We've heard of "Being Called Home." On January 31, 2017, Mary Louise Hagans Rambo, 90, was called home. It was her late husband's birthday. Mary Rambo passed peacefully.

She was born in Denison, Texas, March 12, 1926 to Bertha Higdon Hagans and George Hagans Sr. She spent the last years of her life in the care of others in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

Most remember her as a music teacher in Southwest New Mexico where she lived with her family and husband Lennial Rambo. They moved to the Silver City area in 1953 after teaching several years in Oklahoma immediately following WWII. They called New Mexico their home.

Her love of children and music was her gift to many generations in the area. Mom valued people and education. She was a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, received her Masters from Western New Mexico University and furthered her education at Northern Arizona University. She was a member of the Tyrone Chapter of Eastern Star. In her teens, she was one of the first in Texas to attend Girls' State. Her beautiful voice will make a great addition to the heavenly choir.

Some things are best said by grandchildren. Her first granddaughter writes, "Now that all our immediate family and close friends are aware; I'd like to take the time to announce that my sweet grandmother, Mary Rambo (my Mar) went to be with our Lord Jesus in heaven. She passed away early January 31st, which I'm sure was a wonderful birthday present for my Pops as he greeted her through the pearly gates.

"She was a special lady, she had a certain "joie de vivre" you don't meet in people very often. Laughing was her favorite pastime, and we all loved watching her do it (I particularly enjoyed watching her cut up beside her younger sister JoJo, "Joyce Bradberry").

"She had a great talent, and was an opera trained vocalist; mezzo-soprano if I remember correctly. But her greater talent in music was sharing it with children and allowing them to learn and love the arts. She had many students who grew to be professional musicians and accredited her with their passion and success.

"She was the foundation of a family, the mother to 4 children, grandmother to 3 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, a patient and loving wife and most importantly a devout follower of Christ Jesus. She will be missed by her family and loved ones immensely. Love you Mar."

She is survived by sons Kip (Beth), of Elizabethtown, Kentucky and Michael Lee of Charles City, Iowa, daughters Hayley Rene Rambo of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Noni Michele Bucknell (Guy) of Charles City, Iowa, granddaughters Allyson Bean (Shaun) of Shreveport, Louisiana and Amanda Schumacher (Grant) of New Jersey, grandson, Caleb Bucknell, Iowa, great grandson, Aiden Bean, Louisiana; and her sister Joyce Bradberry and brother George Hagans Jr. along with many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at Fort Bayard National Cemetery on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 11:00 am.

Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends", 210 W. College Avenue, Silver City, NM 575-388-1911.

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