Lorene Jeanette Sissy Ward Terry peacefully passed away April 30, 2013 at home in the loving arms of her husband of 63 years, B.U. Terry, Jr.
Born on October 6, 1928 in Ropesville, Texas, Jeanette was the daughter of the late A.C. and Irene Ward. After graduating from Andrews High School in Andrews, Texas, she attended Texas State College for Women, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Education in 1949. In a beautifully staged ranch wedding, complete with horses and saddles for wedding gifts, she married the love of her life on June 6, 1950. The couple resided on a ranch south of Hobbs before moving to the Rana Ranch in Quay County, New Mexico. They welcomed their beautiful daughters, Patricia Ann, in 1951, followed by Bethe San, in 1957.
Jeanette was a long-time educator, having taught school in Hobbs, Porter, San Jon, Tucumcari and Eagle Nest, New Mexico. She had a particular fondness for teaching fourth graders, but was always eager to help students of all ages, helping to lead the way in adult education. She had an entrepreneurial spirit about her, branching out to open her own Real Estate company in Angel Fire, New Mexico. A well respected member of the Real Estate community, she served as a Board Member for the New Mexico Realtors Association.
She was a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and was the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Woman of the Year in 1983-84. Jeanette honored all service men and women, and she served on the Board of Directors for the Vietnam Veterans Chapel during its inception.
Her expertise and creativeness in the kitchen earned her a special level of fondness from her peers in the New Mexico Cowbells Association. She earned her way to the hearts of many cowboys with her cooking on the ranch. An award-winning artisan, Jeanette was especially gifted in everything from sewing and needlework, to painting and macramé.
She is survived by her beloved husband B.U., daughter Patricia and son-in-law Jeff Casados of Los Alamos, daughter Bethe San and son-in-law Cutter Cunningham of Tatum, grandson Sean Casados and his wife Shannen, granddaughter Jessica Fleming and her husband Pat, grandson Sky Jones, granddaughter Rana Jameson and her husband Bradley, two great-grandsons Zeus Casados and Jax Jameson, bother Bill Ward, sister Sandra Ward, and many nieces and nephew who will miss Aunt Sissy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Ward, brother Arthur Ward and family, brother Donnie Ward, and sister Betty Ward.
Services were held at the Mountain Vista cemetery in Angel Fire, New Mexico on May 4, 2013, and were conducted by James Leslie Robbins of Portales, a devoted student of Jeanettes.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported them during this time of loss. They are especially thankful for Terry Moensh for her loving care during the past year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the Alzheimers Society in your area.