Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Wilbur Conley Obituary
Ruidoso Downs, NM - In Loving Memory
Wilbur D. Conley
Wilbur Conley passed away peacefully, at home with his immediate family, on the evening of January 16, 2020. Wilbur and his family had been long term residents of Lincoln County, Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs.
Wilbur was born in Riverside, CA on September 4, 1926. He was the eldest son of Cliff and Francis Conley. Shortly after birth, his family moved to Roswell, NM, where many important events in his life took place. There, he went to school, and at the age of 13 or 14, drove trucks moving dirt for the construction of Walker Air Force Base. This event was the first of many, in the life of a PATRIOT. As soon as he was old enough, 17, he joined the Navy and saw action in the Pacific during the last part of WWII. After the completion of WWII, he returned to Roswell and married Edna Ruth Hillger, March 05, 1947. In 1949, he and Edna moved to Las Cruces where, in 1953, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Range Management from New Mexico State University. After working for the BIA, the BLM and various power companies, Wilbur and Edna returned to Ruidoso in 1957, to stay. For several years, Wilbur worked for Community Public Service. In 1972 he and his family started Conley's Nursery, now owned by his son. He loved tennis and to this day, a lot of his best friends were the people he met on the courts. He loved birds, building model airplanes, fishing, and making brown plants green.
He is survived by the love of his life, Edna, and three children Doug and wife Vicki, Susan and husband Kenny, and Ted. He had three grandchildren Doug, Shannon, and Rebecca and 4 great-grandchildren, Sage, Reed, Anna and Alex. Wilbur was predeceased by his youngest son, Corky.
There will be a short graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Ruidoso, Saturday, Jan. 25 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Lincoln County Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lagroneruidoso.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilbur Conley
Sponsored by LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso.
6 Entries
February 21, 2020
I just learned remarkable Mr. Conley died. He will never be forgotten. Long fly the flag.
Sarah Prothro
Craig Horton
January 24, 2020
Conley Family,
I am sorry to hear about Wilbur....He was a Great Man with lots o wisdom......I remember when he was mowing greens at Cree Meadows and he would see me and stop his mowing to talk to me.....What a great guy 1!!!!
God Bless ,
CraigHorton
January 22, 2020
Edna and Family,
Some days there are just no words, only tears and precious memories. Today is one of those days. I was so sad to learn of Wilbur's passing. Seems like I've known he and Edna all my life. Very special people and a fixture in my growing up. Wilbur always had a quick smile and every time we met he would greet me with a cheery, "How are you, young lady?". To say he will be missed seems so inadequate. Each of you are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Pat Dunagan - Ruidoso
Glenn Dunagan
January 22, 2020
Dear Edna, Doug, Susan and Ted,
I'm so saddened to hear this. Wilbur was a fixture in my childhood. He was my tennis instructor and, more importantly, the Dad of my friends. Wilbur was as energetic and upbeat as any man I have ever known. Please know that I'm thinking of you.
Wanda Shaw
January 20, 2020
Dear Edna and children, Was so sorry to hear of the. passing of Wilbur. Was one of the first people we met in Ruidoso years ago.. Our condolences to all of the family. Wanda Shaw and family.
Dave Parks
January 20, 2020
Dear Conley family,
So sorry to hear of Wilbur's death. He was a good friend and a really good man. you all will be in all of our prayers.
Dave Parks and the whole Parks family.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Wilbur Conley's name
Memorial Events
for Wilbur Conley
How to support Wilbur's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Wilbur Conley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored