Leta was born in Drew County, AR and grew up in Florence and Monticello. She graduated from Monticello High and attended Arkansas A&M for three years before going to work for Monticello Truck Lines and then Kimble and Gordon Motor Freight Lines in 1938. In 1941 she and a friend moved to California where Leta went to work for Railway Express. In 1943 she became a chemist for the Shell Oil Co. There she met Royce Donkle, and they were married on February 39, 1948. Leta and Royce lived in Long Beach for the rest of their lives, except for a couple of years in Houston, Texas, still working for Shell. Later Leta left Shell and went to work for Wood-Callahan Oil Co., first as a secretary but later as an accountant and Administrative Assistant to Mr. Wood. She continued in that position until her retirement. Leta was a charter member of the Long Beach chapter of Desk and Derrick, an organization dedicated to the promotion of the education and professional development of individuals employed in or affiliated with the petroleum, energy and allied industries. She held several offices in that organization through the years. For many years she wrote a column for the chapter newsletter.
Leta was a great lady, and will be greatly missed by family and her many friends.
The family requests in lieu of flowers a donation to the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, or your favorite charity.
Condolences(1)
Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 11, 2010 My condolences go to Leta's family -- especially to her surviving sisters. (She was a first cousin of my mom, Fay Wright Stephenson McClain.) I have heard mom speak fondly of the Hobbs sisters and their brother Dwight. I remember going as a child to the home of your parrents on South Main, Mr. & Mrs. A.L. Hobbs, or as I said "Uncle Lonnie and Aunt Lillie". Many good memories there!