Ann Emery

Ann Kathleen Emery (Sorrells) passed away peacefully with family at her bedside on the night of January 7, 2022, at La Posada Assisted Living in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Ann was born in Tampa, Florida on March 7, 1935, to Jessie Aleta (Schoonover) and Fred Sorrells. She grew up on her family farm near Augusta, Illinois raised by her grandmother and beloved Aunt Virgie while her mother served in WWII as an Army nurse in the WACS. After graduating from Mount Sterling High School, Ann enrolled in the University of Maryland overseas study program and joined her mother in post-war Germany. There she met her future husband Charles Frederick Emery, who was stationed nearby. The couple married February 15, 1955. They and their children Laura Ann, Nancy Aleta and Charles Frederick (Chuck/Rick) moved to Mesilla Park, NM in 1967, and soon afterward Phillip York was born. Spurred by the loss of Phillip to leukemia in 1982, Ann undertook to continue her education. Upon earning her bachelor's at New Mexico State University, she completed her Master's of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University, specializing in grief counseling. Ann then began her career as a bereavement counselor at Fort Bliss Army Base where her exemplary service was recognized by the Army's Award for Excellence. Ann's love of music and singing led her to join Sweet Adelines groups in El Paso and Las Cruces. She sang with a resonant baritone, and her choruses and quartets competed successfully throughout the southwest. Many remember Ann as a generous hostess who welcomed family and friends into her lovely, if chaotic, home. Tender brisket, pinto beans and green chile (Hatch, of course) salsa were mainstays at her table. An avid player of Trivial Pursuit and dominos, Ann kept the competition lively with her quick wit and sense of humor. Ann was predeceased by her husband Charles and youngest son Phillip. She is survived by three children: Laura Emery and partner David Duarte of Las Cruces, Nancy Emery and husband Eric Schlepphorst of Hopkinton, NH and son Charles (Chuck) and wife Gina Emery of Fountain Valley, CA; six grandchildren Maa (Martinez) with husband Tudur Thomas of Las Cruces, Marcos Martinez and partner Kym Martin of Rio Rancho, NM, Laura (Schlepphorst) and husband Reid Letarte of Sandwich, NH, Sam Schlepphorst and wife Kathryn Helterline of Placerville, CO, Brandon Emery and wife Erica of Mission Viejo, CA and Dillon Emery of Fountain Valley, CA ; and six great grandchildren Cadan and Carys Thomas of Las Cruces, Clara and Mabel Letarte of Sandwich, NH and Tobin and Rowan Emery of Mission Viejo, CA. She also leaves behind her half-brother Thomas Sorrells and half-sister Ginny Spurlock, her brother-in-law John Emery and niece Tracey Berkner, five nephews Charles, Carey, Peter, Jacques and Andrew Terrat and many cousins. The family extends love and heartfelt thanks to the compassionate and competent staff of La Posada Assisted Living and Mesilla Valley Hospice for the care Ann received in her final months, as well as our gratitude for the kind and thoughtful care provided by her long time physician Harry Bass, MD, and to the dedicated staff of Desert Peaks. A celebration of Ann's life will be held at 10:00 am on March 7, 2022, at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Avenue, Las Cruces, NM. Please see getzcares.com for details. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Ann's memory to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005 or Ronald McDonald House Charities. Service Information
Monday, March 7, 2022 10:00am,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

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Details:
Service Extra Info Urn to Fort Bliss Interment Location
Monday, March 7, 2022 2:00pm,
Fort Bliss National Cemetery

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