Janice Elane (Sutton) Cheves

Janice (Jan) Elane Sutton Cheves passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at the age of 87. Jan will be most remembered as a devoted person of faith, a wonderful wife and mother, a compassionate friend, and a dedicated nurse.

Jan worked for over 40 years as a nurse. During her career, she touched thousands of lives as a caregiver and leaves a legacy of hard work and commitment that is to be admired and celebrated. Jan was an outgoing, caring and loving person who was thoughtful and kind and loved to laugh. She took a special interest in people's lives. She was an amazing listener and provided wise and sage counsel. She adored her husband, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. She valued her faith, family, and friendships.

Jan was born on June 29, 1934, to Mabel Gallagher Sutton and James Lyle Sutton in Stratton, Nebraska. Jan grew up on a wheat farm with six (6) siblings and attended a one room schoolhouse until the 8th grade. Jan was an avid reader and excelled in school. She was also uncharacteristically independent and motivated. Jan graduated from Stratton High School at age 16 and through her reading she was inspired to become a nurse. Jan applied for and was accepted to Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, Nebraska in 1951 (this was the only program that would accept a 17-year-old). She received her R.N. in 1954 and made the decision to continue her education at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and eventually Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas where she met her husband, Harold. Jan and Harold were married in 1957 in Newport, Rhode Island, where Harold received his commission to the United States Navy, and Jan worked as a nurse. They were married for 60 years until Harold's death.

In 1958, Harold and Jan moved to Albuquerque, where Jan worked primarily at Presbyterian Hospital. In 1973, she made the decision to return to school to continue her nursing education. In 1975, Jan received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of New Mexico School of Nursing. Upon graduating, she accepted a job as a school nurse with the Albuquerque Public Schools where she worked at several elementary, middle and high schools throughout her tenure. She concluded her career as a school nurse at Sandia High School in 1997. Jan cared deeply for the students she served and the integrity of school nursing. When there was a move to eliminate school nurses from the Albuquerque Public Schools, Jan took the initiative to get a bill passed in the New Mexico legislature. She, along with several other nurses, worked tirelessly with Rep. Ramon Huerta to pass the Healthy Learner Bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Bruce King. The bill insured that all children would have equal access to school nurses.

Upon retirement, Jan continued to enjoy life. She traveled, spent time with Harold and close friends and cared for and attended her grandchildren's numerous school and sporting events and activities.

Jan lived her faith. She and Harold were dedicated members at the University Church of Christ, and continued that service at Montgomery Church of Christ, where she and her family have been active members since 1991.

Jan is preceded in death by Harold, her parents and siblings. Jan is survived by her sons and their families, Brad and Angela Cheves of Dallas, TX and Phil and Molly Cheves of Albuquerque; along with 5 grandchildren, Kyle, Conner, and Keaton Cheves of Dallas, and Hannah Elane Cheves and Sutton Cheves of Albuquerque.

A visitation will be held at FRENCH - Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming NE on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 5pm-7pm.

Jan will be buried alongside Harold at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to The Montgomery Blvd Church of Christ, 7201 Montgomery Blvd NE, 87109 or The Albuquerque Christian Children's Home, 5700 Winter Haven Rd. NW, 87120.