HASS FUNERAL DIRECTORS – CLAYTON, NEW MEXICO
Michael D. Hass Phone 575-374-2211 Sharon K. Hass
DATELINE – Amistad, New Mexico
NAME: Ervin J Shields, age 73, died on Friday, July 8, 2022, at his home in Amistad, New Mexico.
SERVICES: Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Amistad Methodist Church in Amistad, New Mexico with Lynn Clay officiating. Burial will follow in the Amistad Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico. Please visit www.hassfuneralhome.com to view the online obituary and sign the guest book.
BACKGROUND: Ervin J Shields was born August 20, 1948, to C.R. “Pete” Shields and Wilma Agnes (Wise) Shields. Ervin’s childhood was spent farming and ranching with his parents and older brother Sterlin in the Amistad area. Ervin loved to tell stories of the many adventures he and Sterlin had growing up, such as roping a coyote and trying to bulldog an antelope. At the age of 18, after graduation from high school at Amistad Schools, Ervin went to Vietnam, where he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Upon his tour completion, he returned home to Amistad to continue working with his family along with day working around the area. On January 15, 1972, Ervin married Betsy Krumwiede. Together, they became the parents of three children which they raised in the family place in Amistad. Over the years, Ervin continued to enjoy working with his family and took great pride in his mission to instill the importance of a strong work ethic in his children Audra, Randy, and Jesse, knowing that by learning the ins and outs of the farming and ranching way of life, his mission would be accomplished. Ervin made sure his kids were taught to love the Lord and always thank him for a good rain as well as all other blessings. He felt immense joy in being a Pa-Pa and a hero to his six grandchildren. His love for them was very evident and once again he was busy teaching them and showing his pride in the farming and ranching way of life. As his health declined, and he had to trade his horse for his ATV “Buggy”, he continued to be very involved in the day-to-day operations of the ranch. Even though his passing was unexpected, his loved ones are very proud of the fact that Ervin was able to “die with his boots on!” Right before he left this earth, Ervin was with Jesse checking the well and sprinkler that are watering what he deemed to be his best crop yet! Ervin is preceded in passing by his parents, C.R. “Pete” and Wilma Shields, and his brother Sterlin Shields. The surviving family of Ervin is his daughter Audra and husband Gregg of Logan, NM; son Randy and wife Traci of Canyon, TX; son Jesse and wife Erica of Amistad, NM; six grandchildren: Chance, Cress, Koy, Kesleah, Laramee, Rylan, and two great-grandsons: Cayson and Stetson. He is also survived by his lifelong friends whom he talked to daily; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amistad/Hayden Fire Department which Ervin was a retired member.
