Sybil Mae Stevens

Stevens, Sybil Mae, a resident of Los Lunas since 1977 passed away September 5, 2011.She is survived by a son, Steve Stevens of Albuquerque, NM and daughter, Jean Emmons and son-in-law, Dave Emmons of Canon City, CO. She is also survived by granddaughter, Rene Holtam and husband Rob and great-grandchildren Ryan, Tanner, Tyler and Robbie of Centenniel, CO; sister-in-law Yoko Downey: niece Shirley Stout and her husband Barry; nephew Patrick Downey: and great-nephew Derek Stout; many friends including Bernice Coleman and Joe Garcia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry in 1957, her father, Arthur Downey, in 1982; her mother, Annie Mae Downey in 1997, her brother Stafford Downey in 2009, and one brother Stanley, who passed away at six months of age. She was born in Tucumcari, NM, December 3, 1926, but moved shortly thereafter to Memphis, TX, where she lived until age 12. The family then moved to Mountainair, NM, where she spent many happy years. Sybil moved with her family to Albuquerque in 1955. In 1957, she enrolled in and completed studies at Draughns Business School, and in 1962 she began college at the University of New Mexico majoring in Elementary Education. After graduating in 1966, Sybil taught school at Valle Vista Elementary School for 20 years. She was married to Dave VanNoy for 14 years and together they enjoyed many years raising and racing thoroughbred horses in the Belen area and later moving to Los Lunas. After retiring from Albuquerque Public Schools, Sybil worked part-time keeping books for a small business in Bosque Farms and Albuquerque, finally retiring at the age of 80.There will be a viewing at Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Mountainair, NM on Friday, September 9, 2011 from 11:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. The Funeral Service will be at 1:00p.m. with Ray Mondragon officiating. Pallbearers will be Dave Emmons, Steve Stevens, Pat Downey, Barry Stout, Derek Stout and Tom Wynn. Burial will follow the service at the Mountainair Cemetery in Mountainair, NM.