Benolyn Kay Mckibben

BENOLYN KAY MCKIBBEN, 69, of Claunch, New Mexico, passed away early Thursday, January 2, 2014, after a long illness. She was born to the late Floyd Brunson and Kate Brunson Tally, September 11, 1944, in Alamogordo, NM. The widowed Kate married Harvey Tally who was Benolyn’s father as she grew up. Benolyn graduated from Capitan High School in 1963. She married John McKibben in 1963, at her parent’s home at Bonito. She and John made their home near Claunch, New Mexico, lived in Clovis a short time and relocated to Claunch for the remainder of their married life. Benolyn worked as a dedicated mother and wife, a cook and bus driver at Corona Public Schools, and a Postmaster at Claunch, New Mexico. Benolyn was preceded in death by her son Alvie, her parents and her brother Lynn. Benolyn is survived by her husband, John, of the home, her son Mozaun and partner Hillary of Whitesboro, TX, daughter Lynette of Corona, NM, grandchildren Price McKibben, Kylen and McKenzie Straley, and Sheldon McKibben. Benolyn is also survived by sisters Dawn Satathite, Ronnie Smith and husband Donald, Audrey Guy and husband Ray, brothers Floyd H. Brunson, Harvey Tally and wife Nancy, Will Tally and Pam, Jake Tally, Steven Tally and wife Judy. Benolyn was a friend to all she met, a much loved wife, mother and respected community member. Her smile and laughter will be missed by all who loved her. There will be a visitation on Sunday, January 5, 2014 from 3:00PM to 4:00PM at Harris-Hanlon Morturay in Mountainair, NM. The funeral service will be on Monday, January 6, 2014 at 11:00AM at the Claunch Community Church in Claunch, NM with Pastor Michael Hance officiating. Pallbearers will be Harvey Tally, Will Tally, Steve Tally, Butch Brunson, Mozaun McKibben, Wendel Wells, and Billy Bob Shafer. Honorary Pallbearers will be Frank Cozzen, Bill Wells, Bill Montgomery, Pete Cordova, Jerry Cozzen, and Jake Tally. Burial will follow the service at the Claunch Cemetery in Claunch, NM.