This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Peterson, Polson, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5160/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Kara Jan Polson Peterson passed away Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, after a three-month battle with cancer. Born November 17th, 1970, Jan had fond memories of growing up in Farr West, Utah, where she would work with her grandma in the flower bed, play games with her cousins during regular Sunday get-togethers, and eat fresh strawberries from the garden with her sisters. Fearing nothing, even as a young girl, she learned to deliver calves in the pasture, feed them at the dairy, and rope them at the rodeo. She graduated with honors from Weber High School where she participated in Future Homemakers of America and Future Business Leaders of America, received the Sterling Scholar for Home Economics, and played the violin in the orchestra. She spent part of the summer after graduation in Manosque, France, as part of an exchange program. She continued her education at Utah State University where she majored in Liberal Arts and Pre-Law, taking the steps to f! ulfill the goal she had set in second grade - to practice law. In 1991, while at USU, she began what would become a nearly twenty-year journey with her new husband and true love, Jason. After attending law school at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and ready to move "anywhere with palm trees," they settled in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She began working at the Third Judicial District Attorney's Office, eventually becoming the deputy over the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area prosecution unit. In addition to her work with the D. A., she presented classes across the country for the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. After nine years, she left the D. A.'s office to continue her legal career in family law and teach a course on criminal justice at New Mexico State University. She felt strongly about contributing to the community and participated in various election campaigns, served on the board for the Community Action Agency, and provided legal help to the public as a volunteer at the Third Judicial District Court Pro Se Clinic where she was recognized for providing outstanding pro bono service by the Supreme Court of New Mexico. Jan left behind her husband Jason Peterson, father Terry Polson (Sharon), mother Rosalie Polson, sisters Jennifer Vesper (Alan), JoAnn Polson, Dawn Polson, and Kendra Polson, and goddaughter Marisol Cano-Garcia. Jan often expressed how lucky she felt to also have such a supportive family of many friends, a blessing she especially treasured during her illness. Services will be held at Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E. Boutz Road, on Thursday, January 27, 2011. Family will receive friends beginning at 1 PM. A Memorial Service will follow at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico, 3880 Foothills Road, Suite A, Las Cruces, NM, 88011. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels and Sunset Crematory of Las Cruces. 527-2222 To send condolences online log onto www.bacasfuneralchapelsascruces.com Exclusive providers for "Veteran's and Family Memorial Care." Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on January 25, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.