Marion Studer

Age 86, a former resident of Ruidoso, New Mexico, passed away on February 21, 2013 at Kaseman Hospice in Albuquerque. Marion had been in declining health in recent months, and was admitted to hospice care on Valentine's Day. Marion Virginia Henning was born on September 26, 1926 in El Paso, TX. She graduated from El Paso High School in 1944, and attended Texas College of Mines. There she was an active and popular member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, representing ZTA in beauty pageants, athletic activities, and community events. A trophy, "She Walks in Beauty", was only one of Marion's many awards. In 1948, Marion married Lt. William F. Studer, a career Air Force officer. She was a loyal military spouse as she joined her husband on his many assignments. These included time in Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Rhode Island and Paris, France, where Marion ably represented the United States as a diplomat's wife. She and Bill had five children, and as they moved from place to place, Marion never failed to make every house a loving home. A talented seamstress, Marion enjoyed designing and sewing clothes for her four daughters. She spent many happy hours hand-knitting personalized Christmas stockings for her children, their spouses, and grandchildren. She excelled at bridge, was known for her delicious cooking and gracious entertaining, and her energy was boundless. Family and friends would often hear her say "OK, that's enough talking. There's work to do." After her husband's retirement, she and Bill lived in Aledo, TX for a number of years, before settling in Ruidoso, NM. Marion spent many vacations in Ruidoso as a child, and she had introduced her family to the mountain community years earlier. Marion lived in Ruidoso until late 2011, when her health required her to move to a lower altitude. At the time of her death, Marion was a resident of Rio Rancho, NM. Her activities and memberships included the Sierra Chapter of DAR, the Building Committee of St. Eleanor's Catholic Church in Ruidoso, the Order of the Shield for her 50-year membership in Zeta Tau Alpha, and she and her husband twice were honored as St. Eleanor's "Volunteers of the Year" for their many hours of service. Marion was predeceased by her parents, Hugh V. and Dorothy B. Henning, and her sister, Dorothy H. Chapman. Marion is survived by her spouse of 65 years, William F. Studer, and her five children, William F. Studer, Jr. (Teresa) of El Paso, TX, Joan S. MacCartee of Bethesda, MD, Jeanne Studer-Hansen (Walt) of Los Alamos, NM, Mary Studer Moore (Don) of Plano, TX and Anne S. Koval (Doug) of Richardson TX. She is also survived by six cherished grandchildren. Donations in Marion's memory may be made to the St. Eleanor Catholic Church building fund, Ruidoso, or The New Mexico Right to Life Committee. A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 9:00 am at St. Eleanor Catholic Church, 120 Junction Road, Ruidoso followed by mass at 9:30 am. Interment will be at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, TX.