Laura Creek

Laura Creek, 85, died surrounded by family in Las Cruces, N.M., on March 7, 2008. She was born to Rawley Wallace McAnally and Ottie Waggoner McAnally on June 18, 1922 in Roswell, N.M. She spent her life in House, N. M., where she attended House School graduating from high school in 1939. She went on to attend Eastern New Mexico College in Portales, N.M. World War II interrupted her life and education as her fiancé, Rufus Creek, left to serve in the Army in Europe for two years. Prior to his departure, Laura and Rufus married and during his absence, she taught school in Wheatland, N. M. Upon his return, they settled in House and Laura worked alongside her husband in their business, the House Feed and Supply Store from which they also sold fuel to the neighboring community. Additionally, she assisted her parents in the operation of their hardware store and filling station. Laura and Rufus raised three children; Jim, Pam, and Monte. Laura was widowed at an early age and then raised her daughter Monte, who was 12 at the time of her father’s death. During this time, Laura worked in the House School as a bookkeeper and secretary until her retirement in 1987. Laura was known as a very caring and selfless person and was happiest when she was giving of herself to others. She cared for her grandparents and parents in their twilight years and she spent time with elderly neighbors who enjoyed her visits. All too early in Laura’s life, she began to lose her memory and capabilities. While Laura remained physically strong, with her dear friend, Mrs. Lois Stone’s complementary mental abilities, they were both able to enjoy independence and many happy times. After Lois passed away in June 1996, dear neighbors including Pat and Darryl Petrak, Becky and Sherman Martin and the House Meals on Wheels Program enabled Laura to stay in her home and beloved community as long as possible. During her years in House, Laura had special bonds with Clyda Morrow and a host of dear friends within the community. In 2000, deteriorating health required her to move to Las Cruces, New Mexico to be near to her son and daughter, Jim and Monte. In Las Cruces, though Laura could no longer live independently, the staffs of both the Adobe and the Arbors at Del Rey enabled her to complete her life with dignity in caring and loving surroundings. Laura was also known as “Kitty” Creek. Her love extended to her four legged family which included cats of all varieties; a boxer, cocker spaniels and Heinz 57 mutts, and a number of race horses which she and Rufus together raised and raced. She is survived by her children—son James and his wife Sterilla Smith and their daughter Sarah Morris and grandson Jacob Morris; daughter Pam and her husband Jim Welch; and daughter Monte and her husband David Marlin and children Nathan and Cameron. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband and dear friend, Lois Stone. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner. Services will be at House Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 10 a.m. Sherman Martin will officiate and Laura will be buried in the House cemetery. Pallbearers are Jim Welch, David Marlin, Nathan Marlin, Don McClure, Matthew McClure and Darryl Petrak. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Alzheimer’s charities, hospices or animal rescue charities. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com