Felipa Lara

1946 - 2025

Felipa Lara
05/01/1946 - 09/26/2025
Felipa Lara of Midland, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, love, and community.
Born in Pecos, Texas on May 1, 1946, Felipa attended East Pecos Junior High and Pecos High School, where she excelled not only in her studies but also in athletics. She proudly played on the school volleyball team, where her determination and teamwork spirit shined. Her love of volleyball stayed with her long after her school days. She married Manuel R. "Chore" Lara on July 18, 1962. They moved to Midland, where she devoted much of her life to supporting others and making her community a better place.
Felipa's career began at Our Lady of Guadelupe, where her and Isabel Gonzales started the nutritional program for seniors which later became the senior program at Casa De Amigos. She then started working with Midland Independent School District as a parent liaison and in the migrant program, where she retired after 25 years of service working tirelessly to support families and children in need. She was also active in civic causes: when LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) began operating in Midland in 1985, she joined and lent her voice to efforts for single-member districts at the city, county, school board, and college levels. Felipa had many joys outside of her work and advocacy. She loved gardening, finding peace tending to her flowers and plants. She enjoyed cooking traditional family meals, ensuring her home was always a place of warmth and togetherness. Most of all, she cherished family gatherings, where her laughter and stories filled the room and her home became the heart of every celebration.
She was preceded in death by her husband Manuel R. Lara, her brothers Perfecto Muniz and Jesse Rayos, and sister Connie Black.
She is survived by her children Manuel M. Lara Jr. (Isabel) of Midland, Rachel L. Stone of Midland, Joe L. Lara (Audrey) of San Antonio and sister Mary M. Rayos. Her grandchildren Nick L. Stone, Melanie Lara, Brianna L. Gafford, Joe Lewis Lara Jr., Jacquelynn E. Lara, and great grandchildren Nicholas Stone, David Loera, Royce Ortiz, Romeo Ortiz and Carter Gafford and several nieces and nephews whom she adored dearly.
Family will receive visitors at Willowbrook Funeral Home, 1311 W. Florida Ave., Midland, Texas, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, with rosary being recited at 7:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at San Miguel Arcángel Catholic Church, 1100 Camp St., Midland, Texas. Burial will follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6800 S. State Hwy 349, Midland, Texas, where she will be laid to rest with the love of her life, Chore Lara.
Pallbearers will be Fernando & Luci Granado, Cheryl Bustillos, Maria Rodriguez, David Black and Diego Navarro. Honorary pallbearers will be Esmeralda Ochoa, Elia Ochoa, Isabel Gonzales, Aida Caraveo, Diane Luna, Barbara Valenzuela and Sylvia Mancha.
Felipa was known for her warm spirit, her fierce commitment to social justice and education, her kindness, and the way she made each person she encountered feel seen and valued. She lived her life as a bridge-builder between communities, generations, and causes.
As we say goodbye, we hold fast to her example: that a life of quiet determination, generosity, and service leaves an impact far beyond what we often see. May her memory be a blessing and may those she touched continue her work and share her light.