This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Rivers, Hill Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4795/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Sarah Audean Rivers passed away quietly and sweetly on September 19, 2010 surrounded by her family and in close attendance by the loving staff at the Good Samaritan Village where she lived for the final six months of her life. Sarah was born on August 22, 1919 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She survived the Great Depression with her parents and beloved brothers, Kenneth and Robert Hill, and moved to Abilene, Texas in 1954 where she met her husband, Richard Rivers. Sarah was extremely proud of her strong Cherokee roots through her mother's family, who were born on the Cherokee Reservation. When asked what her ethnicity was, she would proudly answer, "I'm an Indian." Sarah possessed an amazing gift for playing the piano, and was known by all her family and friends for this miracle that was divinely given to her. After her husband died, she moved to Las Cruces with her daughter, Nema in 1987 and lived with her and her family until her final move to the Good Samaritan Skilled Nursing Center in May, 2010. Sarah, known as "Ms. Audean" to all the children who knew her, had a great love for children in need, young pregnant mothers, and most of all, at risk teenagers. It was because of her unwavering support of needy families that Rivers Academy, a local nonprofit, was named in her honor. Sarah is survived by her two daughters, Nema Rivers-LeCuyer, Camella Rivers, her devoted son-in-law, Don LeCuyer, daughter-in-law, Glenda Torrence, stepson, Michael Rivers and his daughters, Angela and Tanya and their mother, Sue Kil. Her legacy continues on in her beloved grand-daughter and namesake, Lila Audean LeCuyer, who remained by her side throughout her final days. Sarah is also survived by Stella Melendrez, her "in law" and best friend and all of the Melendrez family who embraced and loved her over the past twenty years. Nema, Lila and Don LeCuyer and Camella Rivers extend deep thanks to the staff and nurses at the Good Samaritan Village who surrounded us with love and support during the final weekend of our mother's life. We will remember your tender care of her, and of us, forever. As per her wishes, Sarah's ashes will be taken to her beloved Chattanooga to rest near her mother's grave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Sarah's memory by made to Rivers Academy or the Good Samaritan Health Care Center in Las Cruces. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on September 28, 2010 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.