Lela Spear

SPEAR, LELA MAE (BRADY)- Lela went to her eternal home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 14, 2018.

She was born on December 13, 1936, the 6th of 12 children born to William Harrison and Ocie Mae (Howell) Brady. Lela was born on the family ranch which was 16 miles west of Hagerman. She loved to tell the story about her birth; she was delivered by her father at home, since Dr. Willoughby was delivering another baby in the Hagerman community that night. The doctor charged a total of $5 for the care before and after her birth.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Edgar B. Spear, Jr M/Sgt. USAF retired. Three daughters; Doris Berkey, Robin (Roy) Bissey, Sarah (Kendall) Wills. Five grandchildren; Breanna (Tomi) Miller, Kristin (Matt) Gallagher, Brittany (Cameron) Hayes, Kendall (Breanna) Wills Jr., Cambria (Justin) Ryan. And eight great grandchildren; Bailey, Annabelle, Colt, Addison, Mia, Payton, Rory & Jaxon.

She is survived by three brothers; Will, Robert and John, one sister Ellen Dolinger and one dear sister-in-law Betty (Nick) Kowitski; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother W.H. and Ocie Mae Brady, five brothers; Morgan, Pete, Billy Ray, Jimmy and Glen and two sisters; Barbara Wells and Kathie Loving.

Lela graduated as Salutatorian from Hagerman High School in 1955. She met Ed at a dance, he was already in the Air Force. They married in Hagerman. They were stationed in numerous places in the United States and overseas until they retired in Aurora Colorado in 1972. Lela was a stay at home mom until their three daughters were out of high school. Years later they moved back to Roswell for the warm climate. Lela did a lot of volunteer work with the elderly and went to work for the Roswell Public Library and was also the Purchasing clerk for the City of Roswell for several years.

Lela loved to travel and see parts of God's beautiful creations. Ed and Lela traveled in their motor home and saw all of the continental United States. They drove to Alaska and stayed to see all they could for six months! The weather started to get cold so it was time to go home. They also flew to Hawaii for a 2 week vacation to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church for, the past 17 years. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 21, 2018 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Tim Arlett officiating. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kendall Wills, Roy Bissey, Kendall Wills Jr., Mike Brady, Ron Brady and Don Brady. Members of Kings and Queens Class will be Honorary Pallbearers.

The family is so grateful for the staff of Kindred Hospice. They gave exceptional loving care to my wife and our mom, Lela Mae Spear. In her honor, please make memorial contributions to Kindred Hospice, 400 N Pennsylvania Ave #500, Roswell, NM 88201.

Service

Funeral Service

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, June 21, 2018
2:00 PM

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

Kendred Hospice
400 N. Pennsylvania Ave. suite 500
Roswell, NM  88201