Dorretha Speer

Dorretha Gill Speer, age 92, of Gatesville, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2020. Graveside services will be at Davidson’s Cemetery on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 11:00 a.m.

Dorretha was born on April 18, 1928, in Oglesby, Texas, to Jeff and Lena Gill. She attended Oglesby schools, where she graduated. She met the love of her life, Ralph Bornum Speer, at a drive-in in Waco, Texas. At just 18 years old, Dorretha eloped to Dallas, Texas, with Ralph and the two became married on December 15, 1946. They raised their family in Waco, Texas, were married for 72 years and raised four children. Dorretha was an excellent cook, a talented seamstress, she had a green thumb and loved her flowers and gardening. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the lights of her life; also, her faithful furry companion Rufus. Dorretha was dedicated to her family and spent countless hours with her children and grandchildren, and was an active member of Pecan Grove Baptist Church. She was an Angel on Earth and wanted everyone she knew to know Jesus.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Speer in 2019; father, Jeff Gill, mother, Lena Gill, and brothers, Matt, Delbert and Roy, and granddaughter Kristy Alyne.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn White and husband, Jon, Brenda Talley and husband, Kenneth, Vivian Zottarelli and husband, Angelo, and Stewart Speer and wife, Misty. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michael White and wife, Lisa, Danny White and wife, Kayla, Angela Avant and husband, Will, Clay Ramsey and wife, Rebecca, Bonnie Stockton and husband, Jason, Wayne Weber and wife, Nicole, Ashley Ashby and husband, Joe, Halee Bownds and husband, Travis, Dorre and Jeff Speer. Great-grandchildren are Carlie, Adelyn, Abby and Evan White, William and Evelyn Avant, Noah, Haylee, Carter, and Brendan Ramsey and Alexas McGinnis, Cooper, Jax, Hudson and Brooks Stockton, Brinley, Wyatt, Flint and Sonora Weber, Emma, Gracyn, Adeline and Easton Ashby, Brittyn and Blaire Bownds, brother-in-law Ival Speer and numerous other relatives and friends who will dearly miss her.

Pallbearers are Michael and Danny White, Clay Ramsey, Wayne Weber and Jeff Speer.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Pecan Grove Baptist Church 1110 Old Fort Gates Rd., Gatesville, TX 76528 or your favorite charity.