Annie Loreen Kitchens

Annie Loreen Garvey Kitchens was sent to earth on June 20, 1952 to her parents Robert and Evelyn Garvey. As a young child growing up in a large family in Roswell, New Mexico, her playful spirit and compassion were evident from a very early age. Annie graduated from Goddard High School, Roswell, New Mexico in 1970. Her interest in working with young children led her to New Mexico State University. She graduated in 1974 with an Elementary Education major, with a minor in deaf education. She married the love of her life, Lucius Kitchens December 27, 1971 in Roswell, New Mexico.As a wife of a career military man, she maintained a home life for their family in Kentucky, Germany and El Paso. Annie’s pride and joy of her life were their four children and four grandchildren. She was Teacher of the Year for 1998-1999 for Logan Elementary where she touched the lives of kindergarten and first grade children for 18 years. Her students were guided in developing a love for learning in a playful, caring classroom. Her student’s success was her inspiration. In 2003-2004 she was listed in Who’s Who for American Teachers. Annie’s strong faith was also a part of her being. She sponsored backyard Bible clubs, helped with Friendship clubs and served in her church in a variety of roles, such as the children’s and youth ministry as well as choir. Missions was another ministry close to Annie’s heart. She and her husband Luke serve on the Southwest Gospel Ministries Board of Directors for seven years. Although Annie had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, her determination and positive spirit were an inspiration to all. The Lord called her to His presence on December 2, 2007. Our wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher, blessed every life she touched and will be missed by all. She is survived by her husband, Luke, as well as children Brigette and husband, Michael of chandler, Arizona along with their children, Dylan and Lindsay; Heidi of Lucknow, India; Chad and his wife, Tammy of El Paso, Texas with their children Keelan and Seraya; and son Cody of El Paso. Siblings surviving her are her brother, Mike Garvey and sisters Betty Hale, Cathy Jimenez and Nancy Ritchey and numerous nephews and nieces. Memorial Service: 6:00 pm, Friday, December 7, 2007 at Apollo Heights Baptist Church. Interment: Private. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.