Dora Cox passed away peacefully at age 82, surrounded by the love of her family. She lived a full life rooted in caring for her loved ones, hard work, good cooking, treasured collections, and the steady attention she brought to the people and things she loved.

Dora was born in Oklahoma near the family farm in Oakwood. She was the daughter of Carmon and Verna Mikles and sister of Mike. After graduating from Oakwood High School, Dora attended Oklahoma State University and graduated with a degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career in Albuquerque in 1964.

Dora married Winston Cox in 1965. As his work with New Mexico Game and Fish took them around the state, Dora taught elementary school in Roswell, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe. They eventually settled in Portales, where Winston worked at ENMU and Dora taught second and third grade for many years before retiring in 2002.

Dora was a meticulous bookkeeper, a proud collector of Frankoma dishware, and a world-class picker of holiday gifts. She was a lover of road trips, picnics, lilacs, penny slots, and full moons. She had a sharp eye for details, whether she was balancing accounts, grading papers, choosing the perfect present, or spotting a piece of pottery worth bringing home. Her family will also tell you she made the best chicken fried steak in eastern New Mexico, and they are not taking questions on the matter.

Dora was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband; her daughter, Beth Anne; her son, Matt; three granddaughters; and her brother, Mike. She loved her family well, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.