Kobetich, Joleene C
August 1, 1936January 9, 2017 Collette Kobetich was born to Victor William and Louise Dean Kobetich in 1936 on a farm near Longford, Kansas. She was close to her brothers and their families: Gail (McSene) of Citrus Heights CA, and the twins, Dean (Cindy) and Gene of Port Townsend WA. The family farmed with horses until Joleene was 12, when they purchased a tractor; electricity first reached the farm in the same year.
After attending Brown Mackie School of Business in Salina KS, Joleene married Clarence Dye in 1957 (since divorced) and moved to Albuquerque NM where she worked as a secretary and Clarence worked in the sign business. Joleene earned a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and two Master’s degrees from University of New Mexico in Education Administration and Reading as a Second Language. After a career in special education, she retired as Director of Education at Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center in Albuquerque. In 2011, after suffering a stroke, she moved to Aztec NM Good Samaritan Society Four Corners Village.
Joleene was a nature lover and enjoyed hiking, backpacking, bowling, sewing, gardening, cooking, chili cook-offs, and wine! She was the first female Hunter’s Safety Instructor in NM and went on to become the Chief Instructor for the state. Joleene was a founding member of the Vino Vixens’s wine club and enjoyed her book clubs. She had many friends and family who touched her life in many ways, perhaps more than they know. Joleene was a thoughtful, fun, creative, and giving person who had a great sense of humor; she loved celebrating holidays: green milk and bread on St. Patty’s, dog food in the cereal box on April Fools, and footprints made by elves while baking Christmas cookies. Joleene made wedding dresses and delectable cheesecakes for her daughter’s weddings and special occasions. She especially enjoyed little get-aways with her girls. She was an amazing friend and the best Mom!
Joleene is survived by Victoria Dye (Doug Kelt) of Woodland CA, and Michelle Snapp (Chip) and granddaughter Jamie of Farmington NM.
Her family wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Obisike, Ned McNally PA, Dr. Gwendolyn Grant, and the Good Samaritan Society for making Joleene’s final days far more enjoyable than they otherwise might have been.
Joleene’s care is entrusted to Alternative Choice Funeral & Cremation, 804 N Dustin Ave., in Farmington, NM (505)-325-9611. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany