In Memoriam

Taylor Marley, 32, a proud sixth-generation New Mexican rancher, passed away on February 10, 2020 in Roswell on the ranch he loved so dearly. Throughout his life, Taylor cherished the time he spent building a ranching legacy alongside his parents and grandparents and loved sharing this tradition with his beloved wife and daughters. Born on August 28, 1987 in Roswell, Taylor will always be remembered for his sweet and caring spirit, infectious laugh, mischievous smile, hilarious jokes and warm-hearted nature. He simply loved life and shared this with everyone around him. No one could light up a room more than Taylor. Whether he was creating a strategic business plan or showcasing his horsemanship and marksmanship skills with the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, Taylor was all in, all the time. Taylor’s competitive nature fueled him to win a Rifle World Championship title and two AQHA Reserve World Championship titles. A graduate of the New Mexico Military Institute in 2006 and TCU Ranch Management in 2010, Taylor was passionate about his alma maters. He loved watching his beloved TCU Horned Frogs play football and was the consummate tailgate host to his adoring friends. True and lasting friendships were an integral part of Taylor’s life, and he made everyone around him feel special and loved. Family meant everything to Taylor. His loving parents, Kathryn and Mark, and his treasured sister, Kate, along with Taylor, were the closest of families creating memories of a lifetime. Then, in 2014, Taylor married the love of his life, Molly McKinney of Ft. Worth, TX, to begin their own family on the ranch. Molly and Taylor were blessed with two precious daughters, Margot (3) and Charlotte (1), and he loved nothing more than spending time with them. He deeply cherished his roles as husband, father, son, brother, grandson and friend. Taylor Marley made a lasting impact on those he loved and will be profoundly missed. Taylor is survived by his wife, Molly McKinney Marley; his daughters, Margot and Charlotte; his parents, Kathryn and Mark Marley; his sister, Kate Marley; his grandparents, Betty and John King, and Lauralee Marley McCrea, his step-grandfather, David McCrea; his in-laws Mary and Paul McKinney, his sister-in-law Harriet McKinney and his brother-in-law Charles McKinney. Taylor is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends and family.

Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion, 81, Fort Worth, whose epic Texas life included prominence as a leading rancher and horsewoman, philanthropist, and an internationally respected art collector and patron of the arts, died on February 11, 2020 in California after a battle with lung cancer. With her husband, John L. Marion, Mrs. Marion founded the renowned Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The museum opened in 1997 with 50 paintings, but today features 2500 paintings and objects and has become one of the state’s most beloved attractions. Mrs. Marion was chairman of the museum for twenty years and was appointed chairman emeritus in 2017. But Mrs. Marion also put her indelible mark on the cultural life of her home city, Fort Worth. She was born Anne Burnett Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, the great-granddaughter of Samuel “Burk” Burnett, legendary Texas rancher, landowner and oilman. The daughter of Anne Burnett Tandy and James Goodwin Hall, Mrs. Marion inherited her parents’ love of horses as well as oilfields and the land. Those holdings today include the historic 6666 Ranch in King County, Texas. The “one of the most storied outfits in Texas,” is world-renowned for its Black Angus cattle and American Quarter Horses. The three ranches today encompass 275,000 acres. According to Western Horseman, which profiled the ranch in a 2019 cover story, Mrs. Marion’s attachment to the ranch was deep and lifelong. She described her youth “growing up on the ranch was one of the most important things that had happened to her,” because of the discipline, work and experience it provided. Her leadership, ac tive involvement and management were much appreciated by the ranch’s cowboys. The ranch was among the first in the industry to provide medical benefits and retirement plans to its staff. Mrs. Marion also insisted on excellent living and working conditions and benefits for the cowboys, which inspired their deep devotion and explained why many worked the ranch for decades. In addition to serving as chairman of Burnett Ranches, she was the chairman and founder of the Burnett Oil company, and president of the Burnett Foundation. Over nearly 40 years, the foundation has distributed more than $600 million in charitable grants, supporting arts and humanities; community development; education, health and human services. Her generous philanthropy was not limited to the financial. Her board directorships reflected her wide-ranging interests. In addition to the Kimbell Art Foundation and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, she was director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in Fort Worth; member of the Board of Overseers of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York City; and director emeritus of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, among others. Her past directorships included the board of regents of Texas Tech University, The Museum of Modern Art in New York and The Fort Worth Stock Show. Her many awards include the Great Woman of Texas (2003); the Bill King Award for Agriculture in 2007, the first woman to receive this award; and in 1996 the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, in Santa Fe, N.M. She was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in 2005; the American Quarter Horse Association’s Hall of Fame in 2007 and The Great Hall of Westerners National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 2009. Mrs. Marion is survived by her husband, John L. Marion, Chairman Emeritus of Sotheby’s and former Chairman and Chief Auctioneer of the international art auction house. He and Mrs. Marion were married in 1988. She is also survived by her daughter, Windi Grimes (husband David); John Marion, Jr.; Debbie Marion Murray (husband Mike); Therese Marion; Michelle Marion; and eight grandchildren.

