Born to Willard Alonzo Griffin (1909–1961) & Nina Buie Griffin (1912–1996). Wilna's name was a combination of both her parents' names, Willard and Nina.
Wilna married John Riley "Johnny" Achen (1928-1997) on Feb. 7, 1954, in Artesia, NM. One daughter.
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Wilna "Mer" Achen, 87, of Lubbock, passed from this life on Thursday, February 11, at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
She was born on February 27, 1933 in Tularosa (Otero County), New Mexico to the late Willard Griffin and Nina (Buie) Griffin. She was married to John Riley (Johnny) Achen for over 22 years.
Ms. Achen worked for various entities in Artesia, New Mexico during her early years, amongst them being Foundation Investment Company, Bob Ferguson Insurance Agency, Fenn's Grocery Store, Artesia Credit Union and lastly Central Valley Electric Cooperative, as a Dispatcher for 30 years before retiring in 2012. In 2013, at the age of 80, she felt the need of her family in Lubbock and moved to be closer to family and to care for her beloved great-grandchildren. "Mer," as she was known by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all of their friends, loved cooking, Bible study, puzzles, animals and playing games with her great-grandchildren. Participating in all of their activities was her greatest joy. She loved the mountains and planning family and church events of all kinds. Cooking and serving others was her ministry and her legacy.
Ms. Achen was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Artesia, where she taught youth for many years. She was a member of Victory Life Baptist Church during her time in Lubbock. She wanted everyone to know Jesus, and her life was a witness to all who knew her. She was a Founding Board Member of Meals on Wheels in Artesia.
Surviving Ms. Achen is one daughter, LuAnn Beardemphl and her husband Ken, of Lubbock; two sisters, Lou Frost of Roswell, New Mexico and Betty (Burel) Carney of Tempe, Arizona; two grandchildren, Clay (Haley) and Cord (Monica) Beardemphl of Lubbock; six great-grandchildren, Carson, Collin, Hadley, Harper, Graham, and Keller of Lubbock. She lovingly "raised" a host of nieces and nephews, as well as many other Artesia kids who called her Mom or Mer.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant brother.
Celebration of Life Services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021 (what would have been her 88th birthday) at the First Baptist Church Total Life Center in Artesia, New Mexico. Reverend Mark Simons, Pastor of Jan Lee Baptist Church in Burkburnett, Texas and Reverend Rick Sullivan, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Artesia will be the Celebrants for the Memorial Service. Private interment of Ms. Achen's cremains will be at Twin Oaks Memorial Park in Artesia, New Mexico.
In remembrance of Wilna "Mer" Achen, the family requests memorial donations to New Mexico Baptist Children's Home (2200 S. Avenue I, Portales NM 88130), First Baptist Church of Artesia (322 W. Grand, Artesia, NM 88210), or Artesia MainStreet (P.O. Box 1635, Artesia NM 88210).
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Kim Vest, Amarillo, TX, Feb. 16, 2021:
This woman was a true blessing. She was one of the kindest and most giving people I have ever meet. Her only concern was what she could do for others. She will truly be missed. My heart is heavy, but I will look forward to seeing her in heaven one day soon. Love you !
Sandra Terry Tolliver, Mar. 10, 2021
Wilma Achen was always kind and friendly to me. I remember her from many years ago in Artesia. She was as an admirable person. I do know LuAnn Beardemphl and Gay Achen Thrower and express my deepest sympathy to them and other family members.
