Mountainair is mourning the loss of Mayor Pro-Tem Gayle Jones, a fixture of New Mexico municipal government whose career touched three towns, two emergency responder uniforms and, by her mayor’s account, nearly everyone who ever needed a straight answer at Town Hall.
Mayor Peter Nieto announced Jones’ death on July 22 in a statement to the community, calling her “a legend in New Mexico municipal government.”
A career across three towns
Jones served as Town Clerk for Mountainair, Willard and Bosque Farms over a career Nieto said left her with unmatched knowledge of municipal government — knowledge he said she was always willing to share with colleagues across the state. That reputation earned her the New Mexico Town Clerk of the Year award, which Nieto described as a testament to the respect she’d built statewide.
When a Town Council vacancy opened up a few years ago, Nieto said he knew immediately who should fill it. Jones had already served on the Council once before, and her decades in municipal government made her a natural fit again.
“She was a voice of reason, a source of guidance, and a wealth of knowledge,” Nieto said. “She always wanted what was best for Mountainair and worked tirelessly to help move our community forward.”
Beyond the clerk’s office
Jones’ public service wasn’t confined to Town Hall. She also worked as an EMT Intermediate with Mountainair Fire & Rescue, responding to emergencies alongside her municipal duties. Nieto said she mentored town staff and fellow council members alike, never turning down a chance to lend a hand.
“Long before she joined the Town Council, I often turned to her for guidance as Mayor,” Nieto said. “No matter the question or challenge, she was always willing to help.”
A chambers in her name
At the Town Council’s next meeting, Nieto plans to formally request renaming the Council Chambers the Gayle Jones Council Chambers — a gesture he called small compared to what she gave the town over her career.
“Her legacy, your example, and the countless lives you touched will never be forgotten,” Nieto said, addressing Jones directly in his statement.
Jones is survived by her husband, Wayne, and their son, Clifford. Nieto asked the community to keep the family, along with Jones’ many friends and former coworkers, in their thoughts.