Betty Adams

Betty J Adams 92, passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2023, at La Posada Assisted Living in Las Cruces, NM where she resided for the last few years of her life. Betty was born January 10th, 1931 in Slaton, Texas to Paul and Alethea Sparkman. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim in 2002, son Gary in 1972, her parents, sister Gay Gillia, and Gay's husband Roy.

She graduated from Hot Springs High School in Truth or Consequences, NM in 1948. While enrolled in college at West Texas State College in Canyon, Texas she met and married the love of her life Jim Adams in 1950. Following graduation in 1951 they moved to T. or C. where Betty began her teaching career as a fourth-grade teacher at Hot Springs Elementary. In 1960 the family moved to Las Cruces where she taught fifth grade for many years then sixth grade math and science at Alameda Elementary until her retirement in 1985. In 1966 she received a Master of Teaching degree from NMSU. Betty was a dedicated teacher who was exceptionally devoted to her students.

During her life she enjoyed square dancing and gardening as well as traveling, camping, and boating with her family. After retiring from teaching, golf became a favorite pastime giving her the opportunity to make many new friends and regular rounds became an important part of her life.

Later in life Betty became an avid student of the computer. The world of technology held tremendous fascination for her resulting in continued excitement as she pursued additional education in the field at Dona Ana Community College. She was always available and excited to help friends as they learned the world of computers.

Betty was a generous, caring person who was always ready to help both friends and strangers or embark on a new adventure. Ever the teacher it always brought her great delight to learn new ideas and share them with the people she loved. Spending time with her family, visiting new places together, reading, playing dominoes, and talking into the night were great joys in her life.

Betty is survived by daughter Debbie, her husband Mike of Las Cruces, grandson Stephen Cruzan, his wife Autumn of Napa, CA, and many loving friends.

Betty's family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the entire nursing and administrative staff of La Posada and Mesilla Valley Hospice for the amazing and loving care they provided for her. She thrived during her time with them and always felt at home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, February 10th at the Farm and Ranch Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces in the Organ Terrace Room. In lieu of flowers her family would prefer contributions to Mesilla Valley Hospice, Inc: 299 East Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005; The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; Children's Art Project; PO Box 301435; Houston, TX 77230-1435 https://childrensartproject.org/; or the Ronald McDonald House Charities, New Mexico; 1011 Yale Blvd, NE; Albuquerque, NM 87106.