Lt. Col. (Ret.) Lisa Lamb

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Lisa Jo Lamb passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, surrounded by her family and friends. Lisa had a passion for life and filled the room when she entered! She never met a stranger and if you wanted to talk football, she was your go to person … DA BEARS!

Born July 5, 1965, in Park Ridge, Illinois, Lisa graduated from Western Illinois University in 1987 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration/finance and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army Transportation Corps. She received her master's degree in industrial engineering from New Mexico State University in 1998.

Lisa's military career and service to our great nation is one of her greatest accomplishments. LTC Lamb was a pioneer and paved the way for women in the military. Throughout her 21 year military career and nearly nine year civilian career she served the Army with the highest distinction. Lisa exhibited outstanding leadership, professionalism, initiative and dedication, while sincerely caring for the welfare of her soldiers, civilians and their families. Lisa was awarded the prestigious Wilbur Payne Award for Excellence in Analysis in 2002. Her meritorious, long and distinguished career of service merited the high level of recognition implied by the Legion of Merit.

Lisa took time to enjoy her love of golfing, skiing, traveling and entertaining family and friends. She loved to share stories of her childhood and always had a great story to tell about her travels. She had a heart for her community and volunteered many hours to Cowboys for Cancer Research. Lisa helped raise awareness and donations for the United Blood Services. If asked, she was ready and always willing to help wherever this community needed her. Lisa was a motivator, a leader, a fighter and a hero. She not only fought the good fight, she fought the best fight with courage, humor and above all dignity.

Lisa is survived by her soulmate, James H. Lamb, of 15 years; her stepdaughter, Amy Valdez, husband, Rudy, and their children Araceli and Brianna; her brother, Kirk and April Nestaval, and their children Kyle, Kirsten and Tyler Nestaval. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Hal and Ardis Nestaval and one sister Kirsten Nestaval.

A visitation with family will be held, Thursday Nov. 5, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Getz Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. officiated by chaplin candidate and personal friend 2LT Aaron Arnold, U.S. Army Reserve. Lisa will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery with full military honors.

The family truly thanks Dr. William Adler and the Memorial Medical Center Cancer Center staff (all of you!!) for the love, care, kindness and respect they have shown to the family and to Lisa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Cowboys for Cancer Research PO Box 202 Dona Ana NM 88032 or on line www.c4cr.com (in memo note lisa's name).

Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces NM 88001. To sign the local online guest book visit www.GetzCares.com