Doris Ladell Spires

Doris (Dee) Ladell Spires, 86, of Midland, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2016. There will be a memorial service at the First Baptist Church Chapel on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. Doris was born in Mound, Texas on September 8, 1929 to Quince and Gladys Davidson. She graduated from Hamilton High School and attended Tarleton College. Doris was married to Truman E. Spires (Gene) on February 17, 1950 in Brady, Texas. They moved to Midland, Texas in 1953. Doris worked as an interior designer for 30 years. After retiring, she was a full-time artist. She was a member of Oil Painters of America and participated in a plein air impressionist group that included Don L. Parks, Charles N. Pruitt, and Mary Rasmussen at the Haley Library for 26 years. She was selected in the top 200 picks in the Arts for the Parks Competition in 1998 and 2000. Her work was represented by the Adobe Gallery in Ruidoso, New Mexico and Concetta D. Gallery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was a featured artist at Midland Arts Associations Celebration of the Arts in 1995. She was a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. Doris was a member of the Junior League of Midland, Green Thumb Garden Club, Midland Arts Association, and a Hospital Pink Lady. She was a member of the First Baptist Church since 1953 and served as a Sunday school teacher, WMU leader, and church training leader. Doris was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys; her father, Quince; and her two sisters, Martha Lou and Marilyn. Doris is survived by her husband of 67 years, Gene Spires; son, Gerry Spires; and daughter, Connie Gardenhire, both of Midland; her grandchildren, Jason Spires, Trevor Spires, and Karli Spires; her great-grandson, Thomas Reed Spires; as well as many nephews, nieces, and their children, and numerous friends. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and nurses at Midland Memorial Hospital and, especially, to Reverend David Johnson from the First Baptist Church for his many visits. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Haley Memorial Library and History Center, 1805 W Indiana Ave, Midland, TX 79701, 432-682-5782, to the Kairos Prison Ministry at P.O. Box 50002, Midland, Texas 79710 or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.