From childhood, the name Abeyta has always been strong in my memory.  I have associated it with large, genuine and beautiful families.  In Tucumcari we were blessed with not one but two Abeyta families who were unrelated except for having the same name.   There must be something very good that passes on with that name, for they all have made strong contributions to community wherever they lived. 

January 17, 2010, two Abeytas passed from this life to a better one.  However, they left much sadness in their departure.   Ultimately comfort will only come from the many beautiful memories, and the legacy these special Abeytas left their family and friends.  As mentioned, neither was related but the coincidence of two Abeytas dying on the same day and related to the Tucumcari High School Class of 1957 is remarkable.

 LaMorah Arnold Abeyta  lived in Albuquerque with her husband and our classmate, Louis Abeyta.  Can you imagine the pain and shock of not only losing his wife of 49 years, but also his friend and classmate Steve Abeyta of Tucson, AZ on the same day?   Louis and Steve had been in regular contact especially since the Class of 1957’s Fiftieth Reunion.  Most people assumed they were related, but it was only from being hometown classmates and good friends.  Understandably, having the same name was a bond.  Although LaMorah was not from Tucumcari, her marriage to Louis bonded her to Louis’ background.  She loved her husband and family in every act of her life.  Attending her funeral and hearing the many eulogies of family and friends proved that.

 Although we were unable to attend Steve’s funeral, his family’s published obituary testified to his devotion to family and community and in turn, theirs to him.  Why do such coincidences occur causing so much grief and pain?  No one can ever answer this to satisfaction, but we must take comfort in having known them and remembering them as the best humanity has to offer.  God Bless them all. 

 Rossanna Hamilton Hays