Lela George

A bright light in our lives has gone to heaven. Lela Pickett George passed away in Durango, Colorado, January 22, 2021 due to Covid-19. She was 93 years old. She was born to Lucille and Roy Pickett in Pasadena, California, September 30, 1927- one of four girls! She grew up in Sierra Madre, California attending the local schools. At Pasadena Junior College, she designed the Rose Parade float for the Rose Queen and was a Rose princess. Every year, no matter where she was, Lela would loyally watch the Rose Parade. At 19, Lela met the love of her life, Lew George, who had just returned from WWII. They built a wonderful life together for 67 years. While in Sierra Made, Lela was instrumental in starting up the children’s program Headstart in Pasadena, CA. After raising their kids in Sierra Madre, Lela and Lew embarked on a new adventure- ranching at Carracas outside of Pagosa Springs. Lela learned to be a ranch wife; tending sheep, cattle, raising chickens, growing a garden, and canning; all of which started in a four room adobe house with no indoor plumbing! Through the years, they built this ranch into a wonderful home. Years later, they moved closer to Durango on 240 acres. Lela enjoyed oil painting, crocheting and quilting. She put her quilting skills to good use, donating countless quilts to foster children in La Plata County via Social Services. Lela is survived by her two sisters; Elva Johnson, and Velma Embree; her daughter Bonnie Unis (Glenn) of Durango, CO, and her son Alan George of Hesperia, CA. She is survived by six grandchildren, Ted Anderson (Katie), Ben Anderson (Krista), Ryan George (Lindsey), Heather George; Scott Maloney, Lindsey (Jon) Maloney, and four great grandchildren, Ruby, Asher, Harlowe, and Ellie. She is predeceased by her husband in 2014; her daughter Laurie Maloney in 2013; and her daughter Anita George in 1959.