Thera “Oleta” (Slater) (Rains) Lavelock was born October 10, 1932 in Grant County, Arkansas and departed this life on April 16, 2021 at her home in Cleveland, Missouri, surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 6 days.
She was the daughter of James L. and Ruth Mae (Bowman) Slater.
Oleta spent her younger years and attended school in the Pine Bluff, Arkansas area. On January 13, 1951 Oleta was united in marriage with Dallas Noah Rains in Yellville, Arkansas. Oleta and Dallas lived in Olathe, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri before moving to Cleveland, Missouri in 1958. Mr. Dallas Rains passed away on December 13, 1978 and Oleta continued to make her home in Cleveland, Missouri.
On January 13, 1984 Oleta was united in marriage with Rodger Noland Lavelock in Cleveland, Missouri and they too made their home in Cleveland, Missouri. Mr. Rodger Lavelock passed away on December 2, 2013.
Oleta was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her life revolved around her family. She was also a woman of strong faith and was a member of the West Line Christian Church. Oleta always gave way more than she had and then some. You see, she had a knack for all the “little things” that most people overlook. Which in retrospect, those “little things” turn out to be the BIGGEST of all! Her laughter was easily brought and her comforting piano and singing skills were Heaven sent. Oleta endured the worst of the worst yet remained strong to make sure everyone else was always taken care of first. Always. Elegance and class intertwined with boundless love, hope and faith. She will always be here because of the countless wonderful memories she leaves behind. One could always learn by her example. God bless her and God blessed us with her.
In addition to her husbands, Oleta was preceded in death by two brothers, J.L. Slater and Rudy Slater, and two sisters, Evon Yeager and Novella Lacy.
She is survived by two sons, Robert Dallas Rains and David Alan Rains both of Cleveland, Missouri; one daughter, Barbara Diane Dugan of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; one brother, Ronnie Slater of Arkansas; two sisters, Belva Yep of Ozark, Missouri and Valinda Taylor of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; one grandson, Mike Rains and wife Shanlee of Cleveland, Missouri; one granddaughter, Rachel Nicole Campbell and husband Chance of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Hadley, Ryder, Ava and Hudson; other relatives and many friends.
The family of Oleta (Rains) Lavelock will receive friends from 2:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2021 at the Wallace Funeral Home, 422 N. Lake Street, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080. A private family Interment will be held at a later date.
Masks and social distancing appreciated but not required.
5 Messages
So sorry to hear the sad news.
So sorry Diane! I think of you often and wonder how you are doing!!
So sad for your loss, Rains family, especially, Mike and Shanlee. Mysybyou be blessed with living memories. Aunt Betsey
Sincere Condolence to family and friends.
Diane and Bobby! So sorry to hear about your mother. Wanda Ray was kind enough to call and let me know. I always remember the good times we all had growing up in Cleveland. It’s hard to believe that our parents are all gone now. I know that Oleta will be missed by many. I think of you guys often!
Leave a Condolence