Nelda Lanford

Nelda Lanford, 92, widow of Alvin Lanford, died August 4, 2015 in Katy, Texas. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Memorial Oaks Chapel, with burial to follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Rev. Troy Key will officiate. Visitation will be prior to the service, from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Nelda Lanford was born Nov. 7, 1922 in Gay Hill to Theodore and Meta Frank Duesterhoft. She was baptized as a child and confirmed at St. Peter''s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill. On Jan. 3, 1942, she married Alvin Lanford, and they spent 45 years together until his passing in 1987. After living in Houston for awhile, the family joined Faith Memorial Baptist Church. Nelda remained a member there until her death. Survivors include her children: Ruth Thomas, Evelyn Blakely, and Al and Tracey Lanford. Grandchildren: Karen and Randy Beard, Cathy and Keith LeJeune, Sherry and Steven Key, Brock and Trisha Thomas, Scott Lanford, and Elissa Boer; great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Kendall, and Camden Beard, Joshua Blakely and Brittney and Brandon Higgins, Eiley Rowan Key, Ryan and Zachary Thomas, and Solomon Lanford; brother, Ted Duesterhoft, and wife Cheryl, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Doris Mae Duesterhoft; brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Annie Mae Duesterhoft, an infant granddaughter, Terri Jo Thomas, and great-granddaughter, Emma Claire Key. Nelda was a wonderful cook, and was well-known for her pies, cakes, and potato salad. She also worked for Neiman Marcus for almost 20 years, and her family thoroughly enjoyed the perks of her job. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489 Rd., Brookshire, Tx. 77423 http://www.brookwoodcommunity.org. Funeral arrangements for Nelda Lanford are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.