Elvira L Wampler

Elvira L. Wampler “Vera” passed away suddenly on May 5, 2026, in the presence of her loving family. Elvira was born on October 16, 1952, in Santa Fe, NM. She was the first child born to Orlando Santiago “Jim” Martinez and Mary Alice Geneva Byers. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 41 years, Fred B. “Ben” Wampler; her daughter, Jaclyn Aragon; grandson, Joseph P. Aragon; sisters: Anna Martinez (Juan Montoya) and Elizabeth Martinez; nieces: Abigail Montoya (Reid Hendrix), Kyrie Montoya, and Jamie Chavez (Mariano); and nephews: Che Montoya, Jeffrey Martinez Spelich (Chearie Alipat). Her beloved family included stepchildren: Valerie Balser (Jason), Kevin Wampler (Jennifer), and Susan Dutter (Michael). Close to her heart were step granddaughters and great granddaughters: Alyssa DeShay (Chris Pullen), Madelyn Wampler, Meghan Wampler, Lauren Balser, Macey Wampler, and Morgan Balser, Aubrey DeShay and Kinsley Pullen.

Elvira was an excellent student who had an intense love and understanding of mathematics. She was a graduate of Santa Fe High School (1970) and received a scholarship to New Mexico State University where she earned a B.S.in Mathematics (1975). She soon thereafter earned a teaching certificate from Arizona State University. After a short stay in Arizona, she returned to her special home state of New Mexico.

She became fascinated by the ability of computers to perform economic forecasting. For a short time, she explored this field as a consultant to LANL. Following this hybrid computer/economics passion, she received a Master’s Degree in Econometrics from UNM. For many years she did rate forecasting at the Public Service Commission (PSC) for the State of New Mexico, but ultimately her love of pure mathematics catalyzed her desire to return to teaching. Vera had taught math earlier at Los Alamos High School prior to working at the PSC. Elvira then taught math at Santa Fe Preparatory School, Desert Academy, ATC Charter School, and Santa Fe Community College. She often was Chair for the Math Department at the various schools. She taught math to over 2,000 students in Northern New Mexico. Many of her students became acclaimed mathematicians at leading universities, and she enjoyed staying in contact with her students and hearing about their success. She made a difference in the lives of many.

Vera loved to read, and she read several books per week. She was a sci fi addict and could not immerse herself enough in anything relating to this field. She completely fascinated her scientist husband with details that stretched his scientific imagination. Vera’s reading passion expanded her vocabulary and created a magnificent ability for her to zip through crossword puzzles. She loved anything French, and she was fluent in the language. She and her husband traveled extensively in America, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. She had visited and loved Paris, but nothing could compare to Quebec City, her favorite city in the world.

Vera loved dogs and often times lost dogs or injured dogs that she had rescued came home with her. She could not tolerate seeing dogs mistreated, and she had no fear of rescuing dogs in troubled situations. Her home was generally filled with 3-4 dogs.

Of all her accomplishments, being a loving wife, proud mother, loving sister, caring aunt, and of course, a doting grandmother were her most cherished.

Her ashes will be spread among the beauty of her beloved New Mexico mountains. Glory to God.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made in Vera’s memory to one of the following:

Espanola Humane - https://www.espanolahumane.org/donate/

American Heart Association - Why Give | American Heart Association

A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date.