Jan R. Root

Jeanette, (Jan) Ruth Montgomery Root passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. She was a native of Amarillo, Texas but was raised primarily in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Jan was a graduate of Robertson High School and New Mexico Highlands University having earned Masters degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics. She was a highly qualified Mathematics teacher and educated New Mexico's high school students for 24 years. She was also a business owner, operating Western Life Camp, with her late husband, between 1969-2013.

Jan brought excellence to her work and was well loved by family and friends, students, campers, and those she mentored during her lifetime.

She possessed an exuberance and vibrancy toward life and an unquenchable thirst for learning which led to deep study of the Bible, science, mathematics, several languages, music, painting, and other art forms.

She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed observing nature.

Jan gave much of herself for the benefit of others and her legacy will be carried forward in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Mae and Charles Montgomery of Las Vegas, NM and her late husband, Mel Root also of Las Vegas, NM. She is survived by her brothers Dan Montgomery of Austin, TX and Ted Montgomery of Las Vegas, NM, children and spouses, Mike Root of Santa Fe, NM, Mary Kay Root (Martin Brown) of Santa Fe, NM, Annette Haggard (Eric Haggard) of Las Vegas, NM, and her grandchildren Joshua Haggard and Bella Root of Santa Fe, NM.

A memorial will be held in her honor on Saturday, April 6th at 10AM Victory Life Church, 258 Frontage Road 2137 in Las Vegas, NM followed by refreshments and a graveside service in Gallinas Canyon.