Alberta Francis Lowery

Alberta Francis O'Dell Ellis Lowery Alberta Francis O'Dell Ellis Lowery, 78, left this life quietly in the early morning hours of January 19, 2012. She was supported in body and spirit by the love of her family and friends as she gently and peacefully transitioned from this earth to everlasting life. Alberta - "Bertha" to most of us, was born December 28, 1933 in Pecan Bayou near Baird, Texas to Albert Leroy and Ruby Lavelle Sargent O'Dell. She grew up in the Baird area until her teen years when the family moved to the far West Texas town of Littlefield. It was here that Alberta met and married William George Ellis on November 28, 1950 in Texaco, New Mexico. To this union two sons were born, Jimmy Don Ellis and Ronnie Lee Ellis. William and Alberta lived in and around the South Plains until William's death on April 18, 1970. On July 1, 1971 Alberta married Robert Reece Lowery in Roswell, New Mexico and from this marriage increased her family by a daughter and 3 sons - Vivian Hurley, Wesley Lowery, Lynn Lowery and Keith Lowery. Shortly after their marriage Bertha and Reece returned to the Abilene area where Reece worked at Dyess Air Force Base. It was during this time that Bertha and Reece opened their hearts and their home to many homesick young troops away from home for the first time. Bertha cooked many meals, sewed patches on sleeves and mended shirts, and listened to stories of lost love and heartache, always giving gentle and wise counsel. Bertha's grandchildren were one of her greatest joys. Bertha and Reece loved camping and fishing and more often than not, at least one grandchild was with them, learning to catch a fish, build a fire or pitch a tent. She loved each one as the unique person he or she is and was always ready to give encouragement and support to each new adventure, or chapter in their lives. Her life skills were not limited to the great outdoors. Bertha was an expert in the needle arts, crocheting (and teaching others to crochet), sewing and quilting rounding out her skills. She was generous with her needle art, leaving each child and grandchild a loving remembrance. Her family will remember that every conversation ended with"I Love You" It was a phrase that was spoken often. There was never a doubt that it was heartfelt and true. In 2000, Bertha and Reece moved to Grape Creek to be closer to Jimmy and Ronnie. It was there, after Reece's death, that Bertha began a miniature horse stable. She had great joy in watching the brood mares grow heavy with foal until the day she could call and say "We have a new Baby!" followed by a detailed recounting of the birth. It was through her love of the horses that several of the children and grandchildren also developed and nurture a passion for this magnificent animal. Our hearts are filled with fond and joyful memories. We rejoice that we are blessed to call her Sis, Mom, Momma, Nana, Auntie or Friend. A family visitation was held Friday evening at Robert Massie Funeral home. Please join with us as we rejoice and celebrate Alberta's life at a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Potosi Cemetery near Abilene, Texas. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Alberta is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ruby O'Dell; her husbands, William "Bill" Ellis and Reece Lowery, a brother Oscar Leroy O'Dell, and a sister Leta Mae O'Dell Stuart. Also preceding her in death is a son, Harold Lynn Lowery and a daughter in law Janet Nichols Ellis, a grandson Jimmie Marc Ellis and great granddaughter Kelei Ryan. Bertha is survived by her sons and daughter in laws Jimmie Don and Linda Hopper Ellis of San Angelo, Ronnie Lee and Sharleta Grimes Ellis of San Angelo, Wesley and Gerty Lowery of Los Angeles, CA, Keith and Susan Lowery of Garland, TX. There is a daughter Vivian Hurley of La Junta, Colorado and daughter in law Eileen Lowery of Kalispell, MT. Her surviving grandchildren are Sherri Wolkow and husband Scott, Doug Lowery, Michael Ellis, Stephen Ellis and wife Tami, Melonie Ellis Tippy, Jason Lowery, Holly Ellis Guerra and husband Alex, and Spencer Lowery. Alberta was blessed with 15 great grandchildren.