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Joann (Snyder) Duran, age 99, passed away peacefully at home in Tularosa on July 6, 2025. Joann is survived by her husband, James; children, Steve (Lee) Gruger, Jill (Steve) Gutierrez, Jon (Barbara) Gruger, and Michael (Jennifer) Gruger; a special nephew and niece Jimmy and Jerre Rae Snyder. She is predeceased by her former husband, William S. Gruger III; two sons, Joe and Jack; and her brother, Jim. She is survived as well by grandchildren, Vaunda Montoya, Joanna Gruger, Eric (Karen) Gutierrez, Raul (Codi) Gutierrez, Angie (Cody) May, Brooke Gruger, Joseph (Wai) Gruger, Haddy (Cory) Wanner, Robbie Fresquez, Brian (Vanessa) Fresquez, Sage (Jonathan) Butts, and Reed (Spencer) Mason. Her family also include nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, eighteen great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.
Joann was born in Oakley, Kansas, graduated from Arizona State University, and achieved her Master’s degree from University of New Mexico. She lived in ten different states throughout her life, moving with her family as they expanded their movie theater and furniture store businesses in her younger years, and in later years, accompanying her first husband in his work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs before settling down in Tularosa in 1962. It was her exposure to various reservations that cultivated her fondness for Native American art, jewelry, and culture.
Joann retired from Tularosa Elementary in May of 1986 after 25 years of dedicated and devoted service to 2nd grade, pre-1st and 1st grade students, as well as the teachers and the Tularosa community. She served as Tularosa Education Association president and Cub Scout Den Mother. Joann was known by her school community for her creativity in the classroom, her love of music, and her sweet tooth. In all the years that followed her retirement, even into her very late years, it seemed she could remember every student, who their family was, and how much trouble they caused.
Joann was a virtuoso at the piano. She began playing at a very young age and played until she couldn’t anymore. She would often tell a story about being in the 8th grade and playing for tips ‘down at the Armory’ with a band full of boys. She proudly reported to her dad at the end of the gig that they made enough for an ice cream cone. When he remarked that didn’t seem like much, Joann cheerily replied “Yea, but it was enough for a double dip!” She also played in a swing band called The Katzenjammers for a time and in later years recorded piano songs and memories about them at SPOT recording studio in Tularosa.
Joann loved the Rat Pack, any big band sound but especially Count Basie, Glen Miller, and had a special fondness for Tony Bennett. She was fortunate to see all three of them and some of them more than once.
Always sure to catch the hummingbird season right on time, her love of birds, roses, ice cream, the Kansas City Chiefs, keeping a beautiful home, and never going out without jewelry, were all trademarks of her sweet, spunky personality but none more highly treasured than her fondness for limericks. Too many favorites to list but if you started one, she could probably finish it.
Services will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at St. Francis de Paula Parish in Tularosa. Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am with Mass Celebrated at 10:30 am. Graveside will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Reception (potluck style) will be held at the old Tulie Cantina on Granado Street. Meat, beverages and paper goods are covered. Flowers may be sent to Alamogordo Funeral Home.
