Lela Mary Harvey

Lela M. Harvey passed away at her home on December 3, 2008, following a lengthy illness. Lela was born October 26, 1939, to Bob and Vera Smith in Roswell, NM. A 50-year resident of Las Cruces, she is survived by her husband Whit M. Harvey and daughter Emmy K. Harvey. Lela was active in 4-H and FFA while in junior and senior high school, winning scores of ribbons and awards for her livestock. She attended New Mexico State University where she met and married her husband Whit in 1958, celebrating their 50th anniversary this past June. Lela and Whit and later Emmy, operated the B. E. Harvey Gin until it closed in 2005. She remained active in raising and showing livestock at the state fairs for over 25 years. Lela had only one daughter but she was a mother to many. The cotton gin was a home away from home with the warmth and love that Lela created. Lela enriched many lives and was blessed to have countless friends who loved her and will miss her dearly. She will be remembered for her effervescent smile, energy, and outgoing personality. Her community service activities included Junior Women's Club (Past President), New Mexico Cotton Ginner's Assoc. (Past President), Southern New Mexico State Fair Board of Directors, 4-H Sponsor and Life Member, and many fund-raising campaigns for children's diseases. Lela was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 5-7pm at Getz Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held Monday, December 8 2008 at 9:30am at Getz Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Masonic Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers are John Papen, Charles Tharp, Tom Mobley, Tom Dayberry, Lowell Forman and Mike Lydic. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Arthur Johnston, Harold Macaw, Tom Simpson, Craig Tharp, James Arnold, Ben Haines, Phil Larsen, Charles Glover and Keith Mauldin. Donations may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church 225 W. Griggs Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005 or the church of your choice. PDF Printable Version