Irene Claire Luther

Irene C. Luther, 92, of Farmington, New Mexico, passed away on May 28, 2025, in Farmington, New Mexico. Irene was born on October 16, 1932, in Middleboro, Massachusetts, to parents Dena Mary Guidaboni and Emile Louis Picard.

Irene Luther, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and generosity. She graduated from Middleboro High School, earning a scholarship to the Rhode Island School of Design. However, she chose to stay in Middleboro, where she began her career at The Plymouth Shoe Company, handcrafting shoes for Florsheim.

In 1951, Irene’s life changed forever when she met the love of her life, James Kenneth Luther, on a blind date. Kenneth, originally from Farmington, NM, was serving in the United States Air Force at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Their love story culminated in a beautiful marriage on October 5, 1952, in Middleboro, MA, a union that endured for 68 years until Kenneth’s passing in 2021.

In 1959, Irene and Kenneth moved to Farmington, Kenneth’s hometown, where they built a life filled with love and shared passions. Irene was an exceptionally talented seamstress who worked from home, crafting clothing for local bank employees, friends, and family. Her skills extended far beyond everyday garments—she designed and created wedding dresses, western shirts, Barbie doll clothes, and cherished stuffed animals. Her creativity also shone through in her knitting, quilting, and treasured moments spent camping and fishing in Hermosa Park, Colorado.

Christmas was particularly special to Irene. With her warm and generous spirit, she became "Mrs. Santa," accompanying Kenneth as he delighted children on Christmas Eve. Her holiday traditions were filled with love—a beautiful Christmas tree and a decorated home, hand-knit dishcloths, her delicious and famous homemade cranberry bread, cookies, candies, and unique, handmade Christmas ornaments. She made the season truly magical, not just through gifts, but through the heartfelt joy she brought to others.

Irene’s kindness, craftsmanship, and dedication to family and friends will be forever remembered. She leaves behind a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.

Irene is preceded In Death by her Husband James Kenneth Luther, Sr. (February 10, 2021), her son James Kenneth Luther, Jr. (January 24, 2014), Son-in-law Phillip Stavely (October 27, 2015), her father Emile Louis Picard (September 13, 1976), and her mother Dena Mary Picard (January 8, 1992).

Irene is Survived by her daughters Jeannine Stavely, Oklahoma City, OK, Shirlene Deal, (James) Farmington, NM, and Katherine Morgan, (Charlie) Lake City, CO, Daughter-in-law Paula Arocho (Robert), Grandchildren Kristopher (Marshall) Stavely, Caitlin Geiger (Derrick), Jaime Woods (Ron), James K. Deal, Sr (Chrystle), Lindsay Luther, Nicole Trujillo (Casey), Dustin Luther (Janelle), James Rowland (Jennifer), and Robert Newth, Great Grandchildren Devan Deal (Hannah), Anna Deal (Brendon), Jason Deal (Hailey), James K Deal, Jr. (Lexi), Christopher Deal, Noah Deal, Elliana Deal, Brandon Woods (Alice), Cameron Woods (Megan), Logan Woods (Aydan), Bryant Armstead, Samuel Trujillo, Grace Trujillo, Olena Geiger, Aspen Geiger, Ignacio Geiger, Edalia Geiger, Jacob Rowland, Sophia Newth, and Greyson Newth, Great-Great Grandchildren Hayden Deal, Maddison Deal, Meadow Deal, Wrenley Woods, Colter Woods, and Asher Woods.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Desert Heights Church, 1835 E. Main St., Farmington, NM. Officiated by Pastor Brent Heddin.

Interment following the memorial service at Greenlawn Cemetery, 1606 N. Dustin Ave, Farmington, NM.

Memorials/donations may be made to: Desert Heights Church (Building Fund), 1835 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 87401.