Laura Sue Haines

"Life lends us only feet, Death gives us wings."

Haines, Laura Sue
joined the angels in her flight to Heaven on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.  She was born in Las Cruces, NM on September 13, 1962 and attended Las Cruces Public Schools and New Mexico State University. Her career in life was as diversified as were the people that she touched in her journey through this life.  Laura achieved the rank of Captain, flying 747 jumbo jets at a time when there were very few women in the nation that had accomplished this feat in a male dominated profession. Having logged more than 11,000 hours of flying time, she literally had flown all over the world including carrying supplies to our troops in the Mideast after the attack on the Twin Towers in 2001. To the community of Socorro during the past 10 years, Laura brought her knowledge in aviation, extensive contacts and skills in administration and leacdership to play a key role with the Socorro Municipal Airport. She founded the M Mountain Fly-In Event in 2008 to present day which has attracted aviators and enthusiasts around the country to Socorro. To recognize the contributions of Captain Laura S. Haines to the M Mountain Fly-In and to the City of Socorro, Mayor Ravi Bhasker has issued a proclamation renaming the event "Captain Laura S. Haines M Mountain Fly-In". She most recently channeled her energy and love of horses and rodeo in helping with the city's new arena, helping to make it a one of a kind venue in this part of central New Mexico. Laura was a member of the South West Barrel Racing Association, the National Barrel Horse Association, and a Board of Director of the Socorro County Fair and Rodeo. She was also a long time Barrel Racing Director for the New Mexico Rodeo Association, organizing the Wild Bunch Reunion Rodeo Association which raised money for scholarships for local youth. Laura organized many Socorro County NMRA Rodeos. She herself competed throughout New Mexico, winning many awards in Barrel Racing. Whether it be soaring through the skies flying left seat in a 747 jumbo jet or riding her spoiled barrel horse Twister, her life was filled with laughter and smiles. Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Sue Haines of Metuchen, NJ; her father, Ben H. Haines and wife, Sandra Herkenhoff of Las Cruces, NM; her sister, Cynthia Reynolds and husband, Al of Metuchen, NJ; brother, Josh Kauffman of Las Cruces; uncles, Edward Haines (Nyeta), Brian Haines, Brandon Haines; aunts, Bobbie Newhart (Ed), Elizabeth Stromberg (Thor); cousin, Emily Montoya (Kenneth); and those that she knew through her work and schooling in Las Cruces, her career in aviation, her rodeo participation and her work in the Socorro community. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, October 31, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Friends of Epiphany Episcopal Church, 908 Leroy, Socorro, NM with Rev. Linda Wilson officiating. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Laura's honor to the Socorro General Hospital Hospice, PO Box 1009, Socorro, NM 87801 or your own local hospice chapter; or the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Laura's care has been entrusted to  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield St
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530