BALLARD STAFF

Raymond Otero Manager Over 44 years of service Raymond Otero A.F.S.P., the manager, is a native of Roswell. A graduate of Roswell High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country for four years. He has been with Ballard Funeral Home for over forty years. Part of those years he was co-owner. He has been the manager for almost twenty six years. His professional association includes licensure to practice funeral service in New Mexico. Raymond is an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church becoming one the first Eucharist Ministers almost thirty years ago. He has been involved in many civic endeavors including a member of the Roswell Chamber of Commerce, member of the Red Coats, and one of a group of three people who saw a need for a refuge for battered adults. The seed was planted. He later served as President, and board member of the Refuge. He was a Charter member of Pecos Valley Sertoma and served in all the offices, and current member of RIAC Sertoma. He is also a member of the 4th Degree Father Albert Brawn Assembly Knights of Columbus, life member of Council #3030 Knights of Columbus, member of Hispano Chamber of Commerce, member of the Senior Circle, and a member of Roswell Elks Lodge #969. He’s received Knight of the year for K of C in 1982, family of the year for K of C in 1983, Sertoman of the year for 1988 Pecos Valley Sertoma Club, and location manager of the year at Ballard for the Western Region 1989. With all that, Otero was also a skilled dirt track racer, and active in local racing associations. Today he enjoys fixing and restoring old cars. Raymond is married to Esperanza, who is retired from Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management as a Law Examiner; and now associated with Ballard Funeral Home. They have a daughter Terry Blair and her husband Dennis of Levelland, Texas and two grandchildren Sarah, and Jacob Blair.

Larry Stiles Assistant Manager Over 30 years of service Larry Stiles, assistant manager, is a native of Roswell, and a graduate of Roswell High School. He attended Eastern New Mexico University and is a graduate of Mortuary School from The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. Larry is a licensed Funeral Service practitioner with over 30 years of experience. He is active in a number of community and civic organizations. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church, member and past president of Roswell Sunrise Rotary, CASA board member, and past president, member of Executive Growth Council, Roswell Chamber of Commerce, Roswell Elks Lodge #969, Roswell Masonic Lodge #18 A.F. and A.M. past member of South Park Cemetery Board and supporter of High School Booster Clubs, tennis and golf associations. His hobbies include all outdoor sports and cooking on the Circle Diamond Ranch Chuckwagon. Larry’s wife Alice is a Kindergarten school teacher and they have three grown children, and nine grandchildren.

Nancy Mather Regional Bookkeeper Over 7 years of service Nancy, Regional Bookkeeper, was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has lived in Roswell for the past eighteen years. She is a member of the First Baptist Church, and member of the Roswell Chamber of Commerce Presidents Club better known as the Roswell Red Coat’s. She served as Red Coat’s Vice-President from July 2004 to July 2005, and President in 2005-2006. She is also a member of the Elks Lodge #969. Nancy has two children Andrea, and son Zakory, and one granddaughter, Alyssa Jade.

Rodney Eakin Funeral Service Intern Over 1 year of service Rodney Eakin, Funeral Service Intern, is a native of Roswell, and a graduate of Goddard High School. He attended Eastern New Mexico University of Roswell, and is an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, and volunteer for Inlow Baptist Camp where he serves as a youth counselor and maintenance supervisor. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities including working on his automobiles. He also enjoys spending time with his family that still resides in the Roswell area.