Lillian S. Withers

Lillian Owens Withers, 100 a longtime Fort Sumner resident died Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Brookhaven Care Center in Carrolton, TX. She was born April 30, 1908 in Bingen, Arkansas to the home of John Walter Owens and the former Dona Beatrice Power. Lillian graduated from Murfreesboro High School in 1927. She attended Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma for two years where she received her two year teaching degree. After teaching for two years she returned to Southeastern State College where she completed her Bachelors Degree. She taught first grade in Oklahoma and Kansas before moving to Fort Sumner in 1948. She taught in Fort Sumner until her retirement in 1971. During this time she completed her graduate work at the University of New Mexico and Eastern New Mexico University. Lillian married Dean Withers on November 5, 1966. Lillian was active in Education associations everywhere she taught; having served as President and other offices. She also took an active role in her church and community including Woman’s Club, Eastern Star and United Methodist Women. She remained active until Dean became ill. She then devoted all her time caring for him. After dean’s death in 1976 she again took on an active part in Eastern Star and United Methodist Women. She is Past Matron of Eastern Star. Lillian entered the Pecos Valley Care Center in 2001 where she lived until May of 2003 when she moved to a nursing home in Carrollton, Texas to be near her family. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband Dean Withers; her parents; sisters Bernice Owens, Inez Graves, Lucy Cochneuer, and Ruby Owens; brothers Dr. John Owens and Clinton Owens. Survivors include a sister Edna Truitt of Fort Sumner, NM; and two brothers Harry Owens of Carrollton, TX , Van Owens of Grove, Oklahoma; a step-daughter Elaine Thomas along with six nieces and three nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 19, 2008 from the First united Methodist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Monty Leavell officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers are Knox Cortese, Mike West, Bob Addison, Rodney McClain, Steven Gallegos, Mark McCollum, Edward Sena and Leo Sena, All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com