Patricia Stripling Jaquez

Patricia Stripling Jaquez passed away peacefully at her home on October 23, 2024 in the company of her loving family. Patricia was the wife of Juan Jaquez; they shared 59 years of marriage together.

Patricia was born in Troy Alabama; she was the daughter of William Grady Stripling and Melba Stripling Long. Patricia graduated from Charles Henderson High School; she went on to graduate from Auburn University in 1965 where she was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Later she would become President of the Las Cruces City Panhellenic.

After graduation Patricia took her first teaching job in Melbourne Florida, where she would meet a young engineer, that would become the love of her life. After marrying Juan in 1967 the couple made their home in Las Cruces New Mexico, where Patricia began a 25-year teaching career in Las Cruces public schools, teaching fifth and sixth grades, as well as children with special needs. In 1970 Patricia became a Charter Member of CEC Council for Exceptional Children. Patricia was a proud NEA member, she served as a local leader, as well as a state delegate, and served three terms as the Southwest Regional Director for NEA New Mexico representing Retired teachers. In 2008 Patricia was named to the Southwest Region NEA-New Mexico State Hall of Fame. 

Patricia and Juan were some of the founding members of Picacho Hills Country Club. And following retirement Patricia was one of the original members of the Sand Piper’s 9-hole ladies golf league. She was also a member of the American Contract Bridge League, and the Belton Bridge Center. Patricia and her family were members of University United Methodist Church since 1967.

Patricia is survived by her husband Juan Jaquez, her daughter Carmen Kenehan of Las Cruces, her son Tim Jaquez of Lake Charles Louisiana, her sister Margene Petty and brother-in-law Richard Petty of Spartanburg South Carolina, Kristen Ammons niece and Leah Tolleson niece.

The celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11am at University United Methodist Church, 2000 S. Locust St. Las Cruces NM.

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