Virginia "Ginger" Yearley
Obituary
Community advocate, devoted wife, proud mother, are all adjectives that describe Virginia Yearley. “Ginger” or “Red” as she was affectionately known to her family, friends, colleagues and the Otero County public during her more than 30 years distinguished career in local government service passed away peacefully on August 26, 2023.
Ginger literally grew up in Otero County politics. In 1956, at age 22, she began her career serving as Deputy County Clerk and then later as Treasurer. In 1969, now 35, she was appointed the county’s first Administrative Assistant and held that job until she retired in 1988. Then, rehired as County Administrator in December 1991, she finally retired for good in 1993. Throughout her public service, she was known and admired for her hard work and integrity, making her one of those officials who set high standards for NM county government.
Upon retiring in 1993, she traveled the country with her husband Richard in their RV visiting friends, family and touring national parks and landmarks. In addition, she was a voracious reader and follower of the nation’s political climate.
A lifelong resident of Tularosa, Ginger was preceded in death by Richard, her husband of 66 years and his twin brother, Robert; her great grandmother, Mary “Molly” Weltmer; her grandparents, Stella and Curd Mitchell; her parents, Peggy and Julian Pierce; her brother, Bill Pierce, and uncle, Chase Webb.
She is survived by her daughter, Shannon and son-in-law Shawn of Nashville, TN; her cousin, Molly Murphy of Encinitas, CA; sister-in-law, Joyce (Nowell) Yearley; niece, Robin Yearley; grandniece, Taylor Change of Colorado; and her beloved cat, Panda.
The memorial service for Mary Yearley will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Scenic Chapel.
The Yearley family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.
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