Nina May Dilbeck

Nina May Dilbeck, 81, of Artesia, New Mexico, died on April 30, 2026.

Cremation will take place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Nina was born on September 23, 1944 in Weed, New Mexico; the daughter of Macon Dilbeck and Thelma Wadkins. She was the stepdaughter of William Wadkins.

In her later years, she lived in Southern California, where she became involved in creative projects, including producing a documentary focused on Western film festivals. She also participated in creating tribute videos for the Golden Boot Awards, where she enjoyed connecting with others in the film community. She had an appreciation for the history of Western cinema.

She had that rare sparkle that made every room tilt a little more toward fun the moment she walked in. She chased new obsessions like they were shooting stars - crepes one week, fondue the next, then paper‑mâché, dragons or Bigfoot theories delivered with absolute conviction. She adored Elvis (and Dwight Yoakam, but let's be honest... mostly Elvis), and she carried that same big, unapologetic energy in everything she did. She was the person who showed up as glitter when you needed light and a lovable word of advice when you didn't even realize you needed grounding. She was quirky, wild, warm, maddening, funny- and unforgettable. Her star isn't just shining somewhere; it's blazing, and it always will, because people like her don't fade. They shine on...

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Glen Dilbeck and Glendell Dilbeck.

Survivors include her daughters Stayce Smith and Suzee Corbell; beloved son in law Chris Garcia; 5 grandchildren, Dustin Curtis, Lance Curtis, Sierra Smith, Bryce Smith and Zacary Garcia and 1 great-grandchild Gage Curtis.