Obituary

Himes, Leta Faye

Leta Faye Himes, 82, of Spring, passed away peacefully at her home on June 12, surrounded by her family. Leta was born Oct. 12, 1933, in Rush Springs, Okla., to J.W. and Floy (Keeling) Himes. She graduated in 1950 from Plainview High School, going on to live in many cities, towns and farmsteads in Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and in Guadalajara, Mexico. Leta worked primarily as a bookkeeper and earned the universal love and respect of her employers and colleagues. Leta was her family's reluctant matriarch, shyly embarrassed to be so beloved by her children and grandchildren. Her Dust Bowl roots conditioned her to be frugal and feel vulnerable, so she worried on her growing family's behalf as they made their paths in the world. But as they moved forward and she fretted, the bonds between generations only strengthened because of her unifying love and compassion. She was there for counsel after every mistake, and before every success. She was a true role model of caring, kindness, selflessness and gentle humility. Her spirit endures. Leta is survived by her sons Marvin Readhimer and David Readhimer of Houston; daughter Sharon (Readhimer) Kimball of Alexandria, Va.; grandchildren Natalie Readhimer-West of Glendale, Ariz., Michael Kimball of Oklahoma City, Andrea (Readhimer) Lemesh of Hamilton, N.J., Brian Kimball of Tomball, Valerie Readhimer of Dallas and Elizabeth "Beck" Readhimer of Chicago; and great-grandson Colin West of Glendale. She also leaves behind many loving friends and acquaintances who came to know her. Leta's family will celebrate her life and honor her memory at a private memorial service in Plainview.