Leora Sanders

Rubie LeoraLolo Sanders age 87 of Clovis, New Mexico passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis. She was born July 20, 1921 in Blair, Oklahoma to Hugh Jackson and Mary Anna Ellis Pernell. She attended Elementary and Secondary School in Blair.

After graduating from Blair High School in 1938, Leora attended Altus College in Altus, Oklahoma where she received an Associate Degree in 1941. She continued her education as a student in Weatherford Teachers College in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and after graduating in 1943 with a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education, she began her teaching career in Blair and Altus, Oklahoma.

In 1946 she married Garland Cotton Gilchrist in Vernon, Texas. In 1950 their only child, Nancy Ellis Gilchrist was born in Altus, Oklahoma and teaching was delayed.

The family moved to Houston, Texas where Cotton was employed by Phillips Petroleum Company. Later, a medical transfer to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was necessary.

In 1954 Cotton died suddenly in Oklahoma City, at the age of 34 so Leora and Nancy returned to Altus where Leora began teaching again. After twelve years there, she and her daughter moved to Clovis where a sixth grade elementary position was available at Ranchvale. She taught there for many years.

Leora retired from James Bickley Elemetary School in 1986. She taught a total of 35 years. In 1988 her only grandchild was born and she was delighted in being able to take care of her for 3 years.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Clovis where she served on the Board of Trustees in 1985, taught the fifth grade Sunday school class and enjoyed singing in the choir.

She was a member of the New Mexico Association of Educational Retirees, and the Local Association CCAER of Educational Retirees.

Her family remembers her delicious homemade rolls and tutti fruiti ice cream as she was a wonderful cook.

Leora had many close friends in Clovis who were such a blessing in her life. She became a resident of Retirement Ranch in November of 2007.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Cotton and C.P. Sandy Sanders, her parents, and her three brothers; Herbert, Ralph, and Ellis Pernell. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Ellis Wilkins and her husband Ken of Clovis; one granddaughter, Lyndsey Ellis Wilkins of Lubbock. Nephews David and Karen Pernell and family Kim and Mallory, Jim and Nancy Pernell and family Allison and Lindsey, Sonny Pernell and family Trey and Jeff; niece Vicki and Jim Williams and family Jim and Mary Williams, Jennifer and Matt, and Rheamy and John; cousins Dorothy Lee Howard and family Susan and James, John and Sandi Ellis, Laura and Julie, Dr. David Ellis and family, and Edna and Buddy Ellis.

Memorial services will be held Friday, May 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Clovis with Lance Clemmons and N. Scott King officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association or your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Steed-Todd Funeral Home 800 E. Manana Blvd Clovis, New Mexico 88101 www.steedtodd.com 575-763-5541
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