Lee Ora Raspberry, 87, of Blytheville, died Saturday, July 21, 2007 at her home. She was born to Newt and Lillie Thetford McLeod on Feb. 13, 1920 in Blytheville. She graduated from Blytheville High School in 1938, attended UCA in Conway, and graduated with a degree in dietary supervision in 1980 at the age of 60. She was employed by the Blytheville public school system for 24-years, and retired as lunchroom manager at Fairview Elementary.

She married J.W. Raspberry Sr. on July 28, 1940, and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was an active member of the Clear Lake Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, worked in vacation bible school, was a member of the choir and served on numerous committees. She was especially popular among the children of the VBS, as she often provided special refreshments for them.

An avid sports fan, she played basketball and softball, and was a member of the Coca-Cola independent basketball team from Blytheville. She also loved swimming, but her passion was gardening and cooking. She loved to cook for her large family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; two brothers: Bob and William McLeod; three sisters: Opal McLeod, Marie Rodery and Glenola Hart; one daughter Madeline Jones; and an infant daughter; one son, Richard Raspberry, Sr.; one grandson, Lewis Richardson, Jr.; one great-grandson and one great granddaughter Emma Grace Raspberry.

Mrs. Raspberry leaves four sons: J.W. "Sonny" Raspberry Jr. and his wife Linda of Hope, Jim Raspberry and his wife Brenda of Conyers, Ga., Kenneth Raspberry and his wife Pam of Bryant and Marty Raspberry and his wife Cindy of Destin, Fla.; three daughters: Glenda "Suzie" Bearden of Steele, Joyce Ann Frye of Indianapolis and Tammy Hodge and her husband Brian of Blytheville. She's also survived by 26 grandchildren, including Richard Raspberry Jr. of Piggott, 32 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 24, at the Cobb Funeral Home in Blytheville with Dr. Coy W. Camp and Dr. Jimmy A. Russell officiating. Burial followed in the Elmwood Cemetery, with Cobb Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be emailed to cobbfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net.