Dede Sue Arwood

On Sunday, March third of 2024 DeDe S. Arwood left this world to be with the Lord in heaven. DeDe was a lifelong resident of New Mexico, and a descendant of hardy determined homesteaders from Barton, New Mexico. She was the daughter of Charles Carder and Helen Carder Eden who lived in Albuquerque and Valencia County. DeDe’s early years were surrounded by her family and their beautiful Palamino horses. DeDe was active in the equine community and often showed her animals at the New Mexico State Fair. DeDe succeeded in all her pursuits in life from dance, modeling, and education but her children and grandchildren were her favorite contributions to this world. DeDe married John Arwood in 1974 and they raised their two children in Valencia County. Through thick and thin DeDe and John made a life together for the next 49 years, loving and supporting each other. DeDe returned to college after her children entered public school. In time she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in education technology, and an advanced administrative degree. DeDe worked in her community as a substitute teacher, an elementary teacher, and eventually a principal. Besides her children, DeDe’s heart belonged to her granddaughter Daisee, and grandson Jason. DeDe’s passions were teaching, traveling, her family and friends, and her animals. Through it all DeDe always kept her sense of humor and her focus on her family. DeDe is preceded in death by her grandmother Zella Eden, parents Helen and Charles Carder, her brother Ray Carder, and her son Doss Gavin Brewington. DeDe is survived by her husband John Arwood, and their children Audra Arwood, Jason Arwood, daughter in law Ginger Arwood and her grandchildren Daisee Arwood, and Jason Arwood Jr. The family wishes to thank the Valencia County first responders, and the kind good samaritans who assisted her from time to time with her lengthy illness. DeDe will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to education, and her determination. May she rest in peace. There will be a private graveside service at the Barton Cemetery in Edgewood New Mexico, in lieu of flowers the family asks anyone wanting to honor DeDe’s memory please donate to St. Jude’s Hospital.