Born and educated in Nebraska, dual major, History/English. 1958 moved to Hobbs, New Mexico with then husband with an oil field business. Charter Member, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hobbs, Organist, Organist at Christ Lutheran Church, Santa Fe. Have one sister, niece and nephew, five great nieces and nephews, three great-great niece and nephews.

1959, obtained position Claims Clerk with Independent Adjusting Firm, licensed as Multi-line Adjuster in 1969, (first woman in State), specializing in Workers Compensation. July, 1980 moved to Santa Fe, State Risk Management Division, supervising Self-Insured WC program for State employees. Albuquerque in October 1983, Adjuster for City of Albuquerque. November, 1985 opened office of Sedwick/James Company, handling self insured claims for APS. Grew to 12 self-insured accounts across the State. March, 1991, to State Worker's Compensation Division, Chief, Assistance/Education Bureau, created Ombudsman program, supervised Safety Program and Field Offices. Presented numerous workshops on WC across State and Region. Retired in 1997 and enjoy it very much, trying to read all books in the Public Library.

Charter Member, Insurance Women of Lea County, President twice; Member, New Mexico Claims Association; Charter Member, Workers Compensation Association of NM, eight years on Board of Directors, twice President, Joined Chapter 21, RPENM. 1998, Secretary/Treasurer, 1999, three terms as President, elected to RPENM State Board 2003, now Secretary.