Merle Rich

Services are scheduled at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Terpening Son Chapel for Merle Rich of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mrs. Rich, 95, died Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Heartland Nursing Center in Artesia.

Pastor Ty Bean from Cowboy Junction Church in Hobbs, N.M. will officiate at the services with burial at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ty Bean, Dusty Bean, John Clark, Milton Menefee, and Richard Champion.

Merle was born March 18, 1916 in Grandfalls, Texas the daughter of Edward Van Sweatt and Adamargarite Butler Sweatt. She came to Artesia in 1967 from Carlsbad, N.M.

She attended Texas Tech University majoring in music.

On October 9, 1945 she was married to H.E. Jabo Rich in Carlsbad, NM. He preceded her in death March 9, 1985. She was also preceded in death by her parents sister Carol LeConey and husband Jimmy Brother Edward Van Sweatt and wife Merrill.

Merle was a homemaker. After the death of her husband, she learned to play bridge, bowl, and became an avid line dancer. For years she was a regular at the Artesia Senior Citizen Center. Because knitting was another of Merles passions, the family treasures the pieces of her handiwork. She was a member of the First Christian Church.

Survivors include her daughter Maggie Bean of Artesia son: H.E. Sam Rich, II and wife Jacque of Andrews, Texas grandchildren Ty Bean and wife Heather of Hobbs, N.M., Dusty Bean and wife Raelynn of Artesia, Denim Rich Clark and husband John of Midland, TX, and Jacy Rich of Artesia greatgrandchildren Brady Bean, Hudson Bean, Kyle Bean, Daleigh Bean, and Harlee J Clark.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the many caring people who played a vital role in the life of their loved one including her roommate, Connie Martinez and family, Dr. Joe Salgado, Artesia General Hospital, Heartland Nursing Center, and Lakeview Hospice.