Obituary of Raymond Hardy

Ray Hardy of Lovington, New Mexico went to be with the Lord on the evening of Feb. 20, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Ray was born in Lich, Germany on Dec. 20, 1947. He would become part of the family of his cousin, Irmgard and her husband, Werner Seipp in his hometown of Ettingshausen until he was nearly 12. Then he came to the US with his mother, Hilda and her husband Alfred Hardy. He later lived in Tatum with L.J. and Glenn Etta Cone as part of their family. Ray met his wife, Kathy Knox, while working for Southwestern Well Service in Lovington. They made a life in Lovington and had two daughters, Amy and Marla. Ray worked for BTA Oil Producers for many years as a contract pumper and later a production foreman before launching his own business, Piñon Water Well Service. He loved working on water wells and windmills earning respect for his hard work, problem solving, and honesty. Early in his marriage, he and Kathy committed their lives to Christ and have served faithfully in the church in Lovington. He was involved in bus ministry, helping with building projects, supporting missions, VBS, and had a special devotion for helping the elderly and widows. He loved his family, and was a wonderful father and grandfather. He loved being PaPaw to his grandchildren. Ray is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy Hardy of Lovington, two daughters: Marla Hardy of Lovington, and Amy Villar and her husband David Villar of Lovington, three grandchildren: Luke, Sophie, and Olivia Villar. 3 sisters: Deborah "Susie" Shetley (Brian) of Rainbow City, AL, Debi Feltman (Jimmy) of Cortez, CO, Ange Brewer (Jackie) of Lovington, brother-in-law Mike Knox (Rose) of Marble Falls, TX, as well as nieces and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Hilda Hardy, and his "adoptive" parents Werner and Irmgard Seipp, and L.J. and Glenn Etta Cone. Visitation will be at New Beginnings Church from 5-7 pm on Thursday, Feb. 23rd. Services will be Friday, February 24th, at 2:00 PM in New Beginnings Church at 1600 S. Love in Lovington, NM. Service will be conducted by Pastor David Villar and Bro. Harry Pittam.