Celia Ayala Lara

Celia Lara (Ayala) passed away peacefully on July 21, 2022 at the age of 88 in the comfort of her home of over 50 years in Corpus Christi “Molina” with her children, grandchildren sister, and providers at her bedside. Celia was well-known and loved in her community. She loved gardening, roses, Mariachi music and old Mexican “Ranchera” songs. She was admired by many who touched her life. She will be remembered for her strong Christian faith, her devoted love for her husband Raul, 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Celia was born in rural Alice, TX., and grew up in a family of 16 children as a middle child with 2 sets of twins (one set of identical sisters and one set of fraternal brothers) and two loving parents. Life was hard for Celia growing up working in the fields picking cotton with her brothers, sisters and cousins and harvesting different types of produce throughout farms in South Texas. But life was never taken for granted. God and faith were most important to Celia and the Ayala family.

Celia later met Raul Vela Lara, her future husband, who was born in rural Falfurrias, TX. He was raised with similar traditional Christian values from the loving Lara, Basaldua and Luna families. Celia and Raul found each other and never let go.

Celia and Raul would eventually get married at Our Lady of Pilar Catholic Church where they were devout parishioners for many years, raised their children in a loving Christian home that later flourished into numerous strong faithed grandchildren and a great grandchild. Celia spent a lifetime working hard, living a humble life and deep-rooted love for family.

Celia is survived by her children Daniel, Raul (Evangelina) Lara, Jr., Rolando Tomas Lara (Heather Trevino), Lillia (Phil) De La Garza; daughter in law Lydia (Ricardo) Lara; grandchildren Krystina A. Lara (John Beardsley), Danielle V. (Jeremy) Ortiz, Amber Lara, Phillip M. (Julia) De La Garza, Joshua T. Lara, Kristen M. Lara, Lauren R. Lara, Ricardo Antonio Lara, Jocelyn G. Lara, Isabella M. Lara; great grandchild Romina Lara; sisters Margie (Joe) Mendez, Janie (Carl) Burrell, Susie (Michael) Maness; brothers Tomas (Chavela) Ayala, Manuel (Isabel) Ayala; sisters in law Margie (Luis) Ayala, Emma (Raul) Reyes, Hilda (Rey) Lara, extended families by marriage and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Raul V. Lara, Sr., her son Ricardo R. Lara, her parents Tomas and Eduvijes Ayala; sisters Chene (Amado) Martinez, Aurora (Leo) Hernandez, Tila (Ruben) Garcia, Delia Ayala, Lupe (Manuel) Zamudio, Licha (Manuel) Cantu, Vique (David) Aldrighetti; brothers Luis Ayala, Joe Ayala, Adolfo (Celia) Ayala; brother in laws Joe Mendez along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended families by marriage.

Celia’s family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the providers who assisted our mother including Maria Ricos, Rosario Lujan, Rosa Alejandro and all those who provided our mother loving care throughout the years.

“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will be no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

Revelations 21:4

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.”

2 Corinthians 1:3

Pall Bearers

Daniel Lara

Raul Lara, Jr.

Rolando T. Lara

Joshua T. Lara

Phil De La Garza

Phillip M. De La Garza

Jeremy Ortiz

Honorary Pall Bearers

John Beardsley

Jacob M. Guerrero

Andres Guerrero

A public visitation for Celia will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 5:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A holy rosary will occur Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 7:00 PM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of Pilar Catholic Church, 1101 Bloomington St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78416. A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 2:30 PM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryGardensFuneralHome.com for the Lara family.