, Paul Smith, Jr. and Sonny Keating of Batesville, AR; sister-in-law, Juanita Smith; brother-in-law, Roy Lee Keating and great-niece, Lorie Johnson. The family is grateful for all the loving care and kindness given to Neal by the employees of Valle Norte Caring Center. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
        Published on: Sat September 30, 2000

Cummings -- Don J. Cummings passed away September 25, 2000 in Grand Junction, Colorado after a short illness. He was born in Ames, Oklahoma on May 6, 1920. He was married in 1943 to Neva M. Paine in Oklahoma. He worked in the World War II effort in Hartford, Washington. From there he worked in the construction of Los Alamos Laboratories. Then in 1955, he and his wife moved to Albuquerque to open a business, supplying building materials to contractors. His corporation, Don J. Cummings Co., was subsequently sold to his son, Bob, who renamed it Commercial Door and Hardware. Don, with his wife, Neva, retired to Colorado in 1977. Mr. Cummings is survived by his wife, Neva Cummings of Gunnison, CO; his son, Bob Cummings of Phoenix, AZ; and his daughter, Judy Smith and husband, Warren of Sacramento, CA. He is also survived by two brothers, Millard Cummings of Enid, OK, Verlin Cummings of Albuquerque; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Bernice Cummings; one brother, Alfred Cummings; and one sister, Neva Neal. There will be a memorial service at Gunnison Community Church in Gunnison, Colorado on Thursday, September 28, 2000 at 3:00 p.m. There will be a final memorial service, October 21, 2000 in Enid, Oklahoma. Cremation was done by Callahan-Edfast Mortuary of Grand Junction, Colorado.
        Published on: Thu September 28, 2000

Cummings -- Don J. Cummings passed away September 25, 2000 in Grand Junction, Colorado after a short illness. He was born in Ames, Oklahoma on May 6, 1920. He was married in 1943 to Neva M. Paine in Oklahoma. He worked in the World War II effort in Hartford, Washington. From there he worked in the construction of Los Alamos Laboratories. Then in 1955, he and his wife moved to Albuquerque to open a business, supplying building materials to contractors. His corporation, Don J. Cummings Co., was subsequently sold to his son, Bob, who renamed it Commercial Door and Hardware. Don, with his wife, Neva, retired to Colorado in 1977. Mr. Cummings is survived by his wife, Neva Cummings of Gunnison, CO; his son, Bob Cummings of Phoenix, AZ; and his daughter, Judy Smith and husband, Warren of Sacramento, CA. He is also survived by two brothers, Millard Cummings of Enid, OK, Verlin Cummings of Albuquerque; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Bernice Cummings; one brother, Alfred Cummings; and one sister, Neva Neal. There will be a memorial service at Gunnison Community Church in Gunnison, Colorado on Thursday, September 28, 2000 at 3:00 p.m. There will be a final memorial service, October 21, 2000 in Enid, Oklahoma. Cremation was done by Callahan-Edfast Mortuary of Grand Junction, Colorado.
        Published on: Wed September 27, 2000

Smith -- Carl F. Smith, 80, a native of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, September 19, 2000 at UNM Medical Center. He is survived by his daughters, Sandra Ann Smith and Connie Vaughan; brother, Jack R. Smith; sisters, Edith Lanning and Leita Centers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Navy in WWII and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. After his return to Albuquerque, he completed his education and worked for the Department of Defense for many years. Graveside services will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m., at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Fri September 22, 2000

Smith -- Jeanne Popejoy Smith, a lifetime resident of Albuquerque, died September 16, 2000, at the age of 72. She is survived by sons, David W. Smith, wife, Susan, and children, Loring and Hilary; James T. Smith, wife, Paula, and children, Jessica, Nicholas, and Cheyenne; Michael P. Smith, wife, Janet, and children, Leah and Shane; and daughters, Barbara Jean Smith; Claire Weaver, and children, Michael and Wendy. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas L. Popejoy, Jr., wife, Suzanne, and children, T.L. and Stuart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas L. Popejoy, Sr. in 1975, and Bess Kimball Popejoy in 1996. Jeanne was an incredible women, and she lived a fulfilling life. She raised her children alone following the death of her husband Loring, in 1964. After that, she worked as a school teacher in California, and at the Job Corps in Albuquerque. She owned and operated the Lullaby Guild in the late 70's, and Alpha Nurses of NM in the early 80's. She was avid in her belief in womens' rights, and was dedicated to the organization, Business Professional Women. She served as the State president from 1989 to 1990. Jeanne was a sweet, kind, loving person who was generous to a fault. She exhibited deep compassion to those in need who came into her life, giving anything necessary to help the less fortunate. She was a tireless reader and frequent visitor to the library, bringing home bags of books every week. With her unending cheerful disposition, she was a pillar of support for her family and her many dear friends. Like her father before her, Jeanne succumbed to Alzheimer's Disease. Her passing will be felt by all who knew her, and we will always miss her. A memorial service will be held Friday, September 22, 2000, 7:30 p.m., at St. Michael's and All Angels Church, 601 Montano NW. Should friends desire, rather than flowers be sent, monetary contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1330 San Pedro NE, #205, 87110.
        Published on: Fri September 22, 2000

Smith -- Carl F. Smith, 80, a native of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, September 19, 2000 at UNM Medical Center. He is survived by his daughters, Sandra Ann Smith and Connie Vaughan; brother, Jack R. Smith; sisters, Edith Lanning and Leita Centers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Navy in WWII and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. After his return to Albuquerque, he completed his education and worked for the Department of Defense for many years. Graveside services will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m., at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Thu September 21, 2000