Kay Green

1942-2022

Kay M. Green passed away on July 6, 2022 in Socorro, N.M. at the age of 80. She was born on March 24, 1942 in Carnegie, Okla. to her parents, Marin and Cleola Green.

Kay was the oldest of six children and was raised in Lawton, Okla. where she attended high school and Cameron College. She graduated from Oklahoma Women’s University in Chickasha, Okla. with a teaching degree. Soon thereafter, she moved to Quemado, N.M. to begin her teaching career. After a few years, she relocated to Socorro, N.M. where she eventually taught three generations of 7th and 8th-grade children. In the meantime, she earned her Master’s Degree at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro.

Kay was born with an artistic hand and mind. As a member of the NM Watercolor Society, she painted her entire adult life and had paintings on display at local restaurants. She was instrumental in organizing the Socorro Fiber Arts Guild, where she enjoyed quilting with other local women. She spent time learning pottery and other creative processes.  She was also certified in Body Talk.

Her surviving siblings will lovingly remember her. When she was teaching, she spent part of her summer breaks with her family. She was always available for a long distance chat on the phone to keep in touch.

After retirement, she volunteered at local charities and traveled to several countries along with visiting friends and family.

Kay is survived by siblings Dale Green, Barbara Shields and her husband George Shields, Debra Chambers and Shirley Green and her husband David Jones.  She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Pam Helfenbein.

El Defensor Chieftain