Funeral service for Laresta Wickman Spear age 96 of Gordon will be held on Friday, 10:00 AM MT at the Church in Eli. Burial will follow at Conley Flats Cemetery south of Eli. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM CT on Thursday at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Laresta Spear

Berniece Laresta Perry was born October 7, 1915 on the Modisett Ranch, south of Rushville Nebraska, to Harry and Agnes Perry. She had one sister, Lavina, who was seven years older. The family moved from Rushville to Eli in 1924 by train with all their belonging and livestock. She grew up and attended school in Eli through the ninth grade. Laresta boarded in Gordon and attended Gordon High School graduating with the class of 1933. After high school she attended Chadron Normal College.

Laresta began her teaching career in 1935 at District 49 school. It spanned a period of forty years. She taught at the Davis's School, Conley Flats, Simmons School, Merriman and Martin schools

On June 6, 1937 Laresta married John August Wickman in Eli, Nebraska. To this union was born Larella Berniece, John Erick and Jane Elizabeth Wickman.

Laresta was preceded in death by her parents, sister, her husband of 38 years (Gus), her second husband of 17 years (Ted); one granddaughter, Larenda Modlin;one grandson, Byran Cady and step granddaughter Rita Smith..

Laresta is survived by her three children, ten grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Two step grandchildren, 4 step-great grandchildren, and 10 step great-great grandchildren.