Nelda Cable

Nelda Frances Cable, 66, of Altus, Okla. died peacefully at home on December 21, 2016.

She was born in Perryton, Texas, on April 17, 1950, to Clyde and Frances Cable. She was the oldest of seven children. Nelda resided in Altus for the last forty-six years of her life, where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She earned her associate’s degree from Western Oklahoma State College and attended Cameron University. Although she worked for several businesses (Sears, 7-11, Roberts Drive-In, and Jackson County Memorial Hospital), her main occupation was as a house and pet sitter for numerous families. She loved her clients, both humans and animals, and they became her devoted friends.

An active member of the Jackson County Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service for many years, Nelda won many blue ribbons at the Jackson County Free Fair for her photographs, crafts, and food items. She advanced to the Oklahoma State Fair finals in the Wheat Harvest Division for her bread recipe. Nelda also served as the mascot Buckle-Up Bear as part of a program started by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Wearing her bear costume, she appeared in safety programs throughout the county to encourage regular seat belt use. As Buckle-Up Bear, she rode in the Christmas parade each year and had her picture taken with Governor Frank Keating.

Nelda will be lovingly remembered by her many friends. She was both the indomitable lady who always had a new joke to tell and the compassionate soul who encouraged cancer patients by giving them stuffed teddy bears with an inspirational prayer attached.

Nelda is survived by sisters, Bernice “Hope” Cable and Martha Katzenberger, both of Thermopolis, Wyo.; brothers, Clyde Brown Cable II, and Howard Cable, both of Thermopolis, Wyo.; stepbrother, Doug Earhart, of Shoshone, Idaho; uncle, Willie Seay, of Borger, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clyde Brown Cable I; mother, Frances Cable Earhart; brother, Cory “Dusty” Cable; stepfather, Duard Earhart; and sister, Gladys Marie Richter.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 20, at First United Methodist Church of Altus. Inurnment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in McLean, Texas.