Lou Ellen "Lea" Casstevens

B: November 25, 1938
D: June 30, 2020

Lou Ellen Alexander-Casstevens 81, of Oklahoma City passed away peacefully at her home on June 30th 2020 after a long battle with Progressive SupraNuclear Palsy.

Visitation will precede the funeral services on July 6th from 9am -12:30pm at Resthaven Funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on July 6th at Resthaven Funeral Home at 1pm with Pastor Kevin Daniels officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Lou Ellen Alexander-Casstevens (Lea) was born in Norman, Oklahoma to George and Tia Juana (Polk) Alexander on November 25th 1938. She was raised in Moore, Oklahoma and attended school at Moore High School, graduating in the class of 1957. She moved to Texas raising her Daughter Deborah while working at Bell Helicopter prior to being placed on staff in 1977 with the United Autoworkers and moving to Detroit, Michigan and marrying her husband Bill Casstevens.

Her career with the United Autoworkers spanned several decades as she fought for the rights of union workers, benefiting families across the nation. Lea had a passion for women's rights and as a political activist spear headed legislation that garnered these benefits.

She married the love of her life, Billy Joe Casstevens in 1980. Then, a current Union Leader and Veteran of World War II, together lived an extraordinary life. As a couple and through their careers, they impacted millions of lives across the country and around the world. The dedication to her passions, beliefs and work ethic was second to none and her impact on the world is immeasurable.

Lea loved to travel and has visited nearly every continent with her favorite travels being cruises with beloved friends. She had a keen sense of taste and class with an ability to create some of the most beautiful floral arrangements. This was one of her favorite past times.

Together, Lea and Bill leave behind 3 daughters Deborah Haser and husband Dale of Oklahoma City, Christi Strieter and husband Dave of Avon, OH, Carolyn McNamara and husband Mike of Williamsburg, VA, 7 Grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A classic southern bell that loved family, possessed; character, strength, elegance, class, humor and humility that will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Bill called her his 'Yellow Rose'. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all that helped this Yellow Rose make her life extraordinary and to Team Lea that helped usher her to her Lord and Savior.