Julia LaFaye Spurlen, age 89, formerly of Eastland, TX, and finally of De Leon, TX, passed away very early on June 7, 2022, at De Leon Nursing and Rehab. She was surrounded by love and the upmost care.

She was born on May 16, 1933, to Morris and Julia Mason in Madisonville, TX. She was always a good and faithful servant to her Lord.

LaFaye is survived by son, Dale Spurlen and wife, Laura, of De Leon, TX, and their children, Waggoner Spurlen, Desire Bearden and Layne Spurlen; T.L. Spurlen and his daughter Rebecca Jones; Patri Reinmund and husband, Rick, of Colorado. No children together, but two rough collies who adored LaFaye. Also, Jeffery Spurlen and Victoria Cook. She is also survived by her older sister, a niece and nephew and several great grandchildren.

LaFaye was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

She graduated from Texas State College for Women in Denton, TX, with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1955. She wanted to be a nurse but her parents didn't want her to pursue that career.

After graduating, she became a County Extension Agent in Eastland County and then a First and Second Grade Teacher in Olden, TX. Once children arrived, she became a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. After the children had graduated from high school she worked at Altman's fashion store and the Eastland Majestic Theater. She also worked for Hallmark doing the greeting cards in Eastland, Cisco and Albany. And she was a secret shopper for a while.

She met F.L. Spurlen of Eastland, TX, who on their first date, took her to see his cows. She married him on August 21, 1957. He owned Eastland Machine & Welding and she kept the books for many years. She was also a rancher's wife and helped, along with the kids, rounding the cows up, vaccinating, branding, loading hay and shredding hay fields. She held her small family together with her love and devotion. She went without for so many things so her children could have.

She loved to sew and made a lot of clothes for her daughter, staying up until late at night to finish a garment. She could overcook meat with the best of them. Once her children started to listen to rock music, her favorite was Rod Stewart, singing, "Do You Think I'm Sexy". She loved irises and zinnias. The afternoon before she passed away, her son-in-law found a first ever wild purple iris growing in their meadow in the mountains of Colorado.

She lived at Lake Leon across from the dam until 1997. She was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church of Eastland. After moving to De Leon, she attended a country Methodist church, Morton's Chapel, outside of De Leon. She was treated like a rock star by fellow congregants. She also enjoyed a book club in De Leon for several years. She was beloved by so many. Her children's friends just loved her, always asked about her, always said how sweet she was.

A graveside funeral service was held at the Victor Cemetery outside of De Leon (FM 2156) on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastors John Woodard and Kaiya Kershaw officiating.

In lieu of donations, please give flowers. They will be distributed afterwards to the nursing home. If you would rather make a donation in LaFaye's memory, please consider the De Leon Nursing and Rehab for purchasing interactive products for residents with dementia (De Leon Nursing and Rehab C/O Mrs. Porter).

The family expresses gratitude and appreciation to all the staff and real angels at the De Leon Nursing and Rehab, especially Starla Dyson; Alpha Omega Hospice, especially Kristi Wright, and Dr. Dwayne Miller, her physician. Also, Cindi Wyckoff, at Farmers & Merchants Bank whose help was invaluable. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.