Lois Margie Adeline was a child of the western Homestead Movement in the early 1900's. Her father, John Travis Snider, and his younger brother had filed on homestead land in New Mexico. The family, her father, mother, Ada Robertson Snider, three older siblings and uncle reached their 160 acre homestead in January of 1907. A dwelling was built and a crop planted as required "for proving a claim." When land opened up for homesteading in Arizonia, her parents decided to check it out and headed West in their covered wagons. Lois, their youngest child, was born during the time the family spent in Arizonia. Her family soon returned to the New Mexico homestead and put down permanent roots. Lois grew up on this farm and attended McAlister school where her mother was a teacher. Her older sister and husband were attending Montezuma Baptist College near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Lois joined them, enrolled in classes and was a sitter for her sister's new baby. Lois had returned home to the farm for the summer when a Texan, James VanBuren Starkey, known as J. V., dropped by to extend regards from mutual acquaintances back in Robertson County, Texas. J. V. stayed to help with the harvest and then married Lois. They lived on several small farms but times were hard during the depression and when a new Junior College opened in Portales. J. V. eagerly enrolled. He worked on the college farm and as a policeman at night. Lois took in boarders. She also studied J. V.'s textbooks at night because she was determined to continue her education.. The college became a four year university and J. V. was one of the early graduates of Eastern New Mexico University. He taught in the Portales Public Schools for many years. They raised three children, two boys, John Harrell and Robert Earl, and one girl, Lois June. Lois and her sister, Omie Snider Keating, were devoted to each other and their children were as close as siblings. Lois's children were young adults when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She lived several years and saw her oldest son finish medical school, her second become a businessman and grandchildren arrive. Her daughter graduated from college and married an Air Force pilot. Lois was in declining health by then and the wedding was held at Lois's bedside in her hospital room. Lois was an excellent cook and is still remembered for her homemade bread and special desserts. Her many recipes including, "Date Loaf Candy", "Peanut Brittle" and "Jam Cake" are still favorites of the Snider clan.
NOTE: Aunt Lois was a second mother to this writer. She and her sister, Omie, (my mother) leave many precious memories. Omie cherished her little sister, was always the protector and was by her when she slipped away.
-Blanche Keating Collie, niece

Children:
John Harrell Starkey, MD
Robert Earl Starkey
Lois June Starkey Gilbreath