Lela Lorene Ellison passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 26 at her home in Ingram, Texas at the age of 61. She was born on May 5, 1965 in Salem, Oregon to Lucy Watson (Purcell) and Billy Crider Sr. She grew up in Clovis, NM before eventually settling in the Texas hill country.

Lela was a hardworking waitress and bartender, and her fun attitude brought joy to the people she served. She was the life of the party both through her personality as well as her excellent cooking skills – she was the best cook in the family. She could have fun anywhere she found herself, although she especially loved to be anywhere outdoors; her favorite place to visit with her family was the Gulf Coast. If she wasn’t in nature, she could be found dancing, often dragging someone onto the dance floor with her.

Lela was known for speaking her mind and sharing her opinion – whether it was asked for or not – and those who loved her wouldn’t have it any other way (sometimes!). Her two greatest loves were her faithful dogs, Easy Rider and Rockstar. They brought her endless joy and unwavering companionship.

She was preceded in death by her father, Billy Crider Sr., brother, Billy Crider Jr., maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, and her ex-husband, Jack Clewis, who she loved dearly.

She is survived by her mother, Lucy Watson; son, Christopher Crider; daughters Amanda Rogers (James) and Heather Rogers (Nick); grandchildren Christian Crider, Haiden Crider, Ann Marie Crider, Aribella Crider, DJ Dawson, Devonte Dawson, Ruby Dawson, Keisha Dawson, Stavian Dawson, Devion Dawson, Pearl (Mins) Rogers, and Kasson Rogers-Pepin; great grandchild Khalani Rogers; sisters Yolanda Deaton, Cynthia Rickard, and Serena Crider; brothers Ricky Graham (Arleen), Jack Graham, Terry Crider, and Leroy Crider; aunts Cindy Switzer and Dorothy Knox; uncles Robert Crider (Brandy) and Curtis Crider; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; Jim Walter Qualls, who loved her dearly; and of course, her beloved dogs, Easy Rider and Rockstar, as well as Starfire, her granddog.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Kerrville Funeral Home. Her service will be held the next day on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2 pm at Kerrville Funeral Home. The family has requested that those in attendance wear yellow, as it was Lela’s favorite color.