Mary Kilmer

Mary Kilmer passed to our Lord on August 2, 2008, surrounded by her family. Mary was born on February 13, 1927, in Elk City, Oklahoma to Walter Franklin Baber and Xenia Juanita Woodman Baber. The family moved to Oklahoma City in 1929 where Mary grew up, graduating from Classen High School in 1945. Mary attended Oklahoma College for Women, graduating in 1949. She was a member of Sigma Iota national music fraternity, participated in the glee club and the school orchestra, and was also a member of the school year book production staff. She was elected to Whos Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Mary moved to Clovis in 1950 and began teaching music at Eugene Field Elementary School, where she met and married Dean Kilmer, her husband of 57 years. Mary then taught 5th grade at Highland Elementary, established the library at Yucca Jr. High School, and finished her career in school administration as Director of Libraries for Clovis Schools. Mary is survived by her husband, Dean; son, Eddie of Alamogordo, his wife, Leslie, and their children, Dean, Kevin and Kylie; son, Clay of Albuquerque, his wife, Gail and their children Keaton and Alex. She is also survived by her sister, Nora and her husband, Jack Bass of Albuquerque, and nieces, Adelia Beth Sanders, Nita Ann Williams, Gail Sullivan, Barbara Keim, Jackie Anderson, and nephews, Paul Bass and John Bass. Mary is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings; Eldon, Jack and Nadine Peeler and niece, Georgann Worley.

Mary was a tireless worker and generous giver of many things, including her time and effort. She and Dean built a mountain cabin during their summer breaks from teaching where she and her family and friends spent many happy summers and holidays. After retiring in 1984, Mary continued working on numerous projects and became a highly accomplished craftswoman, creating uncommonly beautiful and ornate quilts, as well as many other original creations. Mary never lost her curiosity and was never afraid to try new things. She began to use the computer at age 65 to stay in touch with family and friends, and taught herself to use a computer-driven sewing machine to create complex and beautiful embroidery stitching. Her work will live on for generations. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be remembered fondly and vividly for her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held at Kingswood Methodist Church in Clovis, 2600 N. Main Street on Saturday, August 9 at one oclock. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Plains Regional Cancer Center, 2219 Dillon Street, Clovis, New Mexico, 88101.Arrangements are under the direction of Steed-Todd Funeral Home 800 E. Manana Blvd Clovis, New Mexico, 88101 575 763-5541 www.steedtodd.com.
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