Bette Joan "Jo" Jennings

Age 92, peacefully passed on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at home in Albuquerque, NM. She is survived by her brother, Ralph Rider and sister-in-law, Betty; and her children, Michael Jennings and daughter-in-law, Gwen, Patrick Jennings, Maureen Gonzales, and Bruce McIntosh, and Barbara Jennings. Known as "Granny" to many, she adored her nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph and son, Richard "Tim." Raised in Chickasha, Oklahoma, she met her airman sweetheart while working at the Chickasha Field US Army Air Force training school and later they married. As a supportive military wife, she moved with her husband during his 21 years of service from San Antonio to Alaska. They eventually chose New Mexico as home. At her core, Jo was an artist putting her unique style and creativity into everything that she did. She was a vibrant potter who contributed to the developing art community in NM, a painter, seamstress extraordinaire, and a piano player. She was a wonderfully true friend, incredibly considerate of animals, and renowned for her stories and her luck in the casinos. Generosity and kindness were among her traits and there was always room at her table and a bed for the weary. She was courageous and curious and lived to experience everything from the first automobiles to iPads. An expert gardener, cook, and fearless driver (in all conditions), she enjoyed collecting wooden Nutcrackers and putting them on display at Christmas. A natural teacher, she loved to school anyone on everything from biscuit baking to the species of birds at her feeders. During her later years in Chama, she became especially protective of the bears that came down in search of food. Jo had many wonderful caregivers to whom the family is deeply grateful. The last few years she lived at home with her granddaughter, Jillian who provided her great care, unending love and peace to the end. There will be an interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe on Friday, June 27, 2014, 12:45 p.m. and a reception following at 3001 Betatakin Circle, Santa Fe. There will be a reception in Albuquerque on Saturday, June 28, 2014, 2:00 p.m., at 4161 Chama NE. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation, Espanola, NM.