Elinore Molyneaux Herriman

Elinore Molyneaux Porter Herriman (December 13. 1922 – February 21, 2026)passed away peacefully at the Village at Northrise Las Cruces, New Mexico. She was one of 5 children born to George and Elinor Porter in Richey, Montana, population 350. Life in a small town did not slow down either Elinore or her siblings. They were all accomplished, intelligent and gifted.

After leaving Richey, Elinore earned a degree in nursing in Los Angeles, CA. She accepted a seasonal position for the summer at Yellowstone National Park as a park nurse, there she met Walter Herriman who was a Summer Seasonal Ranger for the NPS and a tenured teacher within the Wichita, Kansas ISD. After marrying, both returned to Wichita, Elinore as a school nurse and Walter as a High School Counselor and teacher. After moving to Southern California for a while, Walter took a position as a National Park Ranger at the Grand Canyon National Park with Elinore at his side. This led to a lifetime of Service in places like St. John’s, Virgin Islands and eventually Chaco Canyon Cultural Historical Park, New Mexico. Walter was Park Superintendent at Chaco Canyon and Elinore welcomed all into their home. She had an outsized impact on the local Navajo population with her spirit, joy and graciousness. Chaco hosted many young interns over the years, and all remember her as one of the greatest influences in their lives. When Walter retired, they relocated to Las Cruces, NM.

Elinore was a gifted artist, working both in pastel and oil. She became a member of the local Artists Guild. Many of her paintings were exhibited within Las Cruces City Hall and the Main Library. She enjoyed trying different art mediums and joined in on diverse local classes. Elinore enjoyed all games. She was a member of the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) and the local Duplicate Bridge Club. She continued to play bridge until her late 90’s. She was still playing yahtzee and scrabble at 102! She was an enormous football fan. She watched as many games as possible, rooting on Kansas City Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.

Elinore was loving, giving, humble and appreciative. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was an example of how we are to treat others. Her kind gentleness and love were always on display. Everyone who was close to Elinore became a better person. Her older brother, George, often said, “When she walks in the room, she brings the sunshine.” She was the personification of the “Greatest Generation”. All who knew her, loved her. If you wish to make a donation in her name she was a supporter of Animal Services Center of Mesilla Valley (a no kill policy). Website: ASCMV.ORG