Nelva Downey

Nelva Carmen Rosa DeLos Santos Downey passed away on December 28, 2013. Nelva grew up in the tropical paradise, the Republic of Panama. While living among the native festivities she fell for a young Army soldier Lt. Col. Hal Warren Downey deceased. Nelva and Hal were married and soon back in the USA where they settled in Las Cruces, NM. As a young adult Nelva was an extra in the movie The Green Berets, and a beautician briefly for several celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor. In later years she enjoyed playing poker and bingo.
Nelva was a devoted mother of two daughters: the oldest, Belinda Richards of Miami, Florida, and her youngest, Carmela Runnels deceased of Hobbs. A loving grandmother of three: Ryan Stevens, Hobbs Maddox Richards, Miami, Florida and Megan Runnels, Hobbs. She also had two greatgrandchildren.
Nelva will be remembered for her flawless perception of life Its okay, everyone should be happy. She believed everyone should always listen to music, dance passionately, and love completely.
Cremation will take place. Burial will be at a later date.