Loris Dekay

A memorial service for Loris DeKay, of Roswell, NM will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 8, 2020 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel for, with Tom Blake officiating. Loris passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020. For the family’s health and safety, please wear a mask while attending the service.

Loris DeKay was born on November 25, 1940, in Corinth, New York, to Ross and Ruth McCullough, who preceded her in death. Her husband, Russell, sister and brother-in-law, Celia and Richard Millward, and brothers, Alan and Ross McCullough, also preceded her.

She is survived by two sons, Todd and Kurt DeKay; daughter-in-law Lori DeKay; grandchildren Kyle DeKay, Zachary DeKay, and Ashley Quijada and her husband James; sister Janis Serfis, brother-in-law Lawrence Serfis and several nephews, and her close friend and dance partner John Sullivan.

Loris graduated from Albany State Teachers College in May of 1961, and married Russell DeKay of Northville, New York in July of the same year. They were happily married for 53 and half years, living in New York, the Kansas City area, and Roswell, New Mexico. Next to family, Loris loved her cabin in the Sacramento Mountains, where she and Russ spent many happy times.

Loris was involved in many community organizations through the years and usually held offices in them. She was especially proud of her work with National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) association, the Assistance League of Chaves County, the Roswell Story League, and the Roswell Literacy Council.

Mrs. DeKay was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and demonstrated her faith by trying to serve the needs of others each day. She loved to walk, bird-watching, poetry, crossword puzzles, and learning new things. Loris was a woman of action who seldom sat still when she saw things that needed to be done. Her industrious nature and perpetual smile inspired others to action as well. Her family wishes to thank everyone for their support over the last two months during her brief battle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to a local charity in honor of Loris.