Della Lee Wear, a longtime Meeker community member, passed away in Grand Junction, Colo., on Sept. 6, 2013.
Della Lee was born to Roy and Amy Harper on Feb. 1, 1926. She married Clinton McKay, and to that union came two children, R. Wesley McKay and Sandra L. McKay (Klein). That marriage ended in divorce.
She later met and married the love of her life, Al. R Wear.
Her son, Wesley, married, and had three children: Hank McKay (Carmen), Brooke Mantle (Dean) and Haley Kracht (Bill). Her daughter, Sandra, married and has a daughter, Caprice Lucki DuCray (Jay).
Della Lee was preceded in death by her parents, her son and a sister, Royetta Harper Miller.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Al; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren: Tyler McKay, Alexsis Silva McKay, Joseph McKay, Bailey Mantle, Doak Mantle, Jake DuCray, Taylor DuCray, and Brielle DuCray. She also had one great-great-grandchild, Aerie, born to Alexsis Silva McKay, and Walker Smutts. Her family will miss her dearly.
Most of the community will remember her from the courthouse, as she worked in and was the Rio Blanco County budget officer for more than 25 years. She signed a lot of county paychecks in her career.
Della Lee and her husband, Al, retired and purchased a home in Grand Junction. Della Lee always enjoyed time with her family and traveling with her husband, Al, to jazz gigs all over the country.
Della Lee had a great laugh, a wonderful set of dimples, was an exquisite cook and always kept an immaculate home. Her grandchildren all use her spaghetti sauce recipe.
Della Lee was put to rest on Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at Highland Cemetery in Meeker. It was a beautiful day and many of her longtime friends and family enjoyed a luncheon given by the Daughters of the American Revolution/Methodist Church and family members, followed by graveside services.
Her family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped organize her beautiful service. Thanks to everyone for attending and all the support and love. She will be missed, but never forgotten.