We honor and celebrate the life of Mary Helen Jones Skeen.

We honor and celebrate the life of Mary Helen Jones Skeen who passed into heaven July 15, 2016. She is survived by her children, Mary Elisa and Mikell Lee, daughter-in-law Gail Skeen, three grandchildren, Ross Livingston, Tyler and Clint Skeen, great-grandson, Lane Skeen, her loving and beloved brother, Ralls “Punch” Jones, cousin Genevieve Yoder Richardson, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Skeen, son James Hardin Skeen; siblings Ladye Dee Jones Remmele, Dorothy Elizabeth Jones, and [auth] Amos Dixon Jones. A memorial service is pending, details to be provided by LaGrone Funeral Home. Contributions may be made to the Assurance Home for Children. As soon as we have more details, we will share them. Mary was born December 19, 1926, in Roswell, New Mexico. The daughter of Amos Dee and Portia Beard Jones, Mary grew up on the Jones ranch near Tatum, noted for Debouillet sheep, a breed originating in the United States and perfected by Mr. Jones. Mary married Joseph R. Skeen, also from Roswell, on November 17, 1945. They shared a wonderful 58 years together. Mary and Joe moved to the Buckhorn Ranch, south of Picacho, in 1951 where they raised sheep and cattle. Mary served on the Hondo Valley School Board, was a member of the New Mexico Wool Growers Association and the National Federation of Republican Women. She supported the Assurance Home for Children in Roswell for homeless and at-risk youngsters. An experienced ranch woman, Mary served a number of years on the Council for Agriculture Research Extension and Teaching (CARET). She was recognized as Sheepwoman of the Year in 2009 by the New Mexico Wool Growers and was featured in the Stockman magazine. A true lady, Mary was equally at home on the ranch and in Washington D.C where she would join Joe, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico’s 2nd District from 1981-2003. She was passionate about family and ranching. Her gracious charm and keen wit will be sorely missed.