FRANCIS CLARE KOONTZ -- Francis Clare Koontz passed away on March 11, 2011, in Corrales with her family at her side after a courageous battle against cancer. She was born on November 25, 1951, in Albuquerque, NM and grew up in Corrales, NM. She attended high school in Ft. Sumner, NM and received her bachelor's degree at the University of New Mexico. After teaching for several years in New Mexico and Arizona, she moved to Texas in 1978 where she operated the Koontz/Baylor Ranch in Montell, TX, for 15 years prior to earning her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX at the age of 45. She worked as an assistant public defender in the US Public Defender's Office in San Antonio until her recent retirement. Clare was a beautiful person, a true "free spirit" who cared deeply and worked diligently for the rights of the underprivileged and who truly made a difference in making the world a better place. She touched many lives through her kindness and generosity as well as those with whom she shared her delicious creations from her kitchen. She is survived by her parents, Jasper and Ella Dee Koontz of Corrales; her brother, Jim and his wife, Marilee of Ft. Sumner; her brother Court and his wife, Anne of Corrales; her nephew, Clay Koontz and his wife, Lisa of Albuquerque; her nephew, Justin Koontz and his wife, Taylor of Lubbock, TX; his nephew, Jasper Koontz of Chandler, AZ; her nephew Courtenay W. Koontz of Corrales; two great-nephews, one great-niece and many very close friends. A memorial and celebration of her life will be held at the home of her parents in Corrales on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. and in Montel, TX on the "creek" on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Partners in Health (www.pih.org) and to the Friends of the Corrales Library Endowment Fund(www.corraleslibrary.org). Those who wish to send condolences may do so at: www.danielsfuneral.com. Clare's care has been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services, Rio Rancho, NM.