Helen Marie "Rea" Muncrief

Obituary Helen Marie (Rea) Ellsworth was born on November 17, 1933 in Otis, NM where she then grew up the middle child among six siblings, although she often told friends and family, she didnt realize she was a middle child until the 80s when that became a thing. She would also tell anyone who asked that she was her daddys favorite and her big brother Rays baby. It was through that close relationship with her big brother that Rea caught the eye of a handsome young feller from Oklahoma. Rea dated Edward Sonny Muncrief for all of three months before he said Will ya? and she said Will I What? He said Marry Me to which she replied.You have to ask my daddy. And she has been making him work for it ever since. On November 27, 1949 at the age of sixteen, Rea became Mrs. Edward Lee Muncrief. They built their home on an old rock hill in Carlsbad, next door to Reas parents where they raised three children, some nieces and nephews and a handful of neighborhood children before moving on to helping raise grandchildren, some great nieces and nephews and a few more assorted neighborhood children. Known at Vacation Bible School as the cookie lady, Rea got to the heart of many through their stomachs. You always knew there would be something good to eat at Sonny and Reas and if she knew you were coming, it would be your favorite. Christmas was for cream pies and each son and son-in-law got the first piece of their favorite no one could cut it until the designated person was there. Once it was cut it was a free for all! Whatever she made, she made extra, mostly because whatever she made, Sonny tended to give away and she would roll her eyes and huff under her breathand then she would make more. Her grandchildren have fond memories of decorating cookies, not just at Christmas, but for every holiday, sometimes by the hundreds! Her hands were never idle. She was a readera journalista word searcher and crochet was her art. Rea enjoyed travel and having family around and she would tell you it was good to go and good to come home. She would also tell you she liked to have everyone come and she liked to see them leave. Rea would be the first one up coffee made, Bible read before the rest stirred and the last one to go to bed. She was Ma to many and an example to all of what it means to show tough love when necessary paddle at the ready or a soft heart when needed. Never one to cry, Rea was the first to wipe the tears of others. Even in recent years, when her mind became locked in itself, her eyes would light up and she served as a joy to others, continuing as an example to all who knew her and still willing to rebuke those who needed it including Sonny who, no argument was and is the love of her life. Those who knew Rea are proud to call her family or friend it was all the same to her. Those who know her influence are better for it the patience we learned by opening and closing the door ten times because you slammed it, the sense of fairness if one got it, we all got it (good or bad) and mostly, the unfailing loyalty to those you love. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Tub Muncrief; brothers: Ray, Dale and Eugene Ellsworth; sister, Mabel Sis Kelton. Survivors are her husband of 69 years, Sonny Muncrief of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Marilla Snooks Denny and husband, Jim of Carlsbad, NM; son, Rex D. Muncrief and wife, Lynette of Las Cruces, NM; 8 grandchildren: Shawn Denny and wife, Tabitha, Deana Corona and husband, Robert, Mindy Turner and husband, Jason, Keeley Muncrief, Christy Muncrief, Kourtney Vaillancourt and husband, Steve, Lisa Nesbit and husband, Curt and Megan May and husband, Chris; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Bruce Ellsworth and wife, Barbara of Parker, Texas; sister, Patsy Ward of Midland, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews. Rea left this earth on November 7, 2018. Her work on earth was done, having laid a foundation for future generations with a strong work ethic, an unwavering stand on what is right and a love for God and family. She has fulfilled her purpose. And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 A graveside service is scheduled for 9:00 AM, Monday, November 12, 2018 at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park with Pastor Dick Means and Pastor Herb Gage officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Marie "Rea" Muncrief, please visit our floral store.