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Portales Today
By the People, for the People
Longtime Portales Newspaper Veteran Wanda Pettus Dies at 88
Pettus was known for her tireless work ethic and no-nonsense approach as an ad manager and community leader.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am
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The vibrant energy and community spirit that defined Wanda Pettus' life in Portales lives on through the lasting impact of her tireless work and advocacy.Portales TodayWanda Pettus, a longtime ad manager at the Portales News-Tribune in New Mexico, passed away earlier this month at the age of 88. Pettus was known for her strong work ethic, plain-spoken personality, and active involvement in the local community through organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Methodist Women. She left a lasting impact on those who knew her, including the author of this tribute, who recalled Pettus' quick wit, sales prowess, and dedication to Portales.
Why it matters
Pettus' story highlights the important role that local newspaper veterans and community leaders can play in shaping the character and culture of a small town. Her unwavering commitment to her work and her community over decades serves as an inspiring example of civic engagement and service.
The details
Pettus worked as the ad manager at the Portales News-Tribune for many years, known for her tireless work ethic. She would often stay late to get ads turned in after being out on the street hustling up business all day. The author, who worked at the paper in various roles, recalled being intimidated by Pettus' no-nonsense attitude at first, but came to deeply respect her work ethic. Pettus was also active in the local Chamber of Commerce, Methodist Women, and Altrusa, using her sales skills to advocate for the community.
- Pettus passed away earlier this month at the age of 88.
- The author first got to know Pettus as a teenager working in the Portales News-Tribune's circulation department in the 1990s.
The players
Wanda Pettus
A longtime ad manager at the Portales News-Tribune who was known for her strong work ethic, plain-spoken personality, and active involvement in the local community.
Karl Terry
The author of this tribute, who worked at the Portales News-Tribune in various roles over the years and developed a professional relationship with Pettus.
What they’re saying
“At her funeral service, the First United Methodist minister told about Wanda being the first person he talked to after he received word he'd been called to Portales. He told his wife he had talked with some lady from Portales and he didn't know who she was, but he was pretty sure she ran things. Indeed she did run things.”
— First United Methodist Minister
The takeaway
Wanda Pettus' life and legacy serve as a powerful example of the impact that dedicated local leaders and newspaper veterans can have on shaping the character and culture of a small town community. Her unwavering work ethic, plain-spoken personality, and deep commitment to organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Methodist Women left an indelible mark on Portales.