Tammy Lewis, Feb. 28, 2021
LuAnn,
Your Mom was such a loving, giving example to us all. Her godly, sweet presence was a wonderful balm to everyone who knew her. She will be missed. You are so loved. Tammy Lewis
Lisa Liberatore, Feb. 22, 2021
Dear LuAnn and family...so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was always a very special lady to me and I have some wonderful memories of her taking us to the mountains and letting us play in the snow as well as the many times we played at your house! May God comfort you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Carolyn (Susie) Shipman, Feb. 18, 2021
Oh LuAnn, I'm sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was an awesome woman. Such a caring person. I feel your pain, it's been almost a year since my mom passed. God has another beautiful Angel. Love you, LuAnn
Linda Newton, Feb. 18, 2021
The world has lost a wonderful woman, but our loss is heaven's gain!! She was definitely one of a kind, she will be missed by many but will be remembered for her faith, upbeat look at life, cookbooks and more things than I can mention. My heart and prayer are with all her loved ones, continue to cherish her memories and awesome ways, picture her arms wrapped around you in comfort and remember she will always, always be watching over you!
Rebecca Lynch, Feb. 17, 2021
Ms. Wilna was such a lovely lady and a great cook! I still use her cookbooks. She really blessed me with her kindness in the short time that I knew her.
Karen Brito, Feb. 17, 2021
LuAnn and Family:
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved momma. I know that she was a very special mom, grandma, and great-grandma. I have always heard wonderful stories about Wilna and all that she has done. She was always so kind to everyone she saw and always had such a kind smile. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are will you at this time. I know how hard it is. Please give my best to Ken and your kids.
Love, Karen Brito
Kaye and Curtis Teel, Feb. 17, 2021
Wilna was a precious friend. We will miss her and know that we will see her again one day. Our condolences, LuAnn and family.
Karen & Ronnie Killgore, Feb. 17, 2021
Such a beautiful sweet soul! She will be missed by all! Blessed my heart how she fed so many football players & enjoyed every moment with them! Heaven gained another Angel! Our love & prayers are with the families!
Ruby Parker, Feb. 17, 2021
So saddened to learn of Wilna's passing. She was such a good friend to many, many people. In her quiet Christian way, she gave in multiple ways, serving and spreading love. I am so grateful that God allowed us to be friends for many years.
May God bless each of you.
Linda Peel, Feb. 17, 2021
What a sweet lady. She meant so much to my mother, Eunice Bisbee. And to me, she was one of the wonderful ladies who were models for me. What a blessing. She was loved!
Marie Birch, Feb. 16, 2021
She was one of my dearest friends and co-workers. I have many good memories of her at work and socially. Many times through the years we would sit in the back office at night to make cookies or something for a wedding that she was catering. I learned a lot from her that saved steps and time. She was a master at whatever she did. She always insisted as long as we could that Pat Tidwell, Janie Canada and I go with her to celebrate our birthdays. "We won't always be able to do this"...she would say. I could write a book, as could many folks in Artesia. She was an outstanding woman and I loved her dearly. I send my love to all her family. We will miss her too.
Helen Baca Salgado, Feb. 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to Wilna's family. I met her years ago when we worked for Foundation Investment. She was such a good lady and always ready to help anyone in need. May she rest in peace.
Sending love and prayers. We are thankful to have known Wilna and had her as a part of our family. She will be greatly missed.
John, Kim, Morgan and Blair Buie
Bill and Andrea Carpenter, Feb. 16, 2021
One of the most happy people on earth was Wilna. Everyday was her greatest day....can't get better than that. Loved her for the smile she brought to each of us.
Carol Green, Feb. 16, 2021
I can remember always your mom feeding all of us and taking care of any needs that we had when she was in Artesia. My mom was good friends with Wilna and Johnny. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Love you, Carol and Mofie
With loving memories of Wilna
Wilna was the most generous, loving person. She did so much for our mother & for our family. We will never forget that love. Prayers for her family.
Kathy Akins, Becky Neel, Valerie Torrez & their families
Sue Prude, Feb. 16, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Your Mom was a very Special Lady to Mom and me for many years. She will be missed. Love you, Sue Prude
Pastor Joseph Tillery, Feb. 16, 2021
Blessed to know her for most of my life. Like many she taught us about serving and caring for others. Even if I thought they did not deserve that care. Hardest working woman I've known. She made all of us better and our world a better place. Blessings and love to the family. Love, Joseph and the Tillery family
Wilna married John Riley "Johnny" Achen (1928-1997) on Feb. 7, 1954, in Artesia, NM. One daughter.
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Wilna "Mer" Achen, 87, of Lubbock, passed from this life on Thursday, February 11, at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
She was born on February 27, 1933 in Tularosa (Otero County), New Mexico to the late Willard Griffin and Nina (Buie) Griffin. She was married to John Riley (Johnny) Achen for over 22 years.
Ms. Achen worked for various entities in Artesia, New Mexico during her early years, amongst them being Foundation Investment Company, Bob Ferguson Insurance Agency, Fenn's Grocery Store, Artesia Credit Union and lastly Central Valley Electric Cooperative, as a Dispatcher for 30 years before retiring in 2012. In 2013, at the age of 80, she felt the need of her family in Lubbock and moved to be closer to family and to care for her beloved great-grandchildren. "Mer," as she was known by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all of their friends, loved cooking, Bible study, puzzles, animals and playing games with her great-grandchildren. Participating in all of their activities was her greatest joy. She loved the mountains and planning family and church events of all kinds. Cooking and serving others was her ministry and her legacy.
Ms. Achen was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Artesia, where she taught youth for many years. She was a member of Victory Life Baptist Church during her time in Lubbock. She wanted everyone to know Jesus, and her life was a witness to all who knew her. She was a Founding Board Member of Meals on Wheels in Artesia.
Surviving Ms. Achen is one daughter, LuAnn Beardemphl and her husband Ken, of Lubbock; two sisters, Lou Frost of Roswell, New Mexico and Betty (Burel) Carney of Tempe, Arizona; two grandchildren, Clay (Haley) and Cord (Monica) Beardemphl of Lubbock; six great-grandchildren, Carson, Collin, Hadley, Harper, Graham, and Keller of Lubbock. She lovingly "raised" a host of nieces and nephews, as well as many other Artesia kids who called her Mom or Mer.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant brother.
Celebration of Life Services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021 (what would have been her 88th birthday) at the First Baptist Church Total Life Center in Artesia, New Mexico. Reverend Mark Simons, Pastor of Jan Lee Baptist Church in Burkburnett, Texas and Reverend Rick Sullivan, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Artesia will be the Celebrants for the Memorial Service. Private interment of Ms. Achen's cremains will be at Twin Oaks Memorial Park in Artesia, New Mexico.
In remembrance of Wilna "Mer" Achen, the family requests memorial donations to New Mexico Baptist Children's Home (2200 S. Avenue I, Portales NM 88130), First Baptist Church of Artesia (322 W. Grand, Artesia, NM 88210), or Artesia MainStreet (P.O. Box 1635, Artesia NM 88210).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kim Vest, Amarillo, TX, Feb. 16, 2021:
This woman was a true blessing. She was one of the kindest and most giving people I have ever meet. Her only concern was what she could do for others. She will truly be missed. My heart is heavy, but I will look forward to seeing her in heaven one day soon. Love you !
Sandra Terry Tolliver, Mar. 10, 2021
Wilma Achen was always kind and friendly to me. I remember her from many years ago in Artesia. She was as an admirable person. I do know LuAnn Beardemphl and Gay Achen Thrower and express my deepest sympathy to them and other family members.
Tammy Lewis, Feb. 28, 2021
LuAnn,
Your Mom was such a loving, giving example to us all. Her godly, sweet presence was a wonderful balm to everyone who knew her. She will be missed. You are so loved. Tammy Lewis
Lisa Liberatore, Feb. 22, 2021
Dear LuAnn and family...so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was always a very special lady to me and I have some wonderful memories of her taking us to the mountains and letting us play in the snow as well as the many times we played at your house! May God comfort you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Carolyn (Susie) Shipman, Feb. 18, 2021
Oh LuAnn, I'm sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was an awesome woman. Such a caring person. I feel your pain, it's been almost a year since my mom passed. God has another beautiful Angel. Love you, LuAnn
Linda Newton, Feb. 18, 2021
The world has lost a wonderful woman, but our loss is heaven's gain!! She was definitely one of a kind, she will be missed by many but will be remembered for her faith, upbeat look at life, cookbooks and more things than I can mention. My heart and prayer are with all her loved ones, continue to cherish her memories and awesome ways, picture her arms wrapped around you in comfort and remember she will always, always be watching over you!
