Sandra Sagerty

Sandra “Sharon” Sagerty, 84, of Hobbs, New Mexico, passed away on November 12, 2024. Born on May 17, 1940, in Mangum, OK, she dedicated her life to education and community service, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Sharon spent 21 years traveling the world with her husband, Tim Sagerty, as he served in the Army. The time she cherished the most was traveling around Europe with her family and experiencing all that life offered.

Sharon began her illustrious career in education at the International Business College of Las Cruces. She then held teaching positions at Houston Middle School, Hobbs High School, and New Mexico Junior College, where she specialized in IT and Business studies. Her passion for nurturing young minds was evident through her commitment to her students and involvement in various educational societies, including the Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Society.

A lifelong First United Methodist Church member, Sharon was deeply involved in her faith community, participating in choirs and numerous church activities. Her religious commitment extended to the New Covenant United Methodist Church in Hobbs, where she continued to engage in spiritual and community outreach programs.

Her diverse interests complement Sharon's vibrant personality. An avid golfer and Ocotillo Women's Golf Club member, she also enjoyed tennis, bowling, and bridge. She was a lifelong Girl Scout, leading troops throughout Europe and the United States. She was an Eastern Star. Her creative side was expressed through silversmithing, quilting, and playing the French horn in the community band. As a Hobbs High School graduate in 1958, she was very interested in any time anyone from the ’58 class could get together and help organize many reunions. Sharon also cherished the time spent with her beloved Blue Healer puppy, Taz, whom she was training, and her three grand dogs, Molly, Paddington, and Sammy. 

Family meant the world to Sharon, starting with her daughters, Kim and David Portillo of Hobbs, New Mexico, and Kathy Seago and Lew King of Midlothian, Texas. She was a proud grandmother leaving behind Trinity and Maj. Martin Mangum of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; Sean and Stephanie Webb of El Paso, Texas; Nikki and Anthony Elliot of Dallas, Texas. Chelsea Seago of Midlothian, Texas; Nichole Portillo of Ames, Iowa; Brian and Shane Portillo of Des Moines, Iowa; Nathaniel Portillo of Lake City, Iowa; and Briana and SFC Wyatt Petersen of Ellsworth, South Dakota; and 19 great-grandchildren. Cherished family friend and caretaker Pat Boiler. Her sister Jackie Shelton of Los Lunas, New Mexico, and her brothers Larry and Tony Morris of Nederland, Texas. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, retired Major Kenneth Timothy Sagerty, her daughter Sandra Sagerty, and her great-granddaughter Kayla Russell.

A supporter of the arts, Sharon was the former president of the Southwest Symphony and a season ticket holder for the Hobbs Eagles Basketball. Her community spirit was further exemplified through her volunteer work with Army Community Services and as a tax preparer at the Agnes Morehead Senior Center.

A scholarship fund is being set up for Hobbs High School Graduates in honor of Sharon Sagerty.