Connie Kimbley Watkins Corbell, 69 a lifelong resident of Lordsburg, New Mexico, passed away on February 13 after a brief illness.

Connie was born on July 3, 1948, in Lordsburg to Bill and Susie Kimbley.

She graduated from Lordsburg High School in 1966 and attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces where she earned a degree in education.

Shortly after, she married George Lee Watkins of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The couple had two children, Brian Lee and Jason Kimbley, both of New Mexico. Connie returned home to Lordsburg after George died in 1983, and three years later married Gary Lee Corbell, owner of Miller Chevrolet, of Lordsburg.

She was employed by Hidalgo County for many years, during which time she served as the county’s payroll manager.

Connie loved to travel and take cruises with her many friends over the years, and she loved animals, particularly her cats and dogs. She adored her nieces, nephews, and her grandson, and some of her happiest moments were spent at the beach under the sunshine with family and friends, listening to waves.

Connie was well respected and beloved by her community, known for her compassion and empathy and for her sense of humor.

She was immensely active in the lives of her children, grandchild and extended family, and enjoyed attending rodeos, sporting events, and other community functions. Her other loves included shopping, boogie boarding, country music, dancing, and reading.

Connie is survived by her husband, Gary Corbell; her son, Brian, his wife, Caroline, and her beloved grandson, Cason Watkins, all of Los Alamos, NM; her son, Jason Watkins, of Santa Fe; her brother-in-law Lance Williams, of Animas; her niece, Tricia Williams Washburn, and her husband, Owen Washburn, of Animas; her great nephews and nieces, Braiden and Tierney Washburn, of Animas, and Teak and Tatum Williams, of Ireland.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Susie and Bill, her nephew, Mark Williams, and her sister, Pat Williams, all of Lordsburg.

Services will be held Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lordsburg, NM. She will be interred at Mountain View Cemetery in Lordsburg.

Arrangements are being handled by family friend Harry Bright of Bright Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memories of Connie’s life be shared, in person and online at www.brightfuneral.net