Lucille A. Getz "Tia", 62, of Las Cruces, NM, died Sunday, July 16, 2017. Lucille was born on August 6, 1954, in Las Cruces, NM, to Lucille and Byron Darden. Lucille grew up in the rock house located where Albertsons on North Main is now. She always had a passion for horses that started at a youthful age. She graduated from Mayfield High School in 1972. After graduating Lucille attended NMSU, where she became Sun Princess in 1973. Lucille went on to do her student teaching in Farmington, NM in 1976. After receiving her teaching degree in 1976, Lucille began teaching first at Jornada Elementary, then Loma Heights Elementary and finally Alameda Elementary. While teaching she continued her education earning her master's degree in education in 1983. Lucille was then blessed with becoming the principal of Highland Elementary in September of 1991. As principal, she gained the love and admiration of many teachers and students. Mrs. Getz was greeted daily with smiles and hugs from most of the students. In 1992 Lucille met the love of her life Terry Getz. Lucille and Terry were married January 16, 1993. Lucille having never been a mother suddenly found herself with 3 boys, that she happily took as her own. She also found herself blessed with thousands of children that loved her. Lucille retired from Highland Elementary in 2003, after years of dedication to her staff and students, to spend more time with her family, both the two and four-legged kind. Lucille was the recipient of the 2012 Dona Ana County Humane Society "Above and Beyond" award, which is bestowed upon community members who go beyond the call of duty to help animals in need. She is survived by her loving husband Terry W. Getz, of the family home, mother, Lucille G. Darden, of Las Cruces, NM, sons; Steven and wife Christi, of Rockwall, TX, Bryan Getz, of Las Cruces, NM, Chad R. Getz and wife Christi, of Las Cruces, NM, Brothers; John Darden and wife Ann, of Las Cruces, NM, Byron Darden of Phoenix, AZ, Grandchildren; Tristyn Getz and wife Angela, Rylei Getz, Tanner Getz, Garrett Getz, all of Las Cruces, NM, Taylor Walker, Tessa Walker, of Rockwall, Tx, one great-grandson Jaxson Getz and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lucille was preceded in death by her father William Byron Darden, father-in-law Robert Getz, and mother-in-law Opal Getz.The Getz family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Harry Bass and the staff of Desert Peaks Assisted Living for their continued care. The family would also like to thank Gayle Law and Valli Barron for being the most amazing support for Lucille and the family. A visitation for Lucille will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2017, from 5-7 pm, at Getz Funeral Home, with a prayer vigil to follow at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 24, 2017, at 10 am, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, located at 1327 N. Miranda St., burial immediately will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces NM 88001. Please visit www.GetzCares.com to sign the local online guest book.