Rebecca Lynch, Feb. 17, 2021
Ms. Wilna was such a lovely lady and a great cook! I still use her cookbooks. She really blessed me with her kindness in the short time that I knew her.
Karen Brito, Feb. 17, 2021
LuAnn and Family:
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved momma. I know that she was a very special mom, grandma, and great-grandma. I have always heard wonderful stories about Wilna and all that she has done. She was always so kind to everyone she saw and always had such a kind smile. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are will you at this time. I know how hard it is. Please give my best to Ken and your kids.
Love, Karen Brito
Kaye and Curtis Teel, Feb. 17, 2021
Wilna was a precious friend. We will miss her and know that we will see her again one day. Our condolences, LuAnn and family.
Karen & Ronnie Killgore, Feb. 17, 2021
Such a beautiful sweet soul! She will be missed by all! Blessed my heart how she fed so many football players & enjoyed every moment with them! Heaven gained another Angel! Our love & prayers are with the families!
Ruby Parker, Feb. 17, 2021
So saddened to learn of Wilna's passing. She was such a good friend to many, many people. In her quiet Christian way, she gave in multiple ways, serving and spreading love. I am so grateful that God allowed us to be friends for many years.
May God bless each of you.
Linda Peel, Feb. 17, 2021
What a sweet lady. She meant so much to my mother, Eunice Bisbee. And to me, she was one of the wonderful ladies who were models for me. What a blessing. She was loved!
Marie Birch, Feb. 16, 2021
She was one of my dearest friends and co-workers. I have many good memories of her at work and socially. Many times through the years we would sit in the back office at night to make cookies or something for a wedding that she was catering. I learned a lot from her that saved steps and time. She was a master at whatever she did. She always insisted as long as we could that Pat Tidwell, Janie Canada and I go with her to celebrate our birthdays. "We won't always be able to do this"...she would say. I could write a book, as could many folks in Artesia. She was an outstanding woman and I loved her dearly. I send my love to all her family. We will miss her too.
Helen Baca Salgado, Feb. 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to Wilna's family. I met her years ago when we worked for Foundation Investment. She was such a good lady and always ready to help anyone in need. May she rest in peace.
Sending love and prayers. We are thankful to have known Wilna and had her as a part of our family. She will be greatly missed.
John, Kim, Morgan and Blair Buie
Bill and Andrea Carpenter, Feb. 16, 2021
One of the most happy people on earth was Wilna. Everyday was her greatest day....can't get better than that. Loved her for the smile she brought to each of us.
Carol Green, Feb. 16, 2021
I can remember always your mom feeding all of us and taking care of any needs that we had when she was in Artesia. My mom was good friends with Wilna and Johnny. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Love you, Carol and Mofie
With loving memories of Wilna
Wilna was the most generous, loving person. She did so much for our mother & for our family. We will never forget that love. Prayers for her family.
Kathy Akins, Becky Neel, Valerie Torrez & their families
Sue Prude, Feb. 16, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Your Mom was a very Special Lady to Mom and me for many years. She will be missed. Love you, Sue Prude
Pastor Joseph Tillery, Feb. 16, 2021
Blessed to know her for most of my life. Like many she taught us about serving and caring for others. Even if I thought they did not deserve that care. Hardest working woman I've known. She made all of us better and our world a better place. Blessings and love to the family. Love, Joseph and the Tillery family
Born to Willard Alonzo Griffin (1909–1961) & Nina Buie Griffin (1912–1996). Wilna's name was a combination of both her parents' names, Willard and Nina.
