Lavena Cheek

Eula Lavena Cheek, 81, died Wednesday, March 19, 2014 in Abilene, Texas at her residence. Born in Shamrock, Texas on July 23, 1932, Lavena was the daughter of Addie Walton (Montgomery) and Grover Cleveland Ballow. She was a 1949 graduate of Athens High School. Lavena retired as County Tax Collector after a 26-year career with Taylor County, Texas. Her parents; two sisters, Geneva Alexander and Mildred Smith; and brother, Grover Ballow, Jr., preceded Lavena in death. Survivors include two sons and their spouses, Joey Cheek and Chrisann of Valrico, Florida, and Randy Cheek and Jeanne of Poolville, Texas; grandchildren, Tara Green and husband Warren, and Kelly Cheek; and great-grandson, Jackson Green. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at First Christian Church, Abilene, 1420 N. 3rd Street, with Dr. Don C. Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Buffalo Gap Cemetery directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be Stan Egger, Eric Chamberlain, Kerry Fortune, Amos Davis , Judge Downing Bolls, Jr. and Seaton Higginbotham. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Morris and Jack Chamberlain. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Lavena’s name to Ben Richey Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 6839, Abilene, TX 79608.