Obituary
A celebration of life will be held at a later date for Mittie Lynn Runyan of Artesia, New Mexico.
Mrs. Runyan, 58, passed on December 6, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas.
Mittie was born on July 17, 1963 in Artesia; the daughter of Sonny Watts and Norma Jane Miller Watts. She was a lifelong resident of the Artesia area where she diligently worked at the Artesia State Highway Dept. for 20 years.
Mittie Watts married Mel Runyan on April 11, 1987 at the Cuevo Ranch in Dunken, N.M. She had numerous memories with family and friends at the Penasco Elementary School, where she then finished her education at Artesia High School with her classmates of 1981.
Mittie raised two beautiful daughters, Mattie and Marlee, several “Adopted” children, and she had the love of every animal she saw. Although, her biggest joy in life was becoming Mimi to her grandchildren.
Mittie volunteered and served on numerous local committees and boards in her lifetime. Paws and Claws Animal Rescue, Second Chances Thrift Store, Artesia Horse Council, Sun Country Volunteer Fire Department, Pecos Diamonds 4-H Club, Eddy County Fairs, numerous rodeo associations, softball concession stands, and really anywhere that needed a helping hand.
Survivors include her husband Mel Runyan; father Sonny Watts; daughters Mattie Henson and husband Scott, and Marlee Runyan and Ryan Bledsoe; sister Melinda Hathorn and husband Randy; brother-in-law John Runyan; grandchildren Colten Henson, Tyler Henson and wife Kayla, Payton Henson and Yesenia, and Lauren Henson; great-grandchildren Joslynn and Braelynn; nieces and nephews Mandy and Billy Norman, Geoffrey and Kassie Hathorn; great-nieces and nephews Logan, Henry Cooper, Madison, Braxton, Brooke, Morgan and Ervin. She is preceded in death by her mother Jane Watts, nephew Chad Hathorn, mother-in-law Margie Hightower and J.N. and her father-in-law David (Sonny) Runyan.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you donate to Paws & Claws P.O.Box 807, Artesia NM, 88211 or Alts Rodeo Team 1002 W. Richardson Ave, Artesia NM, 88210.