Wilna married John Riley "Johnny" Achen (1928-1997) on Feb. 7, 1954, in Artesia, NM. One daughter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wilna "Mer" Achen, 87, of Lubbock, passed from this life on Thursday, February 11, at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
She was born on February 27, 1933 in Tularosa (Otero County), New Mexico to the late Willard Griffin and Nina (Buie) Griffin. She was married to John Riley (Johnny) Achen for over 22 years.
Ms. Achen worked for various entities in Artesia, New Mexico during her early years, amongst them being Foundation Investment Company, Bob Ferguson Insurance Agency, Fenn's Grocery Store, Artesia Credit Union and lastly Central Valley Electric Cooperative, as a Dispatcher for 30 years before retiring in 2012. In 2013, at the age of 80, she felt the need of her family in Lubbock and moved to be closer to family and to care for her beloved great-grandchildren. "Mer," as she was known by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all of their friends, loved cooking, Bible study, puzzles, animals and playing games with her great-grandchildren. Participating in all of their activities was her greatest joy. She loved the mountains and planning family and church events of all kinds. Cooking and serving others was her ministry and her legacy.
Ms. Achen was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Artesia, where she taught youth for many years. She was a member of Victory Life Baptist Church during her time in Lubbock. She wanted everyone to know Jesus, and her life was a witness to all who knew her. She was a Founding Board Member of Meals on Wheels in Artesia.
Surviving Ms. Achen is one daughter, LuAnn Beardemphl and her husband Ken, of Lubbock; two sisters, Lou Frost of Roswell, New Mexico and Betty (Burel) Carney of Tempe, Arizona; two grandchildren, Clay (Haley) and Cord (Monica) Beardemphl of Lubbock; six great-grandchildren, Carson, Collin, Hadley, Harper, Graham, and Keller of Lubbock. She lovingly "raised" a host of nieces and nephews, as well as many other Artesia kids who called her Mom or Mer.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant brother.
Celebration of Life Services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021 (what would have been her 88th birthday) at the First Baptist Church Total Life Center in Artesia, New Mexico. Reverend Mark Simons, Pastor of Jan Lee Baptist Church in Burkburnett, Texas and Reverend Rick Sullivan, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Artesia will be the Celebrants for the Memorial Service. Private interment of Ms. Achen's cremains will be at Twin Oaks Memorial Park in Artesia, New Mexico.
In remembrance of Wilna "Mer" Achen, the family requests memorial donations to New Mexico Baptist Children's Home (2200 S. Avenue I, Portales NM 88130), First Baptist Church of Artesia (322 W. Grand, Artesia, NM 88210), or Artesia MainStreet (P.O. Box 1635, Artesia NM 88210).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kim Vest, Amarillo, TX, Feb. 16, 2021:
This woman was a true blessing. She was one of the kindest and most giving people I have ever meet. Her only concern was what she could do for others. She will truly be missed. My heart is heavy, but I will look forward to seeing her in heaven one day soon. Love you !
Sandra Terry Tolliver, Mar. 10, 2021
Wilma Achen was always kind and friendly to me. I remember her from many years ago in Artesia. She was as an admirable person. I do know LuAnn Beardemphl and Gay Achen Thrower and express my deepest sympathy to them and other family members.
