Murlene Hannum

Murlene Bowra Hannum passed away peacefully at Las Cruces Village Assisted Living on December 4th, 2025. Murlene was born in Aztec New Mexico to Walter and Cres Bowra on July 7th, 1932. The Bowra family relocated to Las Cruces in 1940, Murlene attended Central Elementary, Court Junior High, and Las Cruces High School. She was always a Bulldawg at heart.
She married Norris Hannum in 1952. They spent all of their summers in Pagosa Springs Colorado fishing. Murlene attended NMSU where she received both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees while she was raising her family. She began teaching 3rd grade at Dona Ana Elementary and finished at Central Elementary. After retirement Norris and Murlene travelled the world. They also enjoyed visiting with their children and grandchildren.
Survivors include son Rusty (Myra), Diane Tattersall (Jim), and Jerri Lee Pendleton. Murlene is also survived by a bonus son John DaSilva (Teresa). She is also survived by five grandsons and nine great-grandchildren. Ronald Bowra her brother also survives her. Murlene was predeceased by an infant son, her husband Norris, and son-in-law Scott. A special acknowledgement to Pilar Amerman who provided kindness and compassion to Murlene and family.
Graveside services will take place at Masonic Cemetery 760 S. Compress Ave. on Monday January 5th, 2026 starting at 11:00 a.m. Services provided by La Paz Grahams Funeral Home.