Clayton Williams, 88, Midland, a colorful Texas oilman and philanthropist died on February 14, 2020 at his home after struggling with pneumonia surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Williams, who graduated from Texas A&M University in 1954, provided millions to the school, including providing the lead gift in 1985 toward the construction of the school’s alumni center, which is named for him, the university’s alumni association said on its website. Williams was known for his cowboy image and colorful phrases, one which cost him the Texas Governor’s seat in 1990. Williams was also remembered as a generous benefactor. Williams, who grew up in Fort Stockton, started his career by selling oil and gas leases there. In 2017, Noble Energy agreed to buy Williams’ Midland-based Clayton Williams Energy for $2.7 billion in stock and cash. Clayton was passionate about everything he did from his family to his ranches and premier Brangus cattle to

his oil business. He will be missed. Fred & Kathy Allen, Canyon, Texas, formerly of Las Vegas, New Mexico passed away on February 21, 2020. Fred was born in San Angelo, Texas to Fred and Rulene Foster Allen (Smith). Kathy was born in Delta, Colorado to Edwin and Margaret Doyle McMurray. They both graduated from Robertson High School in Las Vegas, Fred with the Class of ’60 and Kathy with the Class of ’64. Fred received a Bachelors in Agricultural Science from New Mexico State University and Kathy received a Masters in English from New Mexico Highlands University. Fred was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967. Fred and Kathy were married in Las Vegas on December 10, 1967. Fred was a rancher, while Kathy was a homemaker and English teacher. They were members of First United Methodist Church of Las Vegas, NM and Rociada Baptist Church in Rociada, NM. Kathy was an active member of P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter H and former member of P.E.O Sisterhood Chapter AC, both of Las Vegas. Above all, they loved each other, their family, and their friends, all of whom were a big part of their lives. Survivors include their son, Mark Shawn Allen, Canyon; daughter, Marlene Allen McConlogue (husband, Scott), Chandler, Arizona; two grandsons; Kathy’s sisters, Macky Spurlock, Decatur, Illinois; Rita Hightower (husband, Dennis “Moe”), Verona, Missouri; and Aleta Mallette (husband, Russ), Las Vegas; and numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arlyn Wade Mitchell, 31, Monahans, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on February 7, 2020, in Fort Worth Texas following an extended illness. Arlyn was born February 14, 1988, in Raton. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a Pipeline Strawboss in the Petroleum Industry but still loved his cowboy way of life. Surviving Arlyn are his parents, Roy and Susan Mitchell, Mosquero; his sister, Ludy Hawthorne (husband Patrick) Monahans; Ludy’s four children; his uncle, Buck (wife Sharon), Melrose; his aunts, Ann Ayres (husband Jim), Bridgeport, Texas and Sue Hare (husband Sandy), Canyon; his grandmother, Crystel Terry, Tucumcari NM.

