Ethel Bernice Caudill ("Nan"), 89, of Lovington, New Mexico, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Texas Specialty Hospital in Amarillo, Texas.

Ethel was born on October 19, 1936, in Madill, Oklahoma, to Loyd Stowers and Oleta (Jarman) Stowers. She was raised on a country farm and moved frequently throughout her childhood before her family settled in Lovington in 1952 as she was entering high school. She graduated from Lovington High School in 1955.

During her high school years, Ethel formed many deep and lasting friendships and, after years of moving, finally found a place that truly felt like home. She was actively involved in Lovington Wildcat life and was named head cheerleader, best all-around girl, and best club worker. She served as a football queen attendant and senior queen attendant, and participated in pep club, library club, student council, Future Homemakers of America, and the school newspaper, Wildcat Tales.

On September 24, 1955, Ethel married her very first date, L.G. Caudill, Jr., and together they had three beautiful daughters. They shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, during which they built a loving family and created many special memories, including countless hours working with lambs at the barn for 4-H and FFA, attending sporting events, celebrating holidays, and enjoying family vacations. During this time, she also pursued her passion for education and attended Eastern New Mexico University, where she earned her teaching degree in 1969. She went on to teach in Lovington for 25 years, touching the lives of countless Wildcat students.

Ethel was truly the life of any gathering and was lovingly referred to as "Tinker Bell" for the sparkle and bubbly joy she brought into every room. She remained closely connected with her high school friends throughout her life, taking yearly trips together and affectionately calling themselves the "Girls with the Grandmother Faces."

As a long time member of First Baptist Church in Lovington, New Mexico, and active in the Walk to Emmaus and Kairos Prison Ministries, Ethel was a devoted prayer warrior whose deep and unwavering faith in the Lord was an inspiration to all who knew her. She cherished all of God's creation and found beauty and joy in life's simplest moments.

In 2019, she reconnected with and married a high school sweetheart, Jimmy Joe Robinson. She deeply cherished their relationship and the strong spiritual bond they shared.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husbands, L.G. Caudill Jr. and Jimmy Joe Robinson; her parents, Loyd and Oleta Stowers; her daughters, Sabrina Kim Caudill and Sandy Fort; her sons-in-laws, Kent Jameson and James Fort; and her brother, Derron Stowers.

She is survived by her daughter, Lesly Jameson Collins and husband Floyd Collins of Lovington; her grandchildren, Kenda Fort of Aspen, CO, Bradley Jameson (Rana) of Tatum, Kellen Fort of Godley, TX, Jesika Vuicich (Chase) of Lovington, and Jacob Jameson (Bailey) of Lovington; as well as her beloved great-grandchildren, Jax and Jett Jameson, Blake and Isla Fort, Jase and Jathan Vuicich, and Kentley, Kashton, and Kaiya Jameson.

Her bright smile, cherished friendship, love, and light she shared will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 22, at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home in Lovington, visitation from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lovington, with burial to follow at Lovington Cemetery. David Stewart and John Benard will officiate. Services are under the direction of Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home.