Juanita Branum

Juanita Denton Branum came to the Artesia area from Mineral Wells, Texas in 1916 when she was two years old. She died Friday, June 20, 2003, at age 89. She was one of seven children born to Robina and Herschel Denton. She received her degree in music from New Mexico AM NMSU in 1941. She continued to be active with the university until her death, being a member of its Presidents Associates, Golden As and NMSU Alumni Association; and was a life member of Zeta Tau Alpha Womens Fraternity. After teaching a short time and then working for oil companies in Artesia and Seagraves, Texas, she attended Abilene Business College and returned to Artesia to open her own accounting and income tax office. In recent years, Mrs. Branum has been honored by church, civic and business organizations in which she was active. These included for 55 years as a member of the Chancel Choir of the First United Methodist Church in 1991; for outstanding service as a charter member of the Altrusa Club of Artesia for 39 years in 1992 and she was its oldest member; and for 30 years of outstanding service to Artesia Community Concert Association as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce both in 2002. In 2001, Mrs. Branum was honored as a Living Treasure of the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center Foundation. In earlier years, her hobbies were horseback riding, swimming and golfing. She also enjoyed the Friday Night Card Club. Mrs. Branum was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Branum, who was retired from Navajo Refinery; her parents and five brothers and sisters. Her survivors include her brother, Jack Denton of Phoenix, Az.; a nephew in Artesia George A. Denton; and other nieces and nephew. They are Ellen Gressett of Gorman, Tx., Sue Morgan of Goodrich, Tx., Barbara Funkhouser of Las Cruces, Barbara Jean Burns of Maui, Hawaii, Majorie Van Scyoc of Albuquerque, Carole France of Aurora, Colo., Phyllis Hassler of Dillon, Mont., Gordon Denton of Arlington, Tx., David Denton of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Robin and Jerry Denton of Phoenix. She also is survived by two stepdaughters, Michelle Jaw of Kerrville, Tx. and Cheryl Liles of Reeds Spring, Mo. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday at Terpening Son Mortuary. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Paul Dean Duerksen officiating. Burial will follow in Woodbine Cemetery. Friends wishing to make memorials may do so to the First United Methodist Church; the Juanita and Alton Branum Endowed Scholarship at New Mexico State University dedicated to Artesia students, or a favorite charity.