Ina Florence (Cox) Wilcher

Graveside services for Ina F. Wilcher, 84, of Portales, will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, December 31, 2020, at the Portales Cemetery with Rev. Brad Morgan of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. All her many friends and loved ones throughout the years will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In addition, the family would like to express special appreciation to the caregivers and staff of Covenant Health in Lubbock, Presbyterian Regional Medical Center and Retirement Ranch in Clovis, and Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo. Those desiring to make memorial contributions may send them to New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 629, Portales, NM 88130.
Ina Florence Wilcher was born February 11, 1936, in Clinton, OK, to the home of Florence Mae (Moore) and William Frederick Cox and died December 24, 2020, in Clovis. Ina was the youngest of three girls. As a child, she worked hard picking cotton, harvesting other crops, and helping with the farm. Ina grew up in Rogers, attending school there where she was an avid athlete and a class favorite. She was highly involved in class activities and loved learning. On October 10, 1953, in Portales, she married Donald J. “Spook” Wilcher, the love of her life. They were married for 61 wonderful years and enjoyed snowmobiling, sightseeing, and collecting antiques throughout their travels in the U.S. Ina worked in various jobs in Portales before joining her husband in purchasing and running Wilcher Farm Store in Dora.
Together, they raised three children and worked side-by-side to build a thriving business, combining the farm store with Pioneer Electric and a well service. After selling the store in 1996, they moved back to Portales in 1998 where they spent their last years living life to the fullest.  Ina was a faithful Christian and a devoted wife and mother. Wherever she lived, she continually served in church ministry, often putting her bookkeeping skills to good use. She also lived out her faith by preparing home-cooked meals to deliver to the sick and those who had lost loved ones. Since moving back to Portales, Ina was a member of Calvary BaptistChurch. Ina deeply loved her family and went to extra lengths to make each gathering a memorable occasion.
Everyone loved her pecan pies, fried chicken, and cornbread dressing. As a public servant, she was appointed by former Governor Toney Anaya to serve on the New Mexico State Fair Commission from 1983 to 1987. She was also highly active in the democratic party in the 70s and 80s, leading in the Roosevelt County Democratic Party and as the President of the Democratic Women of New Mexico.

Ina is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Janet Wilcher of Portales; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ladona and Mark Clayton of Coppell, TX, and Cynthia and Kelley Kendrick of Abilene, TX; eight grandchildren, Jodi Collins, Robert Wood, Ricci (Richard) Walton, Rebecca Bodfish, Krisstal and Joe (Jennifer) Clayton, and Zackry and Joshua Kendrick; six great-grandchildren, Tori (Jarrett) Faust, Morgan Collins, Elly and Scarlett Walton, Andrew Bodfish, and Jaelyn Clayton; and one sister, Melba Jo Followill of Justin, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, her parents, and one sister, Ruby Dodson. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary of Portales. 575-356-4455, wheelermortuary.net

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