Cleo Wanda (Albertson) Scearce was born Dec. 25, 1930, in Mexia, Texas, to Jeff and Annie (Huey) Albertson. Cleo departed this life on Aug. 12, 2013, making her 80 years, 7 months and 18 days old.
Upon leaving Texas, the family settled in Jal, N.M., where Cleo finished her schooling. Cleo met a handsome young man, who had recently been discharged from the Navy, shortly afterwards Cleo was united in marriage on April 27, 1948 to Leonard Scearce. The couple moved to Missouri in 1953 to make their home on Leonard’s family farm in Texas County. To this union two children were born, Gaye Lynn and Steve Allen.
While raising her children, Cleo worked beside Leonard on the farm. When the children were older, she went into the workforce at various jobs and retired from the Brown Shoe Company after 20 years of service.
Cleo was known for her beautiful flower gardens and home cooked meals. She loved giving bouquets to friends and neighbors, along with sharing bulbs or seeds to help them start their own gardens. No one ever left Cleo’s kitchen with an empty stomach, she always made sure there was plenty for anyone that passed through and enough to send them home with a plate of leftovers.
Cleo was a friend to everyone she met, her heart as well as her door was always open. Cleo was a devoted member of the Bado Community Church for many years and served faithfully until her health declined.
She is survived by her daughter, Gaye Brockelbank and husband, Mike, of Cabool, Mo.; her son, Steve Scearce and wife, Diann, of Mtn. Grove, Mo.; five grandchildren, Shawn and wife, Tammy, Adam and wife, Janetta, Dara and husband, Henry, Kenny and wife, Crystal, and Michael; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter, two brothers, Tommy Albertson of Texas and Charles Albertson of New Mexico; and a very dear friend of many years, Anna Mae Bresler.
Cleo was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Leonard of 60 years; two sisters, Ruby and Geneva; and a grandson, Bradley Scearce.
She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother in the hearts of her family. We have comfort knowing that Cleo left this world believing the best was yet to come.
The family hosted a private family graveside in Bado Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Smith officiating. Burial was under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Three Rivers Hospice or the Bado Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.
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