Ann Kafton

Memorial services are scheduled at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, at Terpening Son Chapel for Ann P. Kafton of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mrs. Kafton, 90, died Friday, October 22, 2010 at Artesia General Hospital. Cremation is under direction of Terpening Son Mortuary.

Mrs. Kafton was born August 8, 1920 in Colliers, West Virginia the daughter of Martin Pustavar and Jenny Bobnik Pustavar.

On April 12, 1941 she was married to Samuel P. Kafton in Follansbee, W.V. She came to Artesia in 1950 from West Virginia. He preceded her in death April 18, 2005. She was also preceded in death by her son Richard Samuel Kafton in December of 1995 a sister Jenny Chapman and a brother Stan Pustavar.

She took great pride in her chosen career path in the nursing profession. Diploma in hand she graduated from St. Marys Hospital School of Practical Nursing in February, 1963 as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Ann spoke proudly of her years of nursing at Artesia General Hospital from 1964 to 1971. With great honor and deepest respect she worked along side many of Artesias finest doctors including local celebrity Dr. Owen C. Taylor. Many former patients fondly recall Anns excellent care during their hospital stays. She spanked many a babys behind while helping bring new generations into the Artesia population. She was also recognized and awarded the honor of Nurse of the Year during her nursing career.

Her final years in nursing were with the Eddy County Health Office in Artesia from 1971 until her retirement in 1983. She kept in touch with and often spoke fondly of those she worked with during her years at the Health Office.

Ann was especially blessed to room with beloved friend, Faye Antee, during her final months of life while at Heartland Nursing Center in Artesia. Faye, Delores AnteeMansell, and the Antee family offered unending love and support bringing great comfort to Ann during these last months.

The Kafton family sends a special thank you to Dr. Joe P. Salgado and Vanessa S. Rogers, PAC for their gentle, expert care. Heartland Nursing Center deserves a special thank you for providing a comfortable, safe, caring home during the final months of Anns life. The Heartland staff is most certainly full of heart and we are grateful for their steadfast care Lakeview Christian Hospice Care sent us two angels in the form of Chaplain Terry McKean, and hospice nurse Alise Mullen, RN, who both provided exalted family comfort in the final hours. Their presence made a world of difference in our lives in a most important moment in time. We send special gratitude to Lynn and Rita Tarbet for their constant love and support as loyal friends and neighbors always to the rescue. Billie Clark, also an ever loyal friend and neighbor, who offered years of companionship and much needed help. We are ever grateful to those mentioned above and to everyone who touched Anns life that we might not have mentioned here.

Survivors include her grandson Rick Kafton and wife Kim of Artesia, and a niece Gail Toots Neeson of Huntington Beach, Calif.