Alva Lee McKay (McMurtrey) 8/22/1928-8/14/2023

It is with great sadness that the family of Alva McKay (McMurtrey) announce her sudden passing on Monday, August 14, 2023, at the age of 94.

Alva will be remembered fondly by her children Donna Tucker and husband Charles, Gene Bagwell and wife Susan, and Danna Hensley and husband Jerry; grandchildren, Sonja Bilderback and husband Tom, Jennifer Towery, Dustin Oler, Taylor, Alyssa and Ashlee Hensley; great-grandchildren, Preslie Davis and husband Andy, Zachary and Gunner Withrow, Faith Jordan; and Aidan Oler, great-great-grandchildren, Jordan Withrow, Jace Withrow, Eli Davis, Gannon Withrow, Charlie Rai Davis, Ashton Withrow, Sophie Hensley, and Paislee and Cooper Jordan; and numerous other family and friends.

Alva was born in Yarnaby, Oklahoma to Jacob and Lucy McMurtrey on August 22, 1928. She had six siblings. Alva was the youngest and was known to be the baby of the family.

Alva was preceded in death by both parents and siblings, Homer "Mac" McMurtrey, Decie Evans, Leonard McMurtrey, Yvonne Redden, Selby McMurtrey, Pete McMurtrey, and son, Ricky Bagwell and husbands, Edward Bagwell, Dick Walker, and Howard McKay.

Alva held many titles over the years. Some will remember her as mom, memo, wife, teacher, cosmetologist, cook, and to many, "a safe place". Over the years, she took in many foster children and loved them like her own. She loved learning and took classes for anything that piqued her interest anytime she had a chance.

She was great at many things. Alva was a comfort foodie, and many are still trying to perfect her homemade hot rolls today. She was beautiful, loving, very witty and never ceased to embarrass someone with her caddy but funny remarks in public. She loved shocking people. She also loved dancing and playing games, dominos, Wahoo, anything to spend time visiting with those she cared for.

She had a green thumb her entire life and could bring any plant back to life by whistling and talking to them.

Alva's serenading birthday calls will be missed for years to come. On any given day, you could find her with a fur baby or toddler in her lap, playing "trotty, trot, trot". Her early mornings were filled with coffee and as many stories as she could fit in. Her morning coffee time always began with her singing, "The old grey mare ain't what she used to be". Alva's unconditional love will be missed by many, and her company will be unmatched.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, August 17th, at Waldo Funeral Home, 619 N Travis St., Sherman, Tx.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Friday, August 18th, at Waldo Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment will be held 10 am, Saturday, August 19th, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Online condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com .