Stella Heathington

Stella E. Heathington entered into the glory of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 19, 2024. We find peace in knowing she is with her Heavenly Father and free from earthly pain and trials.

Stella was a lifetime (93 plus years) resident of Artesia, New Mexico. She entered this world as the middle child of Curtis (CA) and Ruby Baker. She enjoyed everything about growing up in Artesia and in 1948 was a proud majorette in the Artesia Marching Band. After high school she worked various jobs around town until she met the love of her life Don M. Heathington. This union quickly resulted in two children being added to the family: Mike Heathington in 1958 and Cheryl Heathington in 1960. The two were happily married for 47 years until Don's death in 2004. Stella loved everything about being a mother and stay at home housewife. She was not one to sit around the house and was one of the hardest workers, providing for her family and helping friends whenever the need arose. She enjoyed playing bridge with Don and friends, mostly friends because Don was a little more serious about bridge than Stella. One of the highlights and blessings of Stella's life was getting to travel all over the US with Don while he was President of the National Rural Electrical Coop Association. They attended meetings and conferences in just about every state in the USA and Stella enjoyed the nice events with the other ladies in attendance.

Stella loved everything about her faith in God and Christ and regularly attended 8th and Grand Church of Christ and Hermosa Church of Christ for many years. She faithfully served in both churches, teaching Sunday school and providing meals to many in time of need.

Stella made many friends through her long and cherished life in Artesia and always tried to treat everyone in a loving and respectful manner.

Everyone who knew Stella always commented on her way of carrying herself with elegance and grace in all things she did.

Stella is preceded in death by husband Don, sister Billie Vogt, brother James Baker, nephews James C. Baker and John C. Angel. Survivors include children Mike Heathington and spouse Gail, Horseshoe Bay, TX and Cheryl Heathington Welch of Artesia. Survivors also include Granddaughter's Mary Beth Harrison of Midland, TX, Tiffany Stange of Round Rock, TX and Ashley Floyd of Houston, TX and five great grand children being Lillie, Beau, Archer, Oliver and Bella. Also great niece Keeley Angel Mueller of Fort Mill, SC and niece Shirley Baker.of Artesia.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:30 am Tuesday, May 28 at Twin Oaks Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Enhabit Hospice of Carlsbad for the wonderful caregivers, nurses and angels that took such good care of our mom in her last days on this earth. Your compassion and excellence will not be forgotten.