Elna V Stowe

Dr. Elna Vada Stowe, 73, ascended to the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 6, 2014. Elna was born September 6, 1941 in Clovis, NM to L.T. and Mattie (Kelly) Stowe. She is survived by her three children, Kelli Dawn Holbrook and husband, Mark, Von Stowe Sutten and wife, Andrea and Richard W. Sutten; her grandchildren, Sean and Lauren; and brothers, Doyle Stowe and Jody Stowe. Elna graduated from Clovis High School and thereafter earned her Bachelor's Degree, Education Specialist Degree, Master Degree in Education Administration and her Ph.D. She began her public schools career teaching Special Education students in the Portales Municipal Schools and went on to serve as Director of Special Education for the Carlsbad Municipal Schools. Twenty years ago, She became the first female Superintendent for the Carrizozo Municipal Schools before taking the helm as Superintendent of the Silver Consolidated Schools. Elna retired from public schools in 2001 after serving as Superintendent for the Moriarty-Edgewood School District. In retirement, she lived in Albuquerque and served as Principal for Eastern Hills Christian Academy. She remained a member of Eastern Hills Baptist Church until her passing. Throughout her life and career, Elna served as a role model and mentor for countless students, teachers and administrators who admired her strength and courage. She fought tirelessly against the good ol' boys when she felt the best interests of students, staff and the public were not being realized. In 2000, then Governor, Gary Johnson, bestowed to Elna the Governor's Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women. Elna's life was greatly enhanced by the love and companionship of her dogs, Cricket (deceased) and Sammy, the latter of which remained faithfully by her side throughout her illness. The family would like to express special thanks to Elna's good friend, Margaret Caldwell and caregivers, Kathryn Johnson and Carla de la Rosa for the love, loyalty and care shown to her especially during some of her darker days. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2014 in the Riverside Funeral Home Chapel with a Funeral Service to follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Elna's name to: Cure PSP, 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093 or Animal Humane New Mexico, 615 Virginia Street, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque, 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 764-9663.