Lella Esther Holland

Lella Esther Holland of Lubbock, formerly of Denver City, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2013.  She was born March 11, 1927 in Holder, Texas to William Osborn (W.O.) and Rose Lee Mattie Maude Byrd.  She graduated from Williams High School near Brownwood.  Esther married Worth Layfette (Joe) Holland on November 29, 1946 in Lowell, Arizona.  He preceded her in death on January 9, 1979.

Esther and Joe were Denver City residents beginning in 1949.  Joe and his brother, Johnnie Ray, operated Holland's Conoco Service Station on the corner of Broadway and Main.  Mrs. Holland served as Justice of the Peace for Yoakum County, Precinct 2 until her retirement in 1994.  She was known as a fair and impartial judge who yielded her gavel in an honest and caring way.  Esther was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Denver City Chapter #863.

She is survived by a brother, Leo Vandoil Byrd and wife Ozell of Comanche; daughter, Linda Sue Knowles and husband Larry of Friona; grandchildren, Rachael Schulle and husband Kevin of Tuscola and Amy Stovell and husband Chad of San Antonio; great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Kate Schulle; and sister-in-law, Virginia Holland of Denver City.

Memorial services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Combest Family Memorial Chapel.

Please celebrate the life of Esther by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com