Cleta Cagle Bradley, who enriched the world with her immeasurable kindness, patience, and generosity, died on November 27, 2023, in Plainview, Texas.
Born January 29, 1934, in Parnell, Texas, Cleta was raised on her family’s ranch, where she developed a tireless work ethic and expert cooking skills. At Hardin-Simmons University, she rode with the HSU Cowgirls. In 1954, she graduated and married James “Jay” Hollis Cagle of Childress, Texas. They were married nearly 50 years and raised two daughters and a son. They lived for many years in Tulia, Texas, where Cleta taught school and helped Jay build his construction business. In 1977 they moved to Abilene, Texas, where Cleta worked for the Department of Human Services. Unfailingly sweet, Cleta seemed to work around the clock, excelling at her jobs and nurturing her family, always with warmth, a sense of humor, and remarkable energy.
In retirement, the couple moved to Plainview, where Cleta devoted herself to caring for Jay, who endured a long illness before his death in 2003.
Cleta married a second time, to Dale Bradley of Lubbock, Texas, a longtime family friend. Both had spent years caring for their previous spouses. Together they traveled the world and shared many well-earned adventures. At the time of Cleta’s death, they had been married nearly 20 years.
At the age of 89, Cleta passed away peacefully, attended by the wonderful staff at Westridge Manor and Traditions Health Hospice in Plainview.
Cleta is survived by her husband, Dale Bradley, of Lubbock; daughter Candace Woods and husband Randy of Plainview; daughter Carla Edwards and husband Steve of Lavergne, Tennessee; son Jess Cagle and husband Matt Whitney of Los Angeles, California; grandchildren Landon Woods, Bo Johnson, and Lindsay Johnson; brother Bill Ferrel and wife Debby; sisters-in-law Joanne Cagle and Bettye Ferrel; and stepdaughters Ladonna Easley and Rhonda Farish.
She is preceded in death by Jay Cagle, parents Crump and Nelda Ferrel, brother Don Ferrel, brother-in-law Bill Cagle, and sister-in-law Fran Ferrel.
Family suggests memorials to Alzheimers Association (www.alz.org) and American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)
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