Tammy Lewis, Feb. 28, 2021
LuAnn,
Your Mom was such a loving, giving example to us all. Her godly, sweet presence was a wonderful balm to everyone who knew her. She will be missed. You are so loved. Tammy Lewis
Lisa Liberatore, Feb. 22, 2021
Dear LuAnn and family...so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was always a very special lady to me and I have some wonderful memories of her taking us to the mountains and letting us play in the snow as well as the many times we played at your house! May God comfort you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Carolyn (Susie) Shipman, Feb. 18, 2021
Oh LuAnn, I'm sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was an awesome woman. Such a caring person. I feel your pain, it's been almost a year since my mom passed. God has another beautiful Angel. Love you, LuAnn
Linda Newton, Feb. 18, 2021
The world has lost a wonderful woman, but our loss is heaven's gain!! She was definitely one of a kind, she will be missed by many but will be remembered for her faith, upbeat look at life, cookbooks and more things than I can mention. My heart and prayer are with all her loved ones, continue to cherish her memories and awesome ways, picture her arms wrapped around you in comfort and remember she will always, always be watching over you!
Rebecca Lynch, Feb. 17, 2021
Ms. Wilna was such a lovely lady and a great cook! I still use her cookbooks. She really blessed me with her kindness in the short time that I knew her.
Karen Brito, Feb. 17, 2021
LuAnn and Family:
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved momma. I know that she was a very special mom, grandma, and great-grandma. I have always heard wonderful stories about Wilna and all that she has done. She was always so kind to everyone she saw and always had such a kind smile. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are will you at this time. I know how hard it is. Please give my best to Ken and your kids.
Love, Karen Brito
Kaye and Curtis Teel, Feb. 17, 2021
Wilna was a precious friend. We will miss her and know that we will see her again one day. Our condolences, LuAnn and family.
Karen & Ronnie Killgore, Feb. 17, 2021
Such a beautiful sweet soul! She will be missed by all! Blessed my heart how she fed so many football players & enjoyed every moment with them! Heaven gained another Angel! Our love & prayers are with the families!
Ruby Parker, Feb. 17, 2021
So saddened to learn of Wilna's passing. She was such a good friend to many, many people. In her quiet Christian way, she gave in multiple ways, serving and spreading love. I am so grateful that God allowed us to be friends for many years.
May God bless each of you.
Linda Peel, Feb. 17, 2021
What a sweet lady. She meant so much to my mother, Eunice Bisbee. And to me, she was one of the wonderful ladies who were models for me. What a blessing. She was loved!
Marie Birch, Feb. 16, 2021
She was one of my dearest friends and co-workers. I have many good memories of her at work and socially. Many times through the years we would sit in the back office at night to make cookies or something for a wedding that she was catering. I learned a lot from her that saved steps and time. She was a master at whatever she did. She always insisted as long as we could that Pat Tidwell, Janie Canada and I go with her to celebrate our birthdays. "We won't always be able to do this"...she would say. I could write a book, as could many folks in Artesia. She was an outstanding woman and I loved her dearly. I send my love to all her family. We will miss her too.
Helen Baca Salgado, Feb. 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to Wilna's family. I met her years ago when we worked for Foundation Investment. She was such a good lady and always ready to help anyone in need. May she rest in peace.
Sending love and prayers. We are thankful to have known Wilna and had her as a part of our family. She will be greatly missed.
John, Kim, Morgan and Blair Buie
Bill and Andrea Carpenter, Feb. 16, 2021
One of the most happy people on earth was Wilna. Everyday was her greatest day....can't get better than that. Loved her for the smile she brought to each of us.
Carol Green, Feb. 16, 2021
I can remember always your mom feeding all of us and taking care of any needs that we had when she was in Artesia. My mom was good friends with Wilna and Johnny. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Love you, Carol and Mofie
With loving memories of Wilna
Wilna was the most generous, loving person. She did so much for our mother & for our family. We will never forget that love. Prayers for her family.
