Print
Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 02 October 2018 02 October 2018

pope 02 copy 2Neta Irene Pope, 77, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, September 30, 2018 at her residence. She was born August 23, 2018 in Kansas City, MO to Harry R. Pope and Mildred I. Allee. After a 37-year career as a science teacher and guidance counselor in St. Louis Schools, Neta retired to pursue her second love of history and traveling. Following the Santa Fe Trail, she stopped in Silver City, made close friends while researching the history of Ft. Bayard and became a New Mexican. Over the next 7 years, she traveled 30,000 miles while visiting over 25 libraries and research centers tracing the fort and its soldiers. Her award-winning book, “The Fort Bayard Story 1866-1899”, was published in 2011 and is considered the definitive history of Ft. Bayard. She has since published several documents on the history of the Village of Santa Clara. She recognized the need for a Library for young children in the Village.  Assisted by dedicated volunteers and generous contributors, she opened the Library in March 2018. At the time of her death Neta and the Library Board were pursuing the construction of a permanent library building.

She is survived by her brother, Warren Pope; her sister, Susan A. Hilliard. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mildred Pope; infant sister, Eva Dorris Pope; a brother, Donald Harry Pope. No service will be held per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Village of Santa Clara Library, P.O. Box 705, Santa Clara, NM 88026. Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.