Altha Crouch

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Terpening & Son Mortuary Chapel, Artesia, N.M., for Altha Marie Crouch of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Ms. Crouch, 86, died October 31, 2019 at her home in Rio Rancho.

Roby Zumwalt will officiate at the services with burial to follow at Woodbine Cemetery.

Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Friday.

Altha was born August 23, 1933 in Bell County, TX to Walter Crouch and Nannie Harrison.

She graduated from Artesia High School in 1952 . A year later she moved to Midland Texas and worked for the Midland Reporter and went to college at night. She then moved to Alpine, Texas and attended Sol Ross University earning her Bachelors Degree. She transfered to Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas where she received her Masters Degree and was employed as an instructor. She, transferred to Texas Tech to teach and work on her doctorate. She received her PhD in Health & Physical Education from University of NM at Albuqerque. She continued as a professor with UNM in Gallup and Rio Rancho, NM until she retired.

Altha had a passion for education and was actively involved in establishing resources for victims of domestic violence. She was dedicated to her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers T. J. Crouch and J.C. Crouch; sisters Lois Stitch, Leola Downey, Lorene Harper, Ruby Gooch, Ima Jean Stoop, Frances Giles, Peggy Rounds, and Betty June Crouch; and by 8 nieces and nephews.

Survivors include her godson Shawn "Joey" Bellistri of Albuquerque, N.M.; 15 nieces and nephews and by numerous grandnieces and nephews.