Mary Ellen Foster

Mary Ellen Clark Foster was born July 30, 1928, in Pinos Altos, NM, to Zoie Lavina (Henry) Clark and Ely Alonzo Clark.   She passed away peacefully July 6, 2021, at Fort Bayard Medical Center with her granddaughter, nurse Janis Garner by her side.

Visitation will from 5 to 6 pm on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Baca’s Funeral Chapels.  The Funeral Service for Mary Ellen will follow at 6 pm with Rev. David Goble, officiating.  Concluding services and burial will be at 9 am on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at The Gila Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers will be Joe Garner, Steve Jones, Colten Davis, Cordell Davis, Roper Williamson (Grandma Mary’s long tall Texan) and Ronen Williamson.  Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Williamson, Jubal Williamson, Jason Hamilton, Homer Young Junior, Gene Stailey, friends and family.

Mary Ellen spent her early childhood at Pleasanton, NM; then moved with her family to Riverside, NM, in time to start first grade at Cliff Elementary School.  She graduated from Cliff High School May 30, 1946, and married the love of her life, Ray Foster, June 1, 1946.  From this union their daughter Sandra “Sandy” Rae was born.   Mary Ellen received her Bachelor of Arts degree from WNMU in May of 1970 and her Master of Arts in Teaching in 1972.  She taught at Dugan Tarango Middle School in Lordsburg for a number of years.   Mary Ellen was active in the Rosedale Water Association, was instrumental in obtaining the Senior Citizen Center at Gila and the Masons and Eastern Star.  She was a Life Member of Georgetown Chapter Number 4 Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Gila Valley Baptist Church.   Ray and Mary Ellen lived on the Mangus, the Mimbres, Silver City and California, briefly; before moving back to Riverside after Ray’s parents passed away.  Ray built their home and they spent many happy days there, raising their cattle.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Ray; her older brother Ely Clark Jr; son-in-law Wilton “Bub” Williamson and her parents Zoie and Ely Clark.  Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter Sandy (Grady Littleton), grandchildren Janis Garner (Joe), Jolene Jones (Steve), Justin Williamson, Jubal Williamson (Lindy), Darrell Shelton, Gary Littleton (Shelly), Jimmy Littleton (Regina) and Wayne Littleton (Shawna).  She leaves behind fifteen great grandchildren and eight great, great grandchildren and three special nieces, Linda Brady of Mission Viejo, CA, Barbara Shaner of Valencia, CA, and Chris Anderson of Sagle, ID.

Mary Ellen’s family would like to hank the staff of Fort Bayard Medical Center for all they did for our mom and grandmother.  You were so kind considerate and thoughtful to her, and we so appreciate each and everything you did for her.  Your kindness were notice and will always be remembered.

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