Fannie Karline Tillman Smyer, 81, passed away on October 19, 2025.
She was born on August 6, 1944, to Karl Tillman and Katherine Acres Tillman. She graduated from Deming High School in May 1962.
Fannie married Frank Smyer on June 5th, 1965, and this summer they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they had three daughters, Karla, Kelly, and Katherine.
She ran for Luna County Treasurer and served from 1982-1986. She was later elected to the Deming Public School Board, where she served from 1995-1998. She was then elected as a Luna County Commissioner for District 2, serving from 1999-2007. While a commissioner, she helped to bring the Learning Center to Deming. In semi-retirement with the County, she managed the Make Luna County Beautiful office, believing fully in its mission. As a board member for the Southwest Regional Transit District, she helped to expand the Corre Caminos routes into Luna County, bringing its citizens public transportation. She is a long-time member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
She is survived by her husband, Frank Smyer; her daughters, Karla Smyer (Herbert) and Tom Herbert, Kelly Smyer and Bruce Thompson, and Katherine Smyer; her grandchildren, Matthew, Michael and Ian Herbert, Jonah Thompson, and Arlen Speir. Fannie was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Lauren Herbert, and her parents, Karl and Katherine Tillman. Numerous nephews and nieces were loved immensely by her.
Visitation will be Sunday afternoon October 26, 2025 from 2 to 4 at Baca's Funeral Chapel. Memorial services will be held on Monday morning, October 27 at 11 o'clock at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, Deming, NM with Reverend Doctor Jeanne Lutz officiating.
Honorary bearers are her grandsons, Matthew, Michael, Ian Herbert, Jonah Thompson, and Arlen Speir.
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