
The graveside memorial service will be held Friday morning August 6, 2021 at 9 o'clock at Mountain View Cemetery. Bill Ewing and Bon Simmons will preside. Cremation was entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.
Laona was born March 13, 1936 in Stonewall, Oklahoma to Neva Edgelee Moore and Willis E. Melton. She was a Deming resident since 1948 coming from Oklahoma and worked at the Human Services Department as a caseworker and advocate for those in need. She took on the most difficult and hard cases that were set aside. She had a strong passion working the most difficult cases. Laona was known for her kindness, always nurturing and sharing herself to others when most in need, gifting clothing, blankets, and was a caregiver to her parents and siblings. She loved sharing her life at the side of her husband at any events he attended and was always there as his biggest supporter. Laona also loved to dance and will be remembered for the love she shared with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her 2 cats, Ila and Rue.
Laona is survived by her children, Robin Lee Simmons and his wife Jean of Clarksville, TN, Audie Ewing and her husband Bill of Las Cruces, Bon Clayton Simmons of Deming, Keri Vaughn of Roswell; brother, Duane Melton and his wife of Round Rock, TX; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Neva Edgelee Melton; daughter, Juree Vaughn; husband, G.W. Simmons; siblings, Kenneth, Weldon and Rodger Melton.
Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.