Clare Mae Stevens Castleberry

Clare Mae Stevens Castleberry, age 84, of Carlsbad, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2013 in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Mrs. Castleberry was born August 29, 1928, in Westbrook (Mitchell County), Texas, to Thomas Alfred and Glendora (Groh) Stevens. She moved to Artesia, New Mexico, in January, 1946 where she met and married Roy C. Castleberry on February 17, 1946. They lived in Artesia until moving to Carlsbad in 1951. During her lifetime, she excelled at anything she challenged. She was an avid duplicate bridge player, attaining "Life Master" status, and was a life member of the American Contract Bridge League. She taught many students the game. She was admired by many local citizens for her talents in quilt-making and other creative endeavors, including oil painting, decoupaging, and needlepoint projects. She was also a seasoned seamstress. When she first moved to Carlsbad, she literally "lived" on the Pecos River, and was an excellent water skier and surfboarder, where she was known as the Pecos River Queen of water skiing. Those were the days when there were 5 boats and 500 spectators. She also spent many hours volunteering as official scorekeeper at city-wide Little League games. There was absolutely nothing she tried that she was not successful. She was a talented and award-winning hairdresser in Carlsbad for many years, and owned her own shop. Mrs. Castleberry was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years; her mother and father; 3 sisters: Martha Stevens, Minnie Mahan, and Jessie Jaeger; two brothers: Charles Stevens and Robert Stevens. She is survived by her children, Linda McKelvey and husband Steve of Midwest City, Oklahoma and Glen Castleberry of Carlsbad, NM; grandchildren: Darrin McKelvey and Amy, Shannon Shay and Curtis, and Caan Castleberry and Charley; greatgrandchildren: Katelin Shay, Emerie and Jaxon McKelvey, and Piper, Cooper and Connor Castleberry; brother, Velton Stevens of Albuquerque, New Mexico and many nieces and nephews. Her life was filled with much joy, family love, and a giving heart. She loved to watch her great grandchildren participate in their sports and activities while living in Oklahoma. Visitation 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Friday, August 30, 2013 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Terry McKean officiating. Interment will following in Woodbine Cemetery in Artesia, NM Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a favorite charity. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.