Jessie "Sassy" Tinling

Mrs. Jessie Gundry Tinling better known to her friends as "Sassy" passed away peacefully on December 21, 2017 after a brief illness.
Born Jessie Lucian Gundry in Baltimore, Maryland on February 4, 1941 she was the youngest child of Jesse and Alice Gundry.

Sassy is survived by her husband Col. Jerry Tinling (retired) of Alamogordo and many nieces and nephews from coast to coast to include a 72 year friendship with her childhood friend Paula "ChiChi" Brown.

Sassy met the love of her life "Jerry Pie" as she so affectionately called him, while working in San Francisco. He walked in to the business that she owned and the rest they say is history. They would have celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary on December 29. Sassy was well known as a gracious hostess with a flair for preparing fine food as well as a strong supporter of her community and her church. She was past chairman of the Republican Party of Otero County and her love of politics was infectious to those she mentored. She was a long time member of the St Johns Episcopal Church Altar Guild, as well as a member of the vestry. She was also a long time member of the Otero County Cowbells. Her enthusiasm and faith will be missed by many. She never backed away from her beliefs or her friends. Not only will she be missed for her infectious laugh her wicked sense of humor and fabulous culinary skills but her generosity and compassion to mankind. How very softly you tiptoed into our world, almost silently, only a moment you stayed. But what an impression your footsteps left upon our hearts.

A memorial service will be held on January 6, 2018 at 10:00am at St John's Episcopal Church.

The Tinling family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Hamilton O'Dell Funeral Home to direct the services. Cremation will take place at PCS.

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