Local Brief: Ex-legislator Roberts dies

Former state representative Earlene Roberts died Tuesday at her home in Lovington.

She was 77.

She served in the Legislature for eight terms (16 years) as representative of District 66, which covered Chaves, Eddy, Lea and Roosevelt counties.

She was a real estate broker who as served two terms as Lea Country treasurer.

U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce, R-N.M., commented on his Facebook page Wednesday about Roberts’ death. Pearce served alongside Roberts at the state Legislature.

“I’m saddened by the loss of my friend and mentor, Earlene Roberts,” Pearce stated. “I was honored to serve alongside Earlene in the New Mexico Legislature. I have many great memories of working together — she was my mentor during my first year in the legislature, and became a good friend. Earlene will be deeply missed by her many friends and the countless lives she touched — her family is in my prayers today.”

— Staff report