Sharon Mecham Huffman

Sharon was born on December 17, 1943, in Springer, NM, to Leland and Mary Watt (Sandy) Mecham. The eldest of four children, Sharon grew up in Tucumcari, NM, and after graduating from Tucumcari High School in 1961, attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM. Sharon married Wayne, a young airman at Canon AFB, and while he was deployed to Vietnam, she completed her college studies and graduated with a degree in Library Science. Upon his return from deployment, they moved to Arizona, where she worked as an educator as Wayne finished his college studies. The couple worked in public schools for some time; then life took them to experience different careers, including ownership of a ceramic studio in Capitan, NM. Sharon’s longest work experience was as a New Mexico State Police Dispatcher and later as a church secretary.

Sharon was a lifelong Presbyterian, growing up in the First Presbyterian Church of Tucumcari and attending the same church for much of her adult life, serving as a deacon, elder, and treasurer as needed for many years. She wanted more than anything to be a mom and adored her children, lighting up when she talked about them to anyone and everyone who would listen. She also loved to read and spent most of her spare time reading books of all types, but mystery and science fiction were her favorites. This love of the written word gave Sharon a vast knowledge of many subjects. This skill made her the best person to have on your Trivial Pursuit team. She was a fan of the Star Trek franchise and adored Agatha Christie mysteries. When she could find college football games televised, she was thrilled to watch them. The only thing that would make her happier would be if the college marching band was featured during the game. Her daughters marched in the NMSU marching band, and her grandson is a current member. It made her especially happy to hear the Pride play the Fight Song.

Sharon was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Mecham Hearn, on March 15, 1992; her mother, Sandy, on May 3, 2004; and her father, Lee, on October 21, 2007.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Wayne; her children Wendy (Marc) Moomaw; Rebecca Lenig, and David Huffman; brothers Gary (Vonda) Mecham and Patrick (Melissa) Mecham; grandchildren Konnor, Moira, Carol, and Wendi; and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Sharon was the kind of person who never wanted to cause a fuss, preferring low-key quality time over grandiose events. Her memorial will occur on her birthday, December 17th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 306 E. Aber St. in Tucumcari. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that donations be made to the New Mexico State University Pride Marching Band.