M. LaNelle Hancock

is honored with a Brick from Your Friends in the Controller's Office

Marion LaNelle Shelby was born in Clovis, NM on October 27, 1941 to Leonard and Wynema Shelby. She grew up on a dairy farm in southwest Oklahoma where she learned the discipline of daily chores and the importance of education. LaNelle was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Manitou High School in Oklahoma.

It was while working at Pawnee Plastics that she met Ervin Hancock. They were married on October 9, 1970. The couple has three children: Philip, Susan, and Kevin.

In June 1986, when the family faced a financial need, LaNelle Hancock left her full-time position as mother, wife, and homemaker to re-enter the work-a-day world. She was hired just part-time to help with enrollment that summer. When enrollment was over, Jim Decker, controller at that time, encouraged her to continue in the controller's office doing various tasks. As she worked she learned more and more about the business procedures in various sections of the office. When a cashier's position opened later that year she applied and won the position. In 1987 she moved to accounts payable as accounting specialist. She returned to accounts receivable as head cashier in 1990 and became the department supervisor (accountant III) three years later where she served until her retirement on March 19, 2004.

LaNelle is proud of the fact that without the benefit of a college education she has been able to move up to the position of leadership she held for 11 years. She gives credit to Jim Decker for having faith in her and allowing her to work her way to a management position.

Those of us who have had the privilege of working with LaNelle will not forget the lovely lady she is. Being able to handle daily stress, high financing, and a busy schedule while still being supportive and caring, are attributes she attained and practiced well.