Lela Evelyn Wallace

Lela Evelyn Wallace was born September 11, 1915, in the small town of Wise, Missouri. She was the eighth child in a family of eleven children born to Alice and James Rector. Lela was raised with eight brothers and a sister. She also had a sister who died as a baby. Because of her Father’s asthma, Lela’s parents, moved the family to Colorado when she was five years old. The family settled in the Eastern Colorado community of Agate. Lela graduated from Agate High School in 1934. In 1935, she met Rawland Wallace, a rancher who lived near Limon, and they married.

During the Depression they move to Ft Collins for about a year and subsequently returned. to the Limon area. Lela’s father-in-law was severely injured and she was his caregiver until he died in 1944. Lela and Rawland moved to Aurora where Rawland and his brother began a home construction business. In 1946, Lela and Rawland were blessed with a daughter, Ann. In 1948, Robert, was born. That same year, Rawland was diagnosed with cancer. Lela was Rawland’s caregiver until he passed away in 1950. Before his death Rawland built the home Lela lived in for over 60 years.

In 1953, Lela began her employment with the federal government as an administrative assistant. In addition, she worked second jobs for a variety of employers. Lela enjoyed her job and her coworkers and retired after 29 years of federal service.

In 1958, Lela met Max Cheek. They enjoyed square dancing and it took them on many travels. Max was an aircraft mechanic for Combs-Gates Aviation. He had a pilot’s license and they flew all over the country. Max lived in Deer Trail, Colorado for many years.

In 2006, Lela moved to Sunridge Retirement Community and Max joined her there in 2008. For 59 years they enjoy spending time together. Max died in February 2017.

Lela enjoyed listening to country-and western music.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann Gaskill and husband Don of Colorado Springs, her Son Robert Wallace and his wife Barbara of Pine, Colorado, five grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.