A small memorial gathering for Mildred Elkins, 85, will be held for family and friends at Dale and Joy Burns' home on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, from 1-4 p.m. (call 287-7617 for more information).

She was born Dec. 19, 1924, at the family ranch in Prewitt, to Thomas Lawrence Elkins and Josephine Tietjen Elkins, and passed away on Feb. 3, 2010, at her home in Albuquerque.

    As a child she attended schools in Baca, Thoreau, Grants, and graduated from Gallup High School. She was a Home Economics major at Fort Lewis College in Hesperus, Colo., until the outbreak of World War II, after which she was a Santa Fe Railroad telegraph operator for five years. Over the years she had various other jobs such as substitute teacher, cook, horse wrangler, brand clerk for the New Mexico Livestock Board, and finally retired as a social worker for the state in 1985. After retirement, she kept busy as a health advocate volunteer for AARP. In her later years she enjoyed playing cards and dominos at her local senior center, and especially treasured her trips to her cabin in Water Canyon on Mount Taylor.

    She is survived by her brothers: D.J. Elkins and Buddy Elkins; son: Luther “Eddie” Allen of Bellingham, Wash.; daughter: Joy Burns and husband Dale of Grants; grandchildren: Maya Gallegos and husband Daniel of Albuquerque, Tory Burns of Albuquerque, Todd Burns and wife Annalee of Rio Rancho; and great-grandson: Gage Burns of Rio Rancho.

    She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Lawrence Elkins, Kin Elkins, Hattie Elkins, Jack Elkins, Keith Elkins, Dave Elkins and Fred Elkins; and son: Lynn Elton Allen.

    She will be cremated and a graveside service will be performed at Prewitt later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ambercare Hospice Foundation, 2129 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113-7000, 1-505-244-0046.