Obits March 17

Verna Chandler, 86

Verna Chandler, 86, of Las Cruces, died Sunday, March 14, 2004, at her home.

She was born on Jan. 20, 1918, in Seminole, Okla., to Emma and Joe Ginnings.

She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. She graduated from New Mexico State University in 1941 with degrees in math and education. She taught school in Roswell for 25 years before retiring and moving back to Las Cruces. Family members said she had a great love for her church and family, enjoyed her grandchildren deeply and was always available to offer help with math. She was a member of the local German Shorthaired Pointer Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and by nine of her siblings including, a twin brother, Vernon Ginnings.

Survivors include two sons, Ray Chandler (and wife, Shirley) of Tijeras and Terry Chandler (Janet) of Las Cruces; two daughters, Judy Barrett of Tijeras and Jolita Barnes (Ernie) of Tijeras; two sisters, Irene Wall and Juanita Barbee, both of Portales; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

David Bennett will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Portales Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.

Services are at 11 a.m. Friday at Portales Cemetery.

Helena Mahaffey, 73

Helena Mahaffey, 73, of Portales, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at Laurel Ridge Healthcare in Clovis.

She was born on June 17, 1930, in Portales, to Della and Robert Mahaffey.

She grew up in Portales and attended Portales public schools. She graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a degree in education. She spent her working career in the public school system as a teacher and librarian. Family members said she will be remembered as one who cared about people and enjoyed helping others.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include cousins Della Bennett of Urich, Mo., Sue Talley of Rogers, Ark., Don L. Howard of Clovis and Fran Wagner of Roswell; and three aunts, Juanita Mahaffey of Carlsbad, Zyl Mahaffey of Artesia and Gerry Mahaffey of Carlsbad.

Leroy Thomas will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Portales Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.

Services are at 10 a.m. today at Portales Cemetery.

Estela Roberts, 40

Estela Roberts, 40, of Portales, died Sunday, March 14, 2004, in Alamogordo.

She was born on April 27, 1963, in Pecos, Texas, to Hermila and Fidel Lopez Sr.

She grew up in Anton, Texas, and lived in Albuquerque and San Angelo, Texas, before moving to Portales in 1993. She worked for many years for Borden Peanut Co. and later for Sunland, Inc. where she was employed at the time of the death. Family members said she enjoyed camping, dancing and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Russell Roberts of Portales; three sons, Raymond Amalla and Eric Gallegos, both of Portales and Joseph Amalla of Minot, N.D.; a step-daughter, Angela Roberts Nixon (and husband, Bobby) of Lubbock; a grandchild, Nevaeh Esperanza Gallegos; her parents; three brothers, Federico Lopez (Carolyn) of Dallas, Jose Lopez (Rosa) of Dallas and Fidel Lopez Jr. of Portales; four sisters, Angelica Coronado (Paul) of Lubbock, Rosa Coronado (Cecilio) and Lisa Lopez, all of Portales and Sandra Flores (Lupe) of Odessa, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Father Tobin Hitt will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Portales Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Raymond and Joseph Amalla, Eric Gallegos, San Juan and Fabian Coronado and Quintin Baeza Jr.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.

Services are at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Helen Catholic Church in Portales.

Eula “Faye” Scheller, 76

Eula “Faye” Scheller, 76, of Hobbs, died Saturday, March 13, 2004, in Hobbs.

She was born on Jan. 14, 1928, in Clarendon, Texas.

She married Floyd C. Scheller on April 18, 1943, in Amarillo. Family members said she enjoyed her family, great grandbabies, fishing in Logan, rose gardening, taking pictures, bird watching and game shows.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister; a brother; a daughter; and two great-grandsons.

Survivors include a son, Floyd Ernest Scheller of Hobbs; three daughters, Judy Shearer of Portales, Sheryl Brown of Hobbs and Dianne Shrewsbury of Harker Heights, Texas; three sisters, Bertie Myers of Gainsville, Texas, Cleo Tipton of Montaque, Texas and Melba Brinkley of Bowie, Texas; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Leon Green will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Hobbs.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vista Care Family Hospice.

Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Home of Hobbs.

Services are at 2 p.m. today at Griffin Funeral Home Chapel in Hobbs.