Steve Hollinger

Steve Byron Hollinger passed away on February 22, 2022 at his home in Artesia, New Mexico surrounded by his adoring children and wife.

Steve was born on March 4, 1947 in Monticello, Arkansas; the son of Elwood and Effice Bonita (McKiever) Hollinger. He married his high school sweetheart, Anne Calhoun, on June 18, 1967 while on leave from Naval basic training. They began the first of their adventures together in Quonset Point, Rhode Island during the Vietnam War where Steve specialized as an Aviation Electronician's Mate. Recognized for his superior skills, he was the Admiral's requested mechanic which contributed to his expedited promotion in rank to Petty Officer, 2nd Class during his Naval service.

After four years of Naval service, he and Anne returned home to friends and family in Monticello, Arkansas where they welcomed the first two of their three children. When the opportunity arose to join the Tretolite Oil Corporation in 1982, he relocated his family to Artesia, NM where they were welcomed with open arms by many members of the community and the First Presbyterian Church who have become life-long friends and surrogate family members. It was in Artesia where the couple welcomed their third child. Though work and family led them back to the Southeast a couple of times through the years, Steve and Anne were always drawn back to the Land of Enchantment.

Over his long career as an oil production analyst, Steve specialized in the prescription and application of chemicals to correct and perfect oil quality. Due to the constantly shifting nature of oil production, he remained every ready to respond to his customers' and colleagues' needs - day or night. He was a recognized expert in his field and a friend and mentor to many over his 30+ years of service.

His greatest joys in life, however, were derived from his family, his faith, fellowship and service to his church and his countless, deeply meaningful friendships - many of which he had enjoyed since childhood. He received tremendous fulfillment through his service as a Deacon and Elder for the First Presbyterian Church of Artesia, and of Monticello, AR over the years, happily volunteering his time and talents to both.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father. Survivors include his wife, Anne Hollinger; children, Rachel Chapman of Atlanta, GA (spouse, James), William N. Hollinger of Artesia, NM (spouse, Kelli) and Jaye L. Riner of Roswell, NM (spouse, Erny); grandchildren, Addison, Jackson, Kambri, Addisyn, James and Dylan; brother, Houston Hollinger of Baton Rouge, LA and a wealth of additional loving family members and friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 pm Friday, February 25, at First Presbyterian Church of Artesia, New Mexico. Scott Pettus will officiate. The service will be available via live stream on YouTube and Facebook Live on the First Presbyterian Church, Artesia, NM channel/page for those who are unable to join with the family in person. Interment of ashes in the First Presbyterian Church courtyard columbarium will occur after the service concludes. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

The family expresses tremendous gratitude for the incredibly compassionate love and care administered by Steve’s health teams with the VA, J&J Home Healthcare and Encompass Hospice along with the many other caring doctors and nurses who aided him through his journey.