Sybil "Bertie" Lucostic

Sybil “Bertie” Lucostic

August 17, 1946 – April 8, 2024

Bertie was born in Amherst Texas to Carl Sneed and Mildred West.

After graduating Roswell High School, she journeyed to many amazing places. She would say she is from Utah, but her heart was in Arizona. The sunsets and saguaro cactus were forever imprinted in her heart.

Mom had many roles in life including:

Working for Ma Bell

Climbing poles for the telephone company (in AZ heat)

Working for a women’s shelter for battered women in Portales, NM

Dispatcher for the NM State Police

Owner of Arizona Styles Academy of Nails

Licensed by the Racing Commission. She owned 12 racehorses. 

San Juan County Administrator

Bail Bondsman.

In 1982 she moved to NM to work for the San Juan County Detention Center. Over the next 14 years being a jailor to moving her way up to the top becoming the first female Administrator in San Juan County. Bertie put her personal touch on how the detention center would positively impact the lives of all who walked through the doors.

Mom’s work ethics, ability to listen and dedication to everything she was a part of, caused her to excel in life. This legacy will be forever imprinted in all our lives.

As a mom she worked hard to raise us right and teach us to always stand up for what is right.

Some would think that mom’s career was enough to fill a lifetime. But for Gramma Bertie, it failed in comparison to the most important role of her life- the Institution known as Gramma Bertie. She was the law, friend, family chef, and she was the place to escape to.

Her wisdom, ingenuity, and grace made Gramma Bertie incredibly special to all of us.

If you had a tough day, Gramme Bertie would be the first to tell you that it was showing all over your face and to assure you that it would be better over a cup of coffee.

No one would ever argue that Gramma Bertie was anything but consistent. She was tough, she was strong, and she was full of love. She was the Master Gum Wrapper Rose Art Maker, and a person would stroke your hair when you needed comfort. No interaction was ever too great or too small for Gramma Bertie to apply her sweet and special touch.

Life really started flourishing when she had grandkids, they truly were her pride and joy. Mom told me “she would teach them how to crawl out bedroom windows in case they don’t know how”!

Gramma Berties humor, honesty and boldness helped shaped the lives of her grandchildren.

Bertie is survived by her twin daughters, Lisa Higgins (Nick), Leslie Lucostic, Grandchildren Savanah Ray (Josh), Tristin Smith (Russell), Alexis Taulli (Estivan), Will Higgins, Michelle Higgins and 15 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and family members. Brothers Carl Sneed and Keaton Sneed, sister Melba Sneed.

She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Mildred, sisters Grace Tillamen, Francis Johnston.

Mom thank you for leaving such a huge imprint on our lives, we will forever cherish every memory and word and detail of It. Your butter and sweetness, banana pudding, Wednesday Pie Day, and knowing how to make a 5-course meal with whatever you have, will be cherished forever!

We will cheer on the Broncos and the Phoenix Suns, just for you!

When mom chose to go home to Jesus, she left us with one last bit of wisdom, "Butter is ok to eat".

Also "Do what you can, with what you got-where you are."

We will always love you momma, Gramma Bertie, WaWa Bertie Aunt Bertie and friend.