Wayne Edgar Saulsberry, 76, Magdalena, passed away on February 16, 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a long illness. Wayne was born on July 29, 1943, in Albuquerque, the oldest son of Fred and Lois (Burt) Saulsberry He grew up on the family ranch near Datil. He attended grade school in Datil, and High School in Magdalena, graduating from there in 1960. He married Kate Jones on June 19, 1965 at Lordsburg. They met while they were students at New Mexico State University where Wayne graduated in 1964 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. They lived first in Quemado, then moved to Magdalena where they have lived since 1972. They had three sons, Ty, Chad and Todd. He was totally devoted to them and supported them in their rodeo events-bull riding and calf roping. Wayne was president of New Mexico Jr. Rodeo and New Mexico High School Rodeo through the years. He also inspected and bled cattle for the Livestock Board for many years. He is survived by his beloved wife and friend, Kate Saulsberry, his sons Tyler (wife Rhonda) and their two children; Chad (wife Charity) and their two sons; and Todd (wife Trisha) and their three children. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews, as well as seven first cousins. K. Leroy Tucker, 91, Pinto Creek, Roosevelt, Arizona, passed away February 2, 2020, in his home. His wife and three children were with him. He born July 18, 1928, in Greenback, East of Tonto Basin, Arizona. Leroy was raised in Greenback which is east of Tonto Basin. Working was his motto. He learned farming, hunting, trapping, and roping when he was growing up. His family bought the HZ Ranch, at Pinto Creek, Roosevelt and that’s where he began his ranching career. He married a neighboring, rancher’s daughter, Velma Stewart, at the ranch, in1949. His ranching expanded from Roosevelt to California, back to Arizona to a ranch off of Highway 60 near Globe then back to Roosevelt and the A Cross. He eventually moved back to his former home in Pinto Creek. He also had ranches in Kansas, New Mexico, and now Texas. His three children Tenna Payne, Roy Dale Tucker and Lee Ann Tucker are some of his proudest achievements. He was named the Houston Texas Champion Calf Roper, Arizona’s AllAround Champion Roper, The Ring of Honor Roper, and Arizona’s Pioneer Stockman. Other honors were: Gila County Cattle Growers’ President, Arizona Cattle Growers’ Director, as well as on the ASCS and U.S. Forest Service Advisory Boards. He kept busy as that was how he lived. But when he was unable to work anymore due to his battle with cancer, is when his life was cut short.

Esther Effie Wilson, 80, Roswell, joined her beloved husband on the other side on January 19, 2020. She was born on December 7, 1939, to Earl and Evelyn Spence in Lewis County, Kentucky. Upon her parents’ deaths, Esther was raised by her mother’s best friends, Herb and Dora Evans. Esther married the love of her life, at Bowen Chapel Church in Olive Hill, Kentucky, on December 24, 1956. She then graduated from Olive Hill High School in 1957. In 1976, Esther, her husband, and their three children moved to New Mexico, with a fire in their hearts to make Christ Jesus known to the Navajo Reservations as Missionaries. They founded and established five churches throughout New Mexico and Arizona. She stayed active in Mission work until 2008. A strong, gentle, and kind person, Esther loved the Lord. She was admired for her beautiful heart, her knack of making a beautiful home, growing roses, and good country cooking. Esther was a wonderful wife and even a better mother to three children. She was nicknamed “Shuggie,” “Pumpsies,” “Queen Esther,” “Grandma,” “Aunt Esther,” and “Tuffy,” by her friends and family, and “Toots” by her Dad. “Tuffy” was a name she earned from many health issues she faced and overcame. We think she had nine lives! Esther had a colostomy bag she named after Hillary Clinton. We asked her why she chose that name and she said, “Well, Dear, isn’t that obvious?” She was a spitfire. She loved riding in her grandson, Bronson’s semi, hauling livestock from ranch to ranch and checking cows with him. She also loved riding in the side-by-side with great-grandchildren Garrett and Madison. Kisses from Tripp were the best! Esther treasured the hugs, and FaceTime calls from Conner and Creed and loved holding Courtney and her curly noggin. She loved Analia lying beside her in her hospital bed. Her heart was full of love for her family, and she showed love to everyone she met. Esther loved Mike’s hugs! She also loved spurring with David Corn. Esther loved the gentle love of the entire Corn Family! Those left to cherish memories of Esther are her daughters: Corrina Kay Wilson and Jennifer Corn (husband Mike); her beautiful grandchildren: Jessica Cowden (husband Craig), Bronson Corn (wife Barbara), Jennifer Dru Corn, Carl David Wilson, Jr. (wife AnaMaria), Meagan Wilson, Travis Avery Wilson, Mariah Ortiz, Tiffany Jarmillo (husband Josh); and 18 great-grandchildren.

