Spradlin, Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Spradlin, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on November 24, 1923, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 19, 2016, at the age of 92. She was predeceased by her parents, O.N. Harris and Rose Ellen Harris (Albright), and her two husbands, Robert Craig De Lozier and Raymon Spradlin. Her father, O.N. Harris, was a New Mexico rancher and banker. Her father and both of her husbands were military veterans in service to their country. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Carter, son-in-law, C.D. Carter, sons, John De Lozier and Dick De Lozier, her grandchildren, Craig and Candice Carter, Jamie McAdams, Christy De Lozier, Josh De Lozier, and John Craig De Lozier, and her great-grandchildren. She took great joy, dedication and care in her family, which was always her number one priority. Mary Ellen attended Stephen’s College in Columbia, Missouri and New Mexico State University before marrying and raising her family in Clovis, New Mexico. She had four children with Craig De Lozier who died in a boating accident at Conchas Lake at the age of 32. She was a strong single mother and gave all her children the education they desired. After raising her children, she remarried and was a rancher with her husband, Raymon Spradlin, near Melrose, New Mexico, raising Herefords, in which she took great pride. At the time, she had a bloodhound named Sally, whom she adored. Mary Ellen was proud to know John Wayne and to purchase his bulls for breeding stock. She loved to travel with Raymon before his passing, and then with her grandchildren, Craig and Candice. Those trips were highlights of all their lives; much was taught and shown to her grandchildren during those times. Mary Ellen was always engaged in artistic endeavors, painting, sewing, jewelry design and creation, beading, and wood-carving with the New Mexico Woodcarvers. She was a member of the Shriner’s Women’s Club. She loved Native American art and all things New Mexican, Aztec, or Alaskan and, in particular, her buzzards. She loved all people, and would build strong relationships with anyone she met. Everyone was special to Mary Ellen. Laughter and beer were her life medicines that she lived by. She had a long, happy and joyful life with her family.