Jane Spencer

Jane D. Spencer (68), a long time resident of Alto, NM passed away on 7 February 2018 after a lengthy battle with dementia. She was born in Clovis, NM, graduated from Loretta Heights College in Denver, CO, and taught elementary and special education there for 11 years. She met the love of her life, Weldon, in Raton, NM during their travels back to New Mexico for the Christmas holidays in 1982.

During her 35 years living in Alto, she was active in several community organizations including the Alto Architectural Control Committee and was a founding member of what is now known as the Alto Property Owners Association. She was very proud of her 5+ years as president of the Lincoln County Humane Society and was instrumental in establishing the very first Thrift Shop. Her mentor, Earline Phillips, founder of that worthy society, taught her how to be a good steward of those who could not speak. She also supervised many local adoption events and fund-raisers, helping to subsidize the adoption fees which allowed people of limited means to adopt needy animals. Jane was a faithful member and supporter of St. Eleanor's Roman Catholic Church and donated the statue of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, which graces the main entrance. She would often care for Father Al Galvan's beloved dog, Princess, whenever he had to leave Ruidoso. Jane was an avid collector of native Indian artwork and her home was often the joyous gathering place for friends and neighbors in the Ruidoso/Alto region. She also worked tirelessly helping her husband with his businesses as secretary, receptionist, bookkeeper, financial advisor, and peacemaker. As a loving, generous, step-mom, she never missed a birthday or holiday for Weldon's children and grandchildren.

Jane was proceeded in death by her parents, Ted and Marie Waldhauser, sister Judy Vaughan, and brother Teddy Waldhauser. She is survived by her twin sister, Jean Wicker, and eldest sister, Joanne Nuckols, both of Clovis. She leaves her grieving husband, her step-daughters Staci Spencer Settles, Leslee Long, and their children, Max, Jack, Payton, & McCade, godson, Max Figueroa, and numerous nieces and nephews in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 16, at St Eleanor's Roman Catholic Church, 140 Junction Road, Ruidoso, NM. There will be a private internment for family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lincoln County Humane Society.

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