Ruth Mapes

 Ruth Neuciler "Cricket" Mapes, 80, of Aztec, NM, passed peacefully at her home early in the morning on April 10, 2024. She was born June 30, 1943 in Bethlehem, PA. to Francis K. and Ruth M. Neuciler.

The family moved to Florida where she met and instantly fell in love with the rebel of St. Cloud, Jesse William Mapes. Being the daughter of a preacher, she was magnetized to Jesse's wild nature and his need for speed. Either on two or four wheels, they ended up getting married on Valentines Day of 1962. They began their journey together and had five children.

Cricket had a passion for serving Christ and did everything in her power to raise all five of her children to live their lives serving the Lord. Although they all had their struggles, they are now striving to make their Momma happy. Her second most passion was writing, as she enrolled herself in college to become a Master at this art. Although Cricket has written countless poems and ditties, she has managed to have 8 novels published in her lifetime with us. As her family was poking around her house, they found more writings on her computer as well as tucked in different pages of books and magazines. She would also embellish her own personal touch and inner thoughts through painting on anything she could get her hands on, from rocks, pieces of wood, plaster and canvas. And even occasionally an innocent sleeping bystander. She would capture her family's many memories through sometimes blurry and beautiful photography.

Cricket loved everyone she met, and everyone loved her. She left a positive impact on all their lives. She spread joy like that of a love-struck teen that she held in her heart to everyone and threw in a "Do you know Jesus?" with each encounter.

Her beauty from the inside shone brightly on the outside. Cricket had a contagious smile and was not shy about giving out hugs. Even if at times they were unwanted ones, she knew they were still needed. Although she was born as a Yankee, her adopted Southern Charm helped her to make many friendships throughout her life.

Cricket's Final wish. That all my family would walk in the footsteps of Jesus- serving Him and loving Him with pure hearts so we could be united in glory.

Her family would like to give a special shout-out to her most recent beloved and treasured friends... Susan/Tim, we are so thankful for the care you provided them and becoming family. To Corky, Rhonda and Carla for always being the good friends she needed. THANK YOU for being with her for Sunday meetings, special lunches and many girls' outings (even when sometimes a couple of oddball men would tag along... Tim, Elvin and of course, Jesse/Bill). Our entire family loves you and always will!

She is survived by her spouse Jesse (Bill) Mapes.

Children: Bill/Denise Mapes of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Candi/Jim Coury of Bloomfield, NM., Rick Mapes of Bloomfield, NM., and Danielle Stover of Phoenix, AZ.

Grandchildren: Amber / Sean James and Jesse Mapes. Tiffani/Brian Roberts, James and Brittani Coury, Justin/Rachel Mapes, Derek Barr and Devin Barr, Ashton/Jeremy Ballard, Teran/Yesinia Mapes, Tinessa/Andy Lee, Kaylee/Kilian Carey, and Zach Stover.

Great grandchildren: Brianne, Erika and Jake Roberts, Tristan, Weston and Madeline Mapes. Raiden, Ethan, Serena and Arianna Barr. Jerek, Maverick and Joslyn Ballard, Michael and Maria Mapes, Sydney, Macie, and Nixon Lee. And Kaycen Carey.

Honorable mentions... Brian Stover, Maria VanCaster, Rainy Espinoza, Trevor/Shanna/Zoey/and Kaylin Howe, Becca/Levi/Kaycee Shaw, Candice/Courtney/Carson, Tyler Christian, Nichole Barr, Terri Barr.

Cricket was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Ruth, her brothers Richard and Newt. And her beautiful daughter Crystal; and Kelli Howe they are now together for eternity in heaven.

The service will be held at Bloomfield Assembly of God church 211 E. Oak Street in Bloomfield, New Mexico on Tuesday, April 16th. The viewing will be from 10:00 am with the service starting at 11:00 am. A meal will be provided following the service. Pastor Alan Wolford will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Teran Mapes, Justin Mapes, Jeremy Ballard, Andy Lee, Brian Roberts, Zach Stover, and Honorary Pallbearer Kilian Carey.

Cricket's earthly body will be laid to rest at Aztec Cemetery. Her soul is waiting for us all to join her in heaven with open arms.

She played a different role in all our lives:

a wife, a mother, a sister, a grandmother and a friend,

No matter what her role was, she loved you till her end.

Ask anyone who has ever met her, and they will tell you just the same:

She brought joy to each one of us, when we had sorrows and healing when we had pain.

The strength of this loving woman is something to be held,

Our lives changed drastically that morning when your hugs no longer would be felt.

Go on writing now in heaven and paint for us more beauty in the skies,

And save a place for us in heaven, until our final day here on earth arrives.