Letha Spakes

Letha (Dean) Magdelene (Sterling) Spakes, age 93, passed away peacefully July 7, 2020 with loved ones by her side. She was born January 7, 1927 in Wortham, Texas to the late William Lacy, Sr. and Ida Belle (Pope) Sterling. She eloped and married her love, Alfred Billy Spakes, Sr. on February 20, 1943.

Dean was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured all seven of her children and embraced every moment with them. She was a rare combination of someone who had a love for life and a firm understanding of what was important — the simplicity of living a life with those you love. She especially loved her role as ‘Ma.’ She played mean games of 42 and Moon, made the best home-cooked meals for her family and hosted decades of Sunday dinners in her home.

She was known for her amazing love and support, being overly opinionated and telling it like it is. She always told you the truth, even if it was not what you wanted to hear. All who loved her dearly will never forget her tenacity, wit, charm, grace and undying love and care for them all. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh.

Being a member of the Baptist faith, Dean was very active at First Baptist Church over the years. She served on various committees and provided nursery support. Bull-Riding was a guilty pleasure; she is the only person we know that roots for the bulls. She was also an avid Longhorn fan and really enjoyed watching their baseball, football and softball. ‘La-la-laaaa’ is a phrase her family knows well. Being athletic herself, she encouraged all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to participate in and love sports. Her voice was always loudest in the stands.

Dean leaves behind an enormous family that she was very proud of. She will be extremely missed by her children Alfred Billy Spakes Jr, Jimmy Lance Spakes, Sr. (Jane), Rexford Lee Spakes (Sandi), Larry Dean Spakes, Jackie Rena´ Burgh (Jeff), Sandra Elaine Humphreys and sister Carol Ann Johnson (Pete). She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 68 years Alfred Billy Spakes, Sr., brothers William Sterling Jr., Billy Ray Sterling, daughter, Linda Scheumack and four grandchildren: Dena, Natalie, Darlynn and Nathaniel (Colt) Scheumack.

Visitation will be held at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral home Friday, July 10th from 1-5 pm. Services will be held at River Valley Christian Fellowship in Bastrop Saturday July 11th at 3:30 pm. Graveside service to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in McDade.

The family is extremely grateful to Hospice of South Texas of Hallettsville. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Dean’s name.