Mary Lou Lella, affectionately known as "Nana", was born March 8th, 1927 in Osage Tx to Jake and Cora Clemons Clearman. She passed away peacefully at home October 11, 2012. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and soul mate, Tony, of 58 years, her parents, four brothers and four sisters. She attended and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Oglesby and most recently attended Coryell Community Church in Gatesville. Mary Lou attended and graduated from Oglesby High School in 1944 where she excelled in basketball and track. She met the love of her life, Tony, on October 31, 1946 in Camp Hood, Tx, where she worked and he was stationed. They were married on January 10, 1947. They spent their first few years together in Chicago and then returned to Texas in 1951 and settled in McGregor. Mary Lou retired from North American Rockwell Corp in McGregor in 1973. She was truly passionate about many facets in life, including that of her husband, Tony, her family, friends and helping others. It has been said that Mary Lou never met a stranger and she truly loved life. She and Tony always loved to help their community in any way possible. Her passion for golf led to many tournament victories, championships, and even to Tony taking up golf. Together, they were blessed to golf all over this country with family, friends, and made new acquaintances along the way.
Mary Lou especially treasured cooking huge Italian meals for her family and friends. Birthdays, anniversaries and any other special occasion that arose always offered a great excuse for her to prepare a feast. Her love for food and family led to her and Tony to own many cafes throughout the years; the latest, when they built and operated the Coffee Shop in McGregor in 1996. November 23, 1999 was declared TONY AND MARY LOU LELLA DAY by the City of McGregor, McLennan County Commissioners Court and Texas Legislature. Her love for her family, friends and helping others will be a lesson we will teach and pass down for many generations to come.
Also preceding Mary Lou in death: her grandson, Michael Andrew Lella and son-in-law, David Miller. Survivors include her children: Mickey Lella and wife Amanda of Clifton, Judy Miller of McGregor, Andy Lella and wife Joyce of Gatesville. Grandchildren, Melissa Lella-Pevehouse and husband Chris, Johnny Miller and wife Annette, Amy Lella, Larissa Lella, Jeremy Miller and wife , Kristen, Katy Lella, Hannah Lella, Chris Elliott and wife Annette, Michelle Lella, Catrina Baird and Austin Baird. Great grandchildren are Randi, Mallorie, McKenzie, Justin, Jackson and Dakoda Miller, Michael Austin Lella, Rhett, Savannah, and Jacob Hoff, and Caden Elliott. And a brother, Jack Clearman of Kingsburg, CA and many nieces and nephews. For those desiring, memorials can be made to McGregor EMS or Providence Hospice.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 15, 2012, at Cole Funeral Home Chapel, 1113 West Fifth Street, McGregor. Interment will follow in McGregor Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 P.M. Sunday at Cole Funeral Home.
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