Suter, Bill and Peggy

Lea County Families and Histories, "Then and now", Vol II, 1984

Submitted by: Peggy Suter

     James William (Bill) Suter was born October 22, 1933 at Arch in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Peggy Jean Eads was born July 18, 1937 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. We were married on May 15, 1954.

     In 1956, just after Bill had been discharged from the Army, we were on vacation visiting his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Helen Suter, in Carlsbad. The day after we arrived Bill got a job, we rented an apartment and bought a few groceries. That evening, a local bugler stole my purse from the sofa that sat under the window leaving us with only the money in our pockets, six cents. This began our sojourn that has lasted 27 years in New Mexico!

     We soon became established in our new surroundings and began to build our home. In February 1957, our first daughter, Pauline Jeanette was born. Shortly thereafter, the Potash Mines where Bill was working had a large lay-off and he was then employed by Southern Union Gas Company with the provision that we move to Eunice. We were told it was next to the "jumping-off" place. But, to the contrary, we found we enjoyed that we enjoyed, living at the "jumping-off place" and had many good friends and had met many wonderful people. After three years in Eunice, we were disappointed at having to leave because of a transfer to Hagerman.

     We lived in Hagerman the next five years. In March 1963 our second daughter, Jo Lavonne, was born. In 1965, Bill was again transferred. This time we found ourselves in Lovington. In the time our family spent in Lovington, Bill remained and employee of Southern Union, holding the position of Service and Installation Foreman, and Peggy gave private piano lessons and worked as a music instructor for the Methodist Church Kindergarten. Our children attended the Lovington public schools and we were both active leaders of the 4-H organization in which Pauline was a member. We were are still are greatly active in many other programs and interaction with with the youth of this town and county.

     In 1973, we were transferred once again. We found ourselves back in Eunice, Pauline graduated from Eunice High School in 1975. In June of that same year, she married Troy David Owens of Lovington. They have made their home in Lovington. After eight years of marriage, they have blessed us with four grandchildren: Samantha Jeanette, Jennifer L'Dawn, Jason Mathew, and Troy James. Jo graduated from Eunice High School in 1981 and is presently seeking a degree in Education at New Mexico State University.

     Bill resigned from the Gas Company of New Mexico (i.e., Southern Union) In November 1981 and began employment with B&H Construction which is his current employment. All the same approximate time, I became the Library Directoress  for the Eunice Public Library and continue my private piano lessons.