Beverly M. Conner

Beverly M. Conner

1938-2023

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Beverly Conner announce that she passed peacefully on Feb. 19, 2023, at her home in Rio Communities. She was 84 years young at heart.

Beverly was born and raised in Gallup. She grew up on the north side of town with a group of kids who remained friends for the rest of their lives. She was a Rainbow girl, a member of Debettes and cheerleading in high school, as well as playing the marimba in band.

She grew up and married her grade school sweetheart, James Conner. She graduated from Gallup High School in 1956, and married James in December of that year. They moved to Ft. Bragg, N.C., where Jim was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army, and their first son was born.

They returned and raised their family in Gallup, where Jim worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, and where most of their family members resided. Bev was a past fireman lady, and a student of many art teachers. As a mom, she was a Cub Scout troop leader, and many times a baseball team mom. She was also a 30-plus years member of Sewing Club.

In 1987, BNSF Railroad ran through their hometown and they were relocated and moved to Los Lunas. Lucky for Bev, her children and many of her hometown friends were from railroad families, and moved to Valencia County also.

Beverly is preceded in death by her parents, John and Lorease Matte; youngest son, John Conner (1978); eldest son, James R. Conner (2016); sister, DeAnn Chiapetti (2021); and many close relatives all from Gallup. Her little dog, Princess passed in 2022, and is waiting for her.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, James B. Conner; daughter, Kim Lewis (Scott); sister, Carolee Gurley; and daughter-in-law, Laurie Conner, both of Gallup; grandchildren, Casey Conner, Crystal Sanchez (Jesse), Jordan Sanchez(Jon) and Katelyn Sanchez (Mariano); great grandchildren, Scotti and Jonny Sanchez, Brooklyn Sanchez; and step great-grandchildren, Jaycee Sanchez, Mariano Jr. and Mason Sanchez. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and their next generations.

Beverly was an incredibly talented woman. She had a passion for oil painting and miniatures, including making miniature porcelain dolls. She enjoyed home decorating and anything she couldn’t find, she would make or sew. She learned to play piano by ear and she also played the organ. She loved music.

Bev was also an excellent cook, and made the best cinnamon rolls ever. Many will remember the parties she hosted, from Christmas and other holidays, to her grandson’s Little League team swimming parties.

Beverly was a compassionate, kind woman, with a great sense of humor. She was one of three musketeers along with her two sisters. She will be missed terribly.

We would like to express our appreciation to Bev’s many caregivers and helpers. A special thanks to Tina and Wendi for the kindness you showed and the many laughs and chocolate cherries.

Services for Beverly will be Saturday, March 4, with a viewing at 10 a.m., followed by services at First United Methodist Church in Gallup. Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.