Creola Owens

Creola Owens, 82, of Grady, New Mexico, died April 19, 2010, at the Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, New Mexico. She was born January 19, 1928, in the home of her parents, Morgan Smith and Estelle Locklear Smith in Clovis.

Creola married Jess V. Owens in Clovis, June 1, 1946. They lived in Clovis until they had both retired, when they moved to Hollene, then on to Grady in 1979.

Survivors include her sons, Albert Lynn Maria of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Monte L. Denise of Wheeler, Texas, as well as nine grandchildren, and 17 greatgrandchildren, and her niece and caretaker Patricia Ridley Richardson.

Creola was preceded in death by Jess V. Owens, her husband of 51 years as well as a daughter, Letha Cross, greatgrandsons Dylan and Marcus Cross, Parents Morgan and Estelle Locklear Smith, 3 brothers, Cleo, Paul and Jim and 1 sister Myrtle Ridley.

Creola graduated from Clovis High School in 1943, and then Benson school of Business in 1957 in Clovis. She began working at age 14 in Clovis at Clovis Drug Store, then RodenSmith Drug Store, Montgomery Wards, and as a bookkeeper at the MeadowsStewart for 25 years later Doc Stewart ChevroletBuick dealership until her retirement.

Creola was an avid gardener, providing fresh vegetable and fruit to family, neighbors and friends for many years. She also enjoyed fishing, and participated in Striped Bass tournaments on Lake Mead in Nevada. Her trophy fish was a 27 pound, 27 long striped bass.

Creola was active in Senior Citizens of Grady for many years. She served as Village Counselor for four years and Mayor of the Village of Grady for eight years. As Mayor, she was very active in county and state governmental affairs from 1988 until 1999, when she chose to not run for that position again. She was instrumental in acquiring funding for the water system for the Village, as well as the Senior Citizens Center, the paving of streets and establishing the law enforcement program for the village.

Graveside services and burial will be at the Grady Cemetery on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at 11:00 a.m.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 23, from 6:008:00 at SteedTodd Funeral Home.

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