Mary Alice Nolan Spears

Mary Alice Nolan Spears, 70, passed away in Temple, Texas on Monday, February 4, 2013. Though she had battled cancer for some time, she passed away peacefully after a short illness in the presence of family. Mary was born on July 23, 1942 in Flatwoods, Kentucky. Her parents were Willard Ham and Mary Elizabeth Hatton Nolan. She was the youngest of six daughters often known as the "Nolan Girls" locally. Being that Willard had no sons, she and her other sisters worked daily chores on the family farm that included over 3000 egg laying chickens. She remembered these days fondly and spoke often of them with family and friends. She graduated from Russell High School as salutatorian in 1960 where she was a cheerleader, a Girls State participant, and active with school publications. After graduation, she served many years as an executive secretary with Ashland Oil. Later, she and her husband Lennon, ran a construction company and two supporting businesses known as the Appliance Warehouse and Kitchens Unlimited until she was recruited to serve as the first Regional Manager for the Eastern counties of Kentucky for the Kentucky Lottery. Soon after the death of her husband Lennon, she moved to Temple, Texas to be closer to her son Jeff and daughter in law Michelle. She quickly took to Texas, and often sported Lucchese cowboy boots, and was once spotted dancing with a cowboy at a hospital charity ball. She was loved by her family and friends in Texas who looked forward to listening to her stories, and particularly, to her continuing tradition of hosting large dinners with beautiful table settings. Late in life, she most particularly enjoyed regular travel throughout Texas and the American southwest with her family and friends. She was a life time member of the Advance Memorial United Methodist Church in Flatwoods, KY. She is survived by her sisters: Ruby Fisher of Flatwoods, KY, Ann (Bob) Howell of Thomasville, GA, Thelma (Harold) Dillow of Russell, KY, Phyllis (Gene) Wells Russell, KY. She is also survived by her son, Jeff Spears and her daughter in law whom she loved greatly, Michelle Spears of Salado, TX. She was preceded in death by her sister Virginia Lemaster, her parents Willard and Mary Nolan, and her husband Lennon Spears of Culp Creek. She also was preceded in death by several loved pets to include Buck, Cindy, Bridget, and Little Buck. The graveside rites will be on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 1:30 pm at Bellefonte Memorial Gardens in Flatwoods, KY with Rev. Mark Wilson officiating.  The viewing will be on Saturday from 11:30 am until 1 pm at Bailey Family Funeral Home in Flatwoods, KY.  Online Condolences may be left for the family at baileyfamilyfuneralhome.com. She will be missed by all that knew her.