- Date Of Birth: October 8, 1943
- Date Of Death: December 14, 2022
- State: New Mexico
Maribeth Riddle Gunning Mead died unexpectedly in her home on Wednesday, 14 December 2022, after a brief illness. She was born in Altus, Oklahoma and became a lifelong ardent Sooners football fan. She knew from the age of four that she wanted to be a pianist and quickly found her mentor, Juanita Hubbard, who also became her lifelong friend. Through Juanita’s guidance, Maribeth came to love teaching; three generations of students went through her studio between 1972 and 2013 (although she had been teaching since 1957), expanding that musical experience throughout their own spheres, including to global success. Her instruction included piano competitions and recitals, as well as preparation for National Guild Auditions.
Maribeth had many loves: her family (Sweetheart Phil, daughter Cherylinn, son-in-law Mark, step-daughter Rika and her two dogs), her beautiful home and the daily view that delighted her throughout each season and her garden (she often mentioned that each tomato cost $400, for all the work she invested). She was widely traveled and was always eager for new adventures.
Maribeth attended Altus High School, studied Piano and Organ Performance at the University of Oklahoma where she earned her degree in music; and studied at the University of Michigan, where she earned her Masters of Music degree.
St. John’s United Methodist Church became both her spiritual home and her employer, as she was the Organist, Soloist and accompanist from 1993 to 2018, when she retired. She was fundamental in the church acquisition of their Organ. Her music community was expansive and included not only her church but the NM Symphony Orchestra (Piano, Organ, Celeste, Harpsichord and electric keyboard) and the University of New Mexico (where she taught Music Theory, pedagogy, and private and group Piano and was staff accompanist from 1977 to 1995). She was also the accompanist for the New Mexico Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Roger Melone.
