Former New Mexico lawmaker Earlene Roberts has died at age 77.
Family members say Roberts died Tuesday at her home in Lovington. A cause of death wasn't immediately released Wednesday.
Roberts served in the state Legislature for eight terms as representative of District 66 which covered Chaves, Eddy, Lea and Roosevelt counties. She was a real estate broker who also served two terms as Lea Country treasurer.
"She was my mentor during my first year in the Legislature and became a good friend," said U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M. "Earlene will be deeply missed by her many friends and the countless lives she touched."
Roberts is survived by her three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lovington.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.