Lela Marie (Morrow) Francis passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord at the age of 98 on February 8, 2023, in Dallas, Texas.
She was born on August 20, 1924, near LeRoy, Kansas to Lewis K. and Maude S. (Rogers) Morrow. The family moved to LeRoy when she was young and she attended LeRoy schools, graduating in 1942. She was an excellent student and loved music, playing the saxophone for the school band and at church. Lela attended Kansas State Teachers College and taught school for a few years where she loved passing along her own love of learning to her students.
Lela married Scott Francis in 1946. They later divorced, but during their 20+ year marriage they had two daughters, Marcia and Donna. Lela settled into her favorite "teaching" role - as a mother. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family and developed an extensive recipe collection. Some of these were her own creations, and her daughters can attest that these "secret recipes" were closely guarded and shared only with a select few special people! She later worked in the business office of Newman Memorial Hospital in Emporia, where she enjoyed helping patients and their families.
In addition to her family, Lela loved music, and was an accomplished pianist. She especially enjoyed the traditional Christian hymns. She was a devoted Christian and later in life dedicated herself to Bible study. She wrote a book, Prepare Your Children, of Biblical wisdom she wished to pass along to her children, grandchildren, and other loved ones. It was her greatest desire that they and others have the close relationship with Jesus that she treasured.
Lela was a lifelong resident of Kansas until her health necessitated a move to Texas to be near her daughters and grandchildren. While she loved being closer to them, she did not enjoy big city life and missed the peaceful Kansas prairies and sunsets. Lela clearly stated her wish to return to the area she loved and will be laid to rest beside her parents at Big Creek Cemetery in Coffey County, close to her parents' farm. The graveside service will be held on Thursday,
February 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Lela was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved only sister, Eva Buchele. She is survived by her loving family: daughters Marcia Morrow and Donna German; grandchildren Briana, Blake (Stephanie) and Tyler German and Christian and Caroline Garcia; brother-in-law Keith Buchele; nephews Mark, Alan (Sheila) and Curtis Buchele, and their families. If you choose, memorials may be made by enjoying time with loved ones, singing a favorite hymn, or donating to any charitable educational or religious organization that seeks to improve the
quality of life of children and youth.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."