Esther Lucille Hardin

It is with personal sorrow that we announce the passing of Esther Lucille Arnall Hardin, who graduated this life and entered the Church Triumphant on December 25, 2025, at the age of 96. Born in Artesia, New Mexico, Lucille spent most of her adult life in Las Cruces and in the Fort Worth, Texas area. She delighted in returning "home" last year when she moved back to the city she loved.

Lucille married Neil Hardin in Albuquerque, NM in June 1950. At first, they made their home in Artesia, but by 1958 moved to Las Cruces. Lucille was a homemaker until all her children were in school. She worked as a secretary at various businesses in town and then worked at NMSU in the Agriculture College, the English Department, and the Foreign Languages Department, from which she retired.

Lucille leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to her family and is remembered as a very loving mom who always put her husband and children first. She is survived by her children, Dave Hardin (Anita), Laura Sollars (Gilbert), and Janet Sanders (Jim); grandchildren, Valerie, Lincoln, Amanda, Ryan, Travis, Jessica, Aria, and Hana; and six great-grandchildren: Gwen, Clara, Amelia, Hayley, Regina, and Dash. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Neil, daughter, Karen Mavvaji and infant son, John Richard.

A celebration of Lucille’s life will be held at University United Methodist Church, 2000 S. Locust, at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 immediately followed by a graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley.