Florene Menefee

Florene departed this earth on August 12, 2010 at the age of 96 anticipating joining her loved ones. Memorial services will be held graveside Saturday, August 14 at 10:00 at the Masonic Cemetery in Hagerman, New Mexico.

Born Leona Florene Lankford November 16, 1913 in Como, Texas to Elton Lankford and Lena Mary Davidson Lankford the third of six children. After her Mothers and sisters death in 1924, her Father loaded the cattle, horses and household goods on a train and she and her four siblings were taken by car to start their new life in New Mexico. Florene graduated from Hagerman High School in 1932.

Florene was united in marriage to Howard Robinett Menefee April 28, 1933 in Elida, New Mexico with Howards grandfather, M. M. Robinett officiating at his church. They were the parents to four children and devoted their lives to their family, church and civic organizations. Many, many memories are held by family members and friends of many dinners and gatherings held at their home. Florene and Howard were happily married 45 years until Howards passing in 1978.

Florene was a Methodist and loved every minute of the time she spent teaching Sunday School, attending Bell Bennetts and always was there when a dish needed to be taken to someone. The family joke was when something yummy was cooked the question was asked where was that dish going

Education and learning were very important to Florene. She enjoyed reading and was a member of a book study club. During her last years, with her failing eyesight, books for the blind were a very important part of her life. She enjoyed playing bridge.

She was an accomplished seamstress, making her sons suits and intricate pearl snapped western shirts as well as dresses and coats for the girls. In the early days, many trips were made to the feed store to pick out feed sack material for the new outfits.

Florene found her niche in the art world in her china painting. She loved sharing her art projects with family and friends. She enjoyed painting and sharing her art by teaching others to china paint.

Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls were very close to her heart. She served in all offices on a local level and several state offices. She was Rainbow Mother Advisor.

Florene enjoyed traveling, she has been to Europe, Australia and been on several Caribbean cruises. California was a destination when she was 76 years old, and she went parasailing. She has traveled to all 50 of the United States.

Florene married Elmer Pat Patterson of Roswell, NM, in 1998. After 6 happy years of marriage, Pat passed away in 2004.

Florene is survived by all 4 of her children, Wesley and wife Beth of Artesia, NM, Truman of Sarasota, FL, Sharla and husband Don Hamilton of Livingston, TX, Linda and husband Barry Jones of Electra TX. She is survived by 7 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren, and brother Everett Lankford and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1978, her parents, daughterinlaw Sylvie LeGuen, brothers Ray Lankford and Royce Lankford and sisters Theda Lankford and Delpha Hugie.

The family request that memorials be made to Vista Care Hospice, 400 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 500, Roswell, NM 88201. Friends may pay their respects online at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

Service

Cemetery