Irene Elizabeth (Martin) LaRue

Irene Elizabeth La Rue, 93, long time resident of Aztec, was called home to be with her Lord on Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Farmington. She was born Oct. 26, 1919, on a pinto bean farm on Hwy 66 outside of Moriarty. She was the 9th child of 12, born to John David and Alice Margaret (Gardner) Martin.
Irene had many entertaining stories about growing up on a farm during the depression years. Her family moved to Albuquerque when she entered the 9th grade. She graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1939.
Irene married the love of her life, Benson Ford (BF) LaRue in March 1939. They had 49 years together and three children.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Benson Ford; son Ford Conrad LaRue (Aug. 2004); grandson, Michael Jean LaRue (June 1976); parents and all of her brothers and sisters. There is a wonderful reunion going on as they welcome her home.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Lynn (Loren) Fothergill; son, Martin Andrew (Margie) LaRue; 8 grandchildren, Angelia LaRue, William LaRue, Alan Fothergill, Laura Fothergill (Jacob) Grant, Isaac (Caysie) LaRue, Jacob (Kelley) LaRue and Jesse LaRue and 3 great-grandchildren, Sydnie LaRue, Madilynn Grant and Jeffrey Grant.
Irene had three great loves, her Lord, her family and her home. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Aztec for 62 years. She held most of the lay post in the church. She was president of the Sarah Circle until her last illness.
Irene had a large garden where she grew irises and was a member of the San Juan Iris Club.
She was an avid crocheter and watched over her family like a mother hen.
A visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the Aztec United Methodist Church, 123 E. Chaco Ave. in Aztec with Jeff Symonds officiating.
Interment will follow in the Aztec Cemetery.
Pallbearers are William LaRue, Angelia LaRue, Isaac LaRue, Jesse LaRue, Alan Fothergill and Laura Grant.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jack Bunning, Gerald Williams, Jeff Wharton, Dr. William Barkman and Jack Bishop.
Irene's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec, 405 S. Main Ave., in Aztec 505-334-9332.