Helen Toney Sanderlin

Helen Toney Sanderlin passed away March 31, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

Helen was born in Hillsboro, NM on March 22, 1934, to George T. and Mae (Mackey) Whittenburg. The family moved to Deming in 1948 where she graduated from Deming High School in 1952.

Helen worked at New Mexico State Highway Department (NMDOT) for 28 years retiring as Assistant District Administrator. She was a master at traditional handwork crafts and was also a talented seamstress, making clothing for many people in the community. She won many awards at the yearly Cotton Extravaganza. Her favorite project was making Barbie Doll clothes for her daughters and granddaughters. She also had a passion for quilting, making quilts for her children and grandchildren for their High School graduation.

She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge of Deming for nearly 70 years joining at the age of 18. The lodge would receive quilt tops from all around the country and along with her fellow members they would quilt and finish them to be returned to become treasured family heirlooms. She enjoyed being on local bowling teams, traveling and tending to her rose garden.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Lydia Pummill (Mike) of Las Cruces and Kathy Barraza of Deming; her grandchildren, Amy Pummill of Japan, Jeramey Pummill (Dominque) of Las Cruces, Justen Barraza (Mindy Dominguez), and Victoria Barraza all of Deming; great-grandchildren, Giuliana Barraza, Angelita Rodriguez, Mia Pummill, Jane Barraza and James Pummill. She is also survived by her sister, Liz Whittenburg of Rio Rancho, NM. She was preceded in death by her brothers, James Whittenburg and William F. Whittenburg.

As per her wishes no services will be held. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.

If you would like to remember Helen, the family suggests you make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory.

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