Lela Christine Young passed from this life Friday, January 21, 2022, in Abilene Texas. Lela was born in Cross Plains on September 30, 1929, to Andrew Reese Porter and Verdia Cleo Boyle Porter.
She graduated from Burkett High School in 1947. She was an outstanding basketball player and enjoyed playing for the Burkett Bluehawks and Coach Walter Chambers. She was offered a basketball scholarship but chose instead to marry her true love, Roy Young, on July 12,1947. They resided on their ranch on the Pecan Bayou for almost 70 years until Roy’s death on May 12, 2017.
Lela loved her family. She instilled in her children a love of reading and speaking and the power of words as well as the importance of education. She was an avid gardener. She had a “ green thumb” and grew beautiful irises and plants. She loved her pecan trees, picnics and fishing.
Lela was a full partner in the ranching operation. She was a wise counselor and consultant. She loved the ranching and farming life. She and Roy were dedicated to the ranching tradition and were proud to see their grandchildren continuing that tradition.
Lela was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her parents Reese and Cleo Porter, a brother, Elmer Clarence; and son-in-laws Kenneth Sowell and Bruce Benfield.
She is survived by her daughters Margie Young Sowell of Cross Plains and Connie Young Benfield of Abilene; sons Royce Young; Andrew Young and wife Elizabeth and grandchildren Deane, Alana and Andrea Young of Young Ranch. Also surviving are her sister Glenda Brown of Dalhart and brother Jim Porter and wife Lyn of Westworth Village; as well as her nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2022, at the Burkett Cemetery Pavilion with Ken Baker officiating. Interment will follow in the Burkett Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman.
Honorary pall bearers are Tracy Brown, Brett Porter, Lance Porter, Rob Young. James Young and Darrel Knight.
Memorials are suggested in memory of Lela to the Coleman County Junior Livestock Association, P.O. Box 292, Coleman, Texas 76834, the Burkett Cemetery Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Remembrances and condolences can be expressed to the family via the virtual guestbook at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Young family.