Mark Rogers Ready

Mark Rogers Ready, 81, a kind, gentle, loving man who never hurt anyone and helped his neighbors, passed peacefully on October 14, 2022, after valiantly fighting vascular dementia and cancer.

Mark was born February 11, 1941, in East Lansing, MI, to Eugene and Marjorie Ready. His twin sister, Jane, did not survive. The family eventually settled in Albuquerque. Mark attended Wilson Middle School and graduated in 1959 from Highland HS, where he competed in track and was the center on the football team. After graduation, Mark enlisted in the Army and spent 3 years in Paris, France. When he returned to Albuquerque, he enrolled at UNM, where he earned a BA in Education in 1967 with majors in German and History. His first teaching job was at Roswell HS, where he stayed for two years.

In 1968, Mark married Leah Henriquez, and in 1969, they both began teaching in Albuquerque. Mark spent the next 30 years teaching German and World History at Manzano HS. He also served as department head and advised the German Club and the German club soccer team.

In 1999, Mark retired, and the next 23 years were spent traveling, fixing up the house and yard, gardening, and reading. Mark lived a full life of compassion, kindness, and love. He was a hard worker, a traveler, a lover of animals, and a friend to all. Mark is survived by his wife of 54 years, Leah; his brother, Dennis (Ruthie); nieces, Denise Ready and Jennifer Ready-Kraft; and 4 sad cats. Many thanks to Presbyterian Hospice for their tender care of Mark; Social Workers, Mollie and Kim; Nurse Anna, Joan, Jose, and Yelena.

There will be no service as per Mark’s request. His cremains will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider rescuing an unwanted dog or cat and giving them a forever home, or donating to June’s Senior Cat Rescue, Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society or Watermelon Ranch.

There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.