Terry Alvarez, 83, of Las Cruces, NM, peacefully made her transition to eternity on December 8, 2023. Terry was born on August 11, 1940 in Decatur, IL to Dale and Edith Morrical.  She had fond memories of her early life in Chicago, IL. As the only child of her parents, she went on many adventures with them. Their adventures eventually led them to Las Cruces, NM when Terry was fourteen years old.

Terry's work in the Las Cruces Public Schools spanned five decades. In 1958, as an ambitious senior in high school, she worked as a part-time secretary for J. Paul Taylor while he was principal at Alameda Elementary School.  Several years later, she continued her work as a cafeteria cashier and later as an assistant elementary librarian.  She was no ordinary librarian, but more of a "Magic School Bus" librarian as she used song, guitar, and movement to teach lively jingles to help students learn The Dewey Decimal system and other library skills. Wanting to open her opportunities and set an example for her children at home, she went back to college at New Mexico State University.  After a distinguished academic career on the Dean's List, as a Crimson Scholar, and as an ex officio member of the Board of Regents, she earned her degree and taught 4th grade at Mesilla Park Elementary, Language Arts at Zia Middle School, and English and Drama at Picacho Middle School.  While teaching, she continued her education and earned a Master's Degree in Educational Administration.  Many of Terry's experiences while teaching are documented in her delightful fictional work, "Down Riverside Road, Growing up in the Borderland".  In 1996, she retired from teaching and followed her dream of becoming a professional storyteller.

As a storyteller, Terry was a community treasure who took her animated and movement filled stories into classrooms, libraries, festivals, and shelters.   Also known as "Storydancer", Terry is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers.  Additionally, she was a Kennedy Center trained "Artist as Educator", and a recipient of the Dona Ana Arts Council, Arts in Education Award.

Terry's creativity, perseverance in the face of adversity, and service to others will be the honored and cherished legacy for the surviving members of her family.  Her children and grandchildren were her first and favorite audience to her energetic and musical stories.  Terry's life and example inspire her family to "Do something worthy".

Terry is survived by her three children, Tonya Betts (Doug) of Houston, TX; Traci Maynez (Ruben) of Las Cruces, NM; Troy Alvarez of Las Vegas, Nevada; and three grandchildren, Rebekah Maynez (Ian) of Brooklyn, NY; Elise Betts of Houston, TX; Alex Betts of Houston, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dale and Edith Morrical.

Please join Terry's family for a lively celebration of her life and her enduring legacy, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Paul's Methodist Church.

Donations in Terry's name may be made to Children's Reading Alliance, La Casa, Inc., or any organization you feel would honor Terry's memory.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com