Robert Stoller

Robert Stoller, 88, went to heaven on April, 14,2018, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, surrounded by his children.

Bob was born in Raton, New Mexico, June 18,1929, to Harold and Josie B Stoller. He graduated from Raton High School in 1947. He attended Colorado State University and New Mexico State University where he received a degree in Agriculture. Bob participated in ROTC and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force before graduating from college. He married Rita Jo Meeker on September 5,1951. They had four children that were raised with great love. Bob served two years active duty in the Air Force and eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserve. His reserve duties included service as Liaison Officer for the U. S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Following college and his service in the U. S. Air Force, Bob returned to Raton to work for his family's business, the Raton Flour Mills. He went on to own the Union Bus Station, was in charge of sales at KRTN Radio, and retired as the assistant vice president of marketing at Sunwest Bank.

He was active in his community taking leadership roles in the Raton Jaycees, the Raton Lions Club, Gate City Lodge #11 of the Masonic Temple, Search and Rescue, the Raton Chamber of Commerce, the Raton Housing Authority, and the Raton Trap Club. Bob was a founding member of the Raton Trap Club and served as a state officer. Trapshooting was his passion. He held several state and southwest zone championship titles. He was honored with being inducted into the New Mexico State Trapshooting Hall Fame in 2010. Bob continued to be an active trap shooter into his eighties. Bob was a friendly guy and always had a smile. He was a loving husband, father, and friend. He was a faithful member of the men's coffee group at Johnny's Bakery. He was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church in Raton. He and Rita also attended First United Methodist Church in Artesia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Harold.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Rita, daughter Linda Yates and husband Peyton of Artesia, son Ron Stoller and wife, Donna of Raton and Las Cruces, daughter Bobbie Goodloe and husband, Rob of Artesia, and Beverly Purtymun and husband, Kevin of Los Alamos. Grandchildren: Brennan (Ashley) and Kevin (Sarah) Orr, Josh (Claudia) and Colleen Stoller, Michael (Jennifer) Goodloe, Brianna (Kevin) Lohse, and Dillon (Tiffany) Goodloe, Tyler and Hannah Purtymun. He leaves behind ten great-grandchildren. Bob loved God, his family, his country and his community. The family wants to thank the wonderful caregivers in the Landsun Memory Care unit in Carlsbad. They loved our dad.

Arrangements for Robert E. Stoller are under the direction of the Terpening and Son Mortuary in Artesia. Services at the First United Methodist Church in Raton and internment at Fairmont Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Landsun Homes, Carlsbad, The Shriner's Children's Hospitals, Tampa Florida, or the First United Methodist Church, Raton.