Mae VaRue Little
Mae VaRue Matthews Little, 90, went to her heavenly home on Dec. 15, 2020, surrounded by loving family in Valley Mills where she had lived beside her daughter since 2009.
VaRue was born on Nov. 15, 1930, in Floydada to A.H. and Hattie Mae Matthews. In 1943 at age 13, she and siblings Billy and Jean moved to Hamilton with their parents. Hamilton provided plenty of opportunities through the years to make many long-lasting friendships.
Shortly after graduation in 1948, she began a 19-year work career at Perry National Bank in Hamilton. Around that time she met a handsome local boy and World War II veteran, Allan Little, and they married on Aug. 8, 1949, in Dripping Springs. VaRue was totally devoted to their only child, LaBecca, born in March 1951.
The years following were full of work, sewing, school activities, ball games, family reunions and summer lake trips to Proctor and Lake Buchanan. She and Allan spent many fun hours taking Becky and her friends skiing. Good times! VaRue loved her family, friends and pets. She cultivated a thankful and grateful heart. She and Allan were long time members of Littleville Baptist Church.
Young and old alike were comforted by her kindness and generosity. She enjoyed preparing holiday family meals, reading, creating a lovely yard, watching all sports and especially playing golf with Perry Country Club friends and her beloved Allan. Watching her two grandsons play football, basketball and golf brought her tremendous joy. She was affectionately known by them, their friends and great-grandchildren as “Mama Rue.”
VaRue was preceded in death by her parents; husband Allan in 1993; brothers Ersel and wife Emma, A.H. Jr., Wilbert, Joe and wife Louise and Bill and wife Charlene; son-in-law Don Ledbetter; brother-in-law Don Gautier; nephews Darin Gautier, Larry Denman and niece Patricia Matthews.
Survivors include her daughter LaBecca Ledbetter of Valley Mills; sister Jean Gautier of Temple; grandsons Wes and wife Brandi of Hewitt and Russell and wife Christa of Georgetown; great-grandchildren Jordan Generals and Maren and Caleb Ledbetter; nieces Carol Denman of San Antonio, Karen Rasberry and husband John of Lubbock, Cindy Keefe and husband Rod of Liberty Hill, Ginger MacNealy and husband Rem of Grant, Alabama, and Susan Gautier of New Braunfels; nephews Kent Matthews and wife Jane of Lafayette, Indiana, Keith Matthews and wife Pat of Elgin and Don Alan Gautier; and many more family, cousins and dear friends.
Due to Covid-19 concern, a family graveside service will be held in Hamilton’s Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Fuzzy Friends Rescue PO Box 20966, Waco, TX 76702; Hamilton General Hospital Auxiliary PO Box 93, Hamilton, TX 76631; Hamilton Public Library 201 N. Pecan, Hamilton, TX 76531 or to charity choice.
