Leta Grace Deveraux, a Jackson Hole local, turns 106 tomorrow! Leta is the mother of Patty Ewing whom, with her husband Frank and daughter Heather, own Barker-Ewing Whitewater. Patty shares this story of her mother.
Leta Deveraux was born March 29, 1908 in Watonga, Oklahoma, and eventually landed in Laramie, Wyoming in 1920 with her family. She was a teacher and a wife; she’s a mother and a grandmother. Growing up, she had a horse as a house pet, could cowboy up better than any chap around, and would out-charm, out-bet and out-wit anyone that would take on the challenge!
Leta Grace Deveraux
Now, as Mother reaches 106, her good health combined with sound mental acuity and an active sense of humor (which my husband Frank engages with his teasing every day) has allowed her to live another comfortable year in our home. While she requires much more physical aid, she still walks short distances with a walker and our support. Frank is earning the world’s best son-in-law award: his physical help and most importantly, his empathy, good-natured teasing and engaging stories keep Mother smiling and laughing, even though she may not hear or understand all his words. Without Frank and our daughter Heather’s support, we could not keep Mother at home. We are also grateful for the loving, caring ladies who come to provide much needed aid and respite time. Our daughter Shannon, my brother and Mother’s son Jay Deveraux & his wife Cynthia plus other family members make special efforts to come see her as often as possible, which we appreciate.
Mother loves cards and telephone calls. She never fails to remember family and old friends. Her face lights up when dogs stop at her chair for a pat or a sit in her lap. She enjoys short drives in the car for wildlife watching and visiting friends. A very gentle person, Leta has arrived at this time of her life with a great deal of grace and dignity, a lifetime of memories and friends. Each night she wants her bed raised so my Daddy’s photo, her late husband’s, is the last thing she sees and thinks about before going to sleep. Today, Mother smiled big when I told her that the neighborhood children will be visiting the house to sing “Happy Birthday” to her. – Patty Deveraux Ewing
