Clara Mae (Lewis) Maples, Longtime Portales Resident, Dies at 84

Memorial services for the retired Presto Cookware employee and restaurant cook will be announced later.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:50pm

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Clara Mae Maples, a longtime resident of Portales, New Mexico, passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 84. Maples was born on December 31, 1941, in Hot Springs, New Mexico, and graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1958. She later earned a degree in Accounting from Eastern New Mexico University and worked at various jobs, including as a writer for Western Horseman magazine and an employee at the Presto Cookware plant in Alamogordo.

Why it matters

Maples' life story reflects the changing economic and social landscape of small-town New Mexico over the past several decades, as she navigated different jobs and communities before settling in Portales. Her passing marks the end of an era for a generation of residents who witnessed the evolution of the region.

The details

After living in Hagerman and Roswell, Maples moved to Portales, where she made her home with her daughter. While in Portales, she worked at KC Express until her retirement about ten years ago. Maples was known for her hobbies of crocheting and sewing, as well as her love of puppies. She attended Calvary Baptist Church.

  • Maples was born on December 31, 1941, in Hot Springs, New Mexico.
  • She graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1958.
  • Maples married Sonny Mitchell while living in Hagerman, New Mexico.
  • She later married Thurmon Eldon Maples on April 3, 1983.
  • Maples passed away on March 30, 2026, in Clovis, New Mexico, at the age of 84.

The players

Clara Mae Maples

A longtime resident of Portales, New Mexico, who worked various jobs throughout her life, including as a writer, cookware plant employee, and restaurant cook, before retiring about ten years ago.

Sonny Mitchell

Maples' first husband, whom she married while living in Hagerman, New Mexico.

Thurmon Eldon Maples

Maples' second husband, whom she married on April 3, 1983.

Elva Sims

Maples' daughter, with whom she made her home in Portales.

Christopher Sims

Elva Sims' husband, Maples' son-in-law.

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The takeaway

Maples' life story reflects the changing economic and social landscape of small-town New Mexico, as she navigated different jobs and communities before settling in Portales. Her passing marks the end of an era for a generation of residents who witnessed the evolution of the region.