Kathy Akins, Becky Neel, Valerie Torrez & their families
Sue Prude, Feb. 16, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Your Mom was a very Special Lady to Mom and me for many years. She will be missed. Love you, Sue Prude
Pastor Joseph Tillery, Feb. 16, 2021
Blessed to know her for most of my life. Like many she taught us about serving and caring for others. Even if I thought they did not deserve that care. Hardest working woman I've known. She made all of us better and our world a better place. Blessings and love to the family. Love, Joseph and the Tillery family
Wilna married John Riley "Johnny" Achen (1928-1997) on Feb. 7, 1954, in Artesia, NM. One daughter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wilna "Mer" Achen, 87, of Lubbock, passed from this life on Thursday, February 11, at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
She was born on February 27, 1933 in Tularosa (Otero County), New Mexico to the late Willard Griffin and Nina (Buie) Griffin. She was married to John Riley (Johnny) Achen for over 22 years.
Ms. Achen worked for various entities in Artesia, New Mexico during her early years, amongst them being Foundation Investment Company, Bob Ferguson Insurance Agency, Fenn's Grocery Store, Artesia Credit Union and lastly Central Valley Electric Cooperative, as a Dispatcher for 30 years before retiring in 2012. In 2013, at the age of 80, she felt the need of her family in Lubbock and moved to be closer to family and to care for her beloved great-grandchildren. "Mer," as she was known by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all of their friends, loved cooking, Bible study, puzzles, animals and playing games with her great-grandchildren. Participating in all of their activities was her greatest joy. She loved the mountains and planning family and church events of all kinds. Cooking and serving others was her ministry and her legacy.
Ms. Achen was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Artesia, where she taught youth for many years. She was a member of Victory Life Baptist Church during her time in Lubbock. She wanted everyone to know Jesus, and her life was a witness to all who knew her. She was a Founding Board Member of Meals on Wheels in Artesia.
Surviving Ms. Achen is one daughter, LuAnn Beardemphl and her husband Ken, of Lubbock; two sisters, Lou Frost of Roswell, New Mexico and Betty (Burel) Carney of Tempe, Arizona; two grandchildren, Clay (Haley) and Cord (Monica) Beardemphl of Lubbock; six great-grandchildren, Carson, Collin, Hadley, Harper, Graham, and Keller of Lubbock. She lovingly "raised" a host of nieces and nephews, as well as many other Artesia kids who called her Mom or Mer.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant brother.
Celebration of Life Services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021 (what would have been her 88th birthday) at the First Baptist Church Total Life Center in Artesia, New Mexico. Reverend Mark Simons, Pastor of Jan Lee Baptist Church in Burkburnett, Texas and Reverend Rick Sullivan, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Artesia will be the Celebrants for the Memorial Service. Private interment of Ms. Achen's cremains will be at Twin Oaks Memorial Park in Artesia, New Mexico.
In remembrance of Wilna "Mer" Achen, the family requests memorial donations to New Mexico Baptist Children's Home (2200 S. Avenue I, Portales NM 88130), First Baptist Church of Artesia (322 W. Grand, Artesia, NM 88210), or Artesia MainStreet (P.O. Box 1635, Artesia NM 88210).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kim Vest, Amarillo, TX, Feb. 16, 2021:
This woman was a true blessing. She was one of the kindest and most giving people I have ever meet. Her only concern was what she could do for others. She will truly be missed. My heart is heavy, but I will look forward to seeing her in heaven one day soon. Love you !
Sandra Terry Tolliver, Mar. 10, 2021
Wilma Achen was always kind and friendly to me. I remember her from many years ago in Artesia. She was as an admirable person. I do know LuAnn Beardemphl and Gay Achen Thrower and express my deepest sympathy to them and other family members.
Tammy Lewis, Feb. 28, 2021
LuAnn,
Your Mom was such a loving, giving example to us all. Her godly, sweet presence was a wonderful balm to everyone who knew her. She will be missed. You are so loved. Tammy Lewis
Lisa Liberatore, Feb. 22, 2021
Dear LuAnn and family...so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was always a very special lady to me and I have some wonderful memories of her taking us to the mountains and letting us play in the snow as well as the many times we played at your house! May God comfort you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Carolyn (Susie) Shipman, Feb. 18, 2021
Oh LuAnn, I'm sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was an awesome woman. Such a caring person. I feel your pain, it's been almost a year since my mom passed. God has another beautiful Angel. Love you, LuAnn
Linda Newton, Feb. 18, 2021
The world has lost a wonderful woman, but our loss is heaven's gain!! She was definitely one of a kind, she will be missed by many but will be remembered for her faith, upbeat look at life, cookbooks and more things than I can mention. My heart and prayer are with all her loved ones, continue to cherish her memories and awesome ways, picture her arms wrapped around you in comfort and remember she will always, always be watching over you!
