Marla Jane Hightower

MARLA JANE HIGHTOWER, passed away April 17, 2014 peacefully. She was born in San Diego Ca. to James and Frances Vedder on May 6, 1955. Graduated Pt. Loma High School in 1973 in San Diego Ca. and later became a computer programmer. Marla truly enjoyed being with her family. She never missed any of her grandsons (Taj), practices or games. During her younger days, Marla enjoyed the beach, working on a sport fishing boat and driving a taxi in San Diego. She loved telling the tourist about San Diego. Upon moving to Ruidoso, she enjoyed working in the T-shirt store and visiting with the tourist and answering questions about the history of Ruidoso. Her passions were gardening, taking pictures and watching the birds, elk and wild horses out her window. She always had a story to tell about them. Not only was Marla’s heart big, it was so strong and loving. She never said bad word about anyone. She donated her hair several times for children with cancer. Any donation, had her name on it, as she would donate her last dollar to help where she could. Marla leaves behind, her beloved and caring husband Bill. Her very cherished sons James Kellogg of Ruidoso and Steve Kellogg and his wife Jessie of Lemon Grove Ca. Grandchildren Taj, Avril and Alden she loved so. Sister Irene and her husband Harry Pettersen of Ruidoso. A brother Terry and his wife Laura Vedder of Colorado. Aunt Nancye Vedder of San Diego Ca, Step sister and Brother Jenny Toddy and Wesley Jones of California. And lots of cousins. Nieces and Nephew Amy, Heather, Ben, Alexandria, Brianna, Jacob, Michael, Lena, Joshia, Andrew, Matthew, Preston, KC and Boyd. In-laws, David and Kayla Hightower Alto NM, Mary and Larry Preston of Oklahoma, Clara and Roger Leuty of Oklahoma, Imogine and Clifford Laster of New Mexico. Proceeded in Death by James Vedder Father, Frances Jones mother, Niece Sara Lepard, Nephews William Gerhardt and Thomas Tollison, Step Father Kenneth Jones and Step Brother Norman Jones. She fought a hard battle with Cancer and never complained. Marla passed away on what would have been her precious nieces, Sara’s 21st Birthday. Marla and Sara are with our Lord in Heaven. Services will be held at Angus cemetery the 10th of May at 11:00 am officiating will be Pastor Chris Weaver.