Ruth Louise (Bonham) Nordyke

Ruth L. Nordyke passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 9, 2016, in Farmington, NM, at the age of 71.

She leaves her loving husband of 48 years, Craig J. Nordyke; their two daughters, Wendy Petersen and Jody Wacker; sons-in-law, Buddy Petersen and Adam Wacker; seven grandchildren; her sister, Barbara Ferguson; her brother, Gordon Bonham; and many close friends.

Ruthie, a lifelong resident of NM, was born in Raton and grew up in Albuquerque, the youngest of Virginia Strong's five children. After graduating from Highland High School in 1963, she attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where she met her husband, Craig. After earning a bachelor's degree in Home Economics in 1967, she and Craig married on June 8, 1968 in their beloved Pecos Wilderness.

Together they experienced all the Land of Enchantment has to offer. Shortly after their daughters were born, they moved from Pecos to Tijeras, then to Las Cruces in 1985, retiring in Farmington in 1998.

Ruthie lived her life as a committed follower of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Motivated by her love for kids, she gave over 40 years of her life to teaching children about God's love for them through Sunday school, camp, community Bible study, and youth activities. In Farmington, she served as a very active member of Piñon Hills Community Church and leader in Farmington's Community Bible Study.

Mrs. Nordyke loved children best by teaching them in her own creative way and with her own brand of energy and style. She taught elementary grades within the New Mexico Public School system for about 18 years in Pecos, Las Cruces, and Farmington. Definitely not one to get stuck in the textbook, Mrs. Nordyke put the students first and would go to great lengths to make sure they learned.

Ruthie would say her most important job in life was being a mother. She was blessed to be able to take a hiatus from teaching while her girls were young. She and Craig raised their two daughters in a loving home, taught them about God's love, and to be hardworking, honest and productive Americans. The family was active in church, 4-H, sports, music, and fun.

She will be best remembered by those who knew her for her fun and creative approach to life.
"In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be sent to Pinon Hills Community Church, 5101 N. Dustin Ave.
Farmington, NM 87401. Please memo Pinon Hills Academy or Nordyke Memorial."

A memorial Service will be at 10:00am, Wednesday July 20th at Pinon Hill Community Church 5101 N. Dustin in the Student Leadership Center. Ruthie's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington. (505)325-8688.