Quay County resident named pioneer woman of year

The Extension Association of New Mexico along with NMSU's Family Consumer Sciences Department presented the Pioneer Woman of the Year Award to Quay County's Lily "Joy" Moon on Oct. 11.

Courtesy photo

Lily "Joy" Moon receives the Pioneer Woman of the Year Award.

Moon was nominated for the award by the Forrest Everybody's Extension Club and the Extension Association of Quay County for being a pioneer in the Forrest Community.

Moon was raised in Quay County, but left for a short time while her husband was in the military. They moved to Forrest in 1945, where they raised their family. Moon was active in the community as a leader of the local 4-H Club, teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school and as an Extension Club member.

While raising her family, Moon worked outside the home to help with bills, had a large garden, helped with household repairs and the livestock, and learned to crochet.

Moon is best known for her quilt work.

Moon is the oldest living member of the Forrest community and is still very active in the organizations of the area. Moon and her husband were inducted into the New Mexico Hall of Fame in 2009.

Moon received the DAR Pioneer award in 2012 for her support of historic preservation, promotion of education, and patriotic endeavors.