Obituary of Neva Irene Blackwelder

Neva Irene Blackwelder January 20, 1913 - April 26, 2009 Neva was born in Big Spring, Texas into the loving family of Rachel Cornelia Stalcup and David Leslie Proctor. Neva was the seventh child of nine siblings. Neva’s loving heart and gentle spirit leaves a void in many lives, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She grew up on a farm in Texas and then met and married her late husband Howard Bob Blackwelder. They moved to California in the very early forties where they both proudly served their country by becoming Certified Navy Welders, working on the battleships returning to be repaired at the Navy Shipyard in the San Francisco Bay. After the war they returned to New Mexico where they lived most of their life only occasionally leaving to follow their dreams but always returning back to their beloved New Mexico. Blessed with a tender heart, Neva was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends. Neva was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Bob Blackwelder, her son Howard Leon (Sonny) Blackwelder and her daughter Melba Blackwelder Rutherford Black. She is survived by her two daughters, Frances Blackwelder Cooper Scott of Kansas and son-in-law, Roy Scott and Lona Blackwelder Rogers of California and son-in-law, Dr. Gene Rogers, 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren, and one sister, Lona Proctor Noss of Hobbs, NM. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 10:00 am at Resthaven Cemetery located on the Tatum Highway and Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church in Lovington, NM. Rev. Mike Crow will officiate. Services are under the direction of Kirby-Smith- Rogers Funeral Home. Even though Neva moved away 8 years ago she never stopped loving the little church she belonged to in Lovington. Memorial contributions should be made to: First Christian Church, 212 S. 2nd Street, Lovington, NM 88260. Neva Blackwelder will be missed by all who loved her or had the opportunity to know her.