Verda Latham

On December 23, 2007, Verda Jewell Joy Latham, 94, of Rifle, went to sleep in death at E. Dene Moore Care Center in Rifle, Colorado. Verda was born on August 8, 1913 in Weed, New Mexico to William Richard and Maggie Delene Watts Joy. Verda was born in an era in which her Grandparents still talked of Indian raids and the renegade white man. Her Great-Great Grandmother and Aunt were slain by Indians. Verda and her husband, Otis, homesteaded 640 acres in 1934. What changes in this world she saw. Indoor plumbing, electricity, phones, cars, planes, computers, television, moon walks and all the conveniences we know today. She was no reed to be shaken by the wind; but strong, outspoken, sincere and honest. Verda married Otis L. Latham at Carlsbad, New Mexico in 1933. This companion of hers, that shared in her trails and triumphs, joys and sorrows, died in 1982. To this union 3 children were born. Verda loved gardening and could grow anything she put in the dirt. Sewing and quilting were some of her joys, even making her own patterns. Fishing and accompanying Otis hunting and camping were special times for her. Verda was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Charlotte; a great-grandson; two brothers and four sisters. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Dale and Judy of Silt; and Garland and Rita of Montrose; a sister and brother-in-law, WillahMae and George Westall of Ruidoso, New Mexico; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. Verda was a Southern Baptist. Services will be held in Artesia, New Mexico on December 31, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Terpening Son Mortuary with burial at Woodbine Cemetery. Rifle Funeral Home and Terpening Son Mortuary in Artesia, New Mexico are handling the arrangements.