Lela Virginia Owens

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Lela Virginia Owens, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Lela departed this world on February 18, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and unwavering love. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in El Paso, Texas, after courageously battling congestive heart failure. Lela was born on January 9, 1937, in Jacksonville, Mississippi, to Walter and Myrtis McNeece. From a young age, she exhibited a deep compassion for others, a trait that would come to define her life and career. Lela's journey of service began in the US Airforce, where she served as an officer, demonstrating her commitment to her country and her community. She pursued her passion for healthcare by earning a bachelor's degree in medical sciences from nursing school, a step that led her to a fulfilling career at Thomason Hospital. Over the course of more than two decades, Lela worked as a nursing supervisor, where her calming presence and expert guidance touched countless lives. Her colleagues remember her as a beacon of strength and compassion, always ready to offer a helping hand or a comforting word. Lela's family was the centerpiece of her life. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter E. Owens, her parents, and her siblings Stan and Linda McNeece. She is survived by her devoted children, Angela Rinehart and Stephen P. Owens, her cherished brother, Billy McNeece, as well as her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who brought joy to her days and whom she adored immensely. Beyond her professional and familial commitments, Lela found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an ardent fan of the New York Yankees, meticulously keeping records of every play in every game. Her love for the Yankees was matched only by the love she had for those around her. Lela was known for her immense generosity; she had a rare ability to make everyone feel valued and cherished, often saying she would give you the whole world if she could. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Lela are invited to celebrate her life and honor her memory at a viewing on March 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM-9:00PM. The viewing will be held at Perches Funeral Home, located at 2280 Joe Battle Blvd, El Paso, TX 79938. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in Lela's memory, continuing her legacy of care and compassion. Lela Virginia Owens will be dearly missed, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a testament to unconditional love, selfless service, and unwavering dedication. As we remember Lela, let us carry forward her legacy of kindness and generosity, embodying the values she held dear. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her.