Editor’s Note: Email caren@aaalivestock.com. Memorial donations may be sent to the Cattlegrowers’ Foundation, a 501(c)3, tax deductable charitable foundation serving the rights of ranch families and educating citizens on governmental actions, policies & practices. Cattlegrowers Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 7517, Albuquerque, NM 87194. The NM Stockman runs memorials as a courtesy to its readers. If families & friends would like to see more detail, verbatim pieces may be printed at 10 ¢ p/word.

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NMSU, Arrowhead Center Moving on Northern New Mexico AgriBusiness Accelerator Pilot T he Northeast New Mexico AgriBusiness Accelerator is coming to life in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. The economic development program, envisioned and supported by State Senator Pete Campos, D-District 8, has two main goals that will address on-the-ground food production challenges and entrepreneurial development in the region.

The first phase of the pilot program, funded by New Mexico Legislative appropriation, is underway.

“It is not only the appropriations we have been working on, it’s the investment of people,” Sen. Campos said. “They are definitely buying into the fact that this is going to be the future of their region. We are ning, production and sale of fresh vegetables and fruits for local and regional markets,” said Michael Patrick, NMSU Extension community resource and economic development specialist.

The training will include workshops, field demonstrations and mentoring in all aspects of vegetable and fruit production. “The farm will provide the farmers-in-training with access to land, water, equipment and tools,” Patrick said. “It will serve as a model that can be replicated across the state. The project will also leverage existing assets throughout the region where appropriate.”

Arrowhead Center, housed on NMSU’s campus, is facilitating strategic planning sessions with entrepreneurial and community leadership in Las Vegas and surrounding areas.

At the initial session, 28 members of the community began the process of assessing what agricultural skills, knowledge and facilities exist in the region.

“This effort will support the development and strengthening of our entrepreneurial network as part of the Arrowhead Community Entrepreneurship Program,” said Isabella Pedicone, senior program specialist with Arrowhead Accelerator Programs. “The planning sessions will help tailor the agri-business accelerator program to fit the needs of the community.”

Designed to address the challenges farmers and value-added agribusinesses are facing, the Northeast New Mexico Agribusiness Accelerator will provide businesses with an opportunity to grow and sustain successful ventures to increase jobs and income levels, and improve the welfare of families and communities in the region.

▫seeing people within the communities and region becoming more invested with their time and expertise.”

New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service and Arrowhead Center’s collaborative efforts will combine the establishment of a training farm at Los Lunas City Schools’ former Memorial Middle School campus, the Speed of Business Boot Camps, and continued business development support to revitalize the region’s economy.

The NMSU Agribusiness Accelerator Training Farm will address challenges and opportunities for improving farm and ranch productivity; increasing production levels and strengthening local supply-chains, such as food hubs to move locally produced food to local markets, consumers and beyond; increasing value-added food and other product activities; and conducing entrepreneurship training programs for stakeholders in the region.

“Las Vegas City Schools is providing twoacres with water rights where people interested in farming will be taught planJohn M. Heckendorn, Vice President 1209 US Rt 66, Suite C, Moriarty, NM 87035-3422 Office: 505-832-5092 • Cell: 505-379-8212 www.cbcnm.bank NEW Loan Production Office for Citizens Bank of Clovis in Moriarty, focusing on Agriculture and Business Loans Farming is your livelihood, and it’s our business to help protect that.

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Bethany Posey