Rebecca Lynch, Feb. 17, 2021
Ms. Wilna was such a lovely lady and a great cook! I still use her cookbooks. She really blessed me with her kindness in the short time that I knew her.
Karen Brito, Feb. 17, 2021
LuAnn and Family:
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved momma. I know that she was a very special mom, grandma, and great-grandma. I have always heard wonderful stories about Wilna and all that she has done. She was always so kind to everyone she saw and always had such a kind smile. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are will you at this time. I know how hard it is. Please give my best to Ken and your kids.
Love, Karen Brito
Kaye and Curtis Teel, Feb. 17, 2021
Wilna was a precious friend. We will miss her and know that we will see her again one day. Our condolences, LuAnn and family.
Karen & Ronnie Killgore, Feb. 17, 2021
Such a beautiful sweet soul! She will be missed by all! Blessed my heart how she fed so many football players & enjoyed every moment with them! Heaven gained another Angel! Our love & prayers are with the families!
Ruby Parker, Feb. 17, 2021
So saddened to learn of Wilna's passing. She was such a good friend to many, many people. In her quiet Christian way, she gave in multiple ways, serving and spreading love. I am so grateful that God allowed us to be friends for many years.
May God bless each of you.
Linda Peel, Feb. 17, 2021
What a sweet lady. She meant so much to my mother, Eunice Bisbee. And to me, she was one of the wonderful ladies who were models for me. What a blessing. She was loved!
Marie Birch, Feb. 16, 2021
She was one of my dearest friends and co-workers. I have many good memories of her at work and socially. Many times through the years we would sit in the back office at night to make cookies or something for a wedding that she was catering. I learned a lot from her that saved steps and time. She was a master at whatever she did. She always insisted as long as we could that Pat Tidwell, Janie Canada and I go with her to celebrate our birthdays. "We won't always be able to do this"...she would say. I could write a book, as could many folks in Artesia. She was an outstanding woman and I loved her dearly. I send my love to all her family. We will miss her too.
Helen Baca Salgado, Feb. 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to Wilna's family. I met her years ago when we worked for Foundation Investment. She was such a good lady and always ready to help anyone in need. May she rest in peace.
Sending love and prayers. We are thankful to have known Wilna and had her as a part of our family. She will be greatly missed.
John, Kim, Morgan and Blair Buie
Bill and Andrea Carpenter, Feb. 16, 2021
One of the most happy people on earth was Wilna. Everyday was her greatest day....can't get better than that. Loved her for the smile she brought to each of us.
Carol Green, Feb. 16, 2021
I can remember always your mom feeding all of us and taking care of any needs that we had when she was in Artesia. My mom was good friends with Wilna and Johnny. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Love you, Carol and Mofie
With loving memories of Wilna
Wilna was the most generous, loving person. She did so much for our mother & for our family. We will never forget that love. Prayers for her family.
Kathy Akins, Becky Neel, Valerie Torrez & their families
Sue Prude, Feb. 16, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Your Mom was a very Special Lady to Mom and me for many years. She will be missed. Love you, Sue Prude
Pastor Joseph Tillery, Feb. 16, 2021
Blessed to know her for most of my life. Like many she taught us about serving and caring for others. Even if I thought they did not deserve that care. Hardest working woman I've known. She made all of us better and our world a better place. Blessings and love to the family. Love, Joseph and the Tillery family
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