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Lela was born in Powell, Wyoming, to Leo and Clara Webber on Sept. 23, 1933. She had two older sisters, Betty and Shirley, and a younger brother, Bob. She was raised in Powell and attended Powell schools.
In October of 1950 Lela married Lynn Elwood and together they raised three children: Gary, Ron and Sheri. Lynn was the love of her life and they had nearly 74 years as partners in life and business. Also, they were two of the founding members of the First Southern Baptist Church in Powell. The Lord Jesus Christ remained a very important part of Lela’s life, and she loved hearing the word of God on Sunday mornings.
Lela and Lynn were successful business partners and provided a good life for their family. Most important to Lela was being a loving and supportive mother. She started her kids in swim lessons at a young age and then cheered them on as competitive swimmers throughout their school years. Football and basketball were added to their schedule with the same enthusiasm. Many miles were covered attending sporting events and showing her support.
In her personal time, Lela explored her creativity through sewing, crocheting, knitting and card making. Also, she was especially close with her brother, Bob, and his wife Dolores. They raised their families together and loved sharing time in retirement.
Throughout life Lela was timid in learning new activities, but she never wanted to be left at home. The family took up snow skiing at Sleeping Giant. Later, they began snow machining with friends. For summer entertainment, Lynn and Lela bought a plane and enjoyed flying throughout the region. Later in life they transitioned to touring on a Honda Goldwing. This was Lela’s favorite activity. With a trailer in tow, they traveled the Rocky Mountain area with friends. Their longest trip was north through Canada and into Alaska, then returning down the Canadian coast into Washington.
A wonderful milestone in Lela’s life was the addition of grandkids: Heather and Brien in Sheridan and Matt, Kristen, Lindsay and Cooper in Powell. No matter the activity or sport, she loved spending time with them and was so proud of each one. All too soon, they grew up, left for college or the military, and then married. Lela was thrilled when great-grandchildren were added to the family: Erik, Kaitlynn, Jack, Harper, Grayson, Violet, Ellie and Timber. Though they live in six different states, Lela was able to spend time with each of them.
Lela was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lynn, three siblings and her oldest son, Gary. She is survived by her son Ron, daughter Sheri, daughter-in-law Becky, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Dolores Webber, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Victory Baptist Church in Powell on Friday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson’s Funeral Home.
