LaRue Wheelus Elliff

LaRue Wheelus Elliff was born to Lloyd and Myrtle Wheelus in Harlingen, Texas at Valley Baptist Hospital on July 8, 1936, and passed away at the age of 89 on January 4, 2026. She grew up in Santa Rosa, Texas where she graduated from high school as salutatorian of her class of 13. LaRue then began attending Baylor University and was enrolled for one week when Larry asked her dad if he could pick her up and bring her home to marry. Her father agreed to the proposal if Larry could get a refund on her already paid tuition. LaRue and Larry were then married at First Baptist Church of Santa Rosa on October 24, 1954. They were married for 69 years. Larry always called her “Baby Doll” and treated her like a queen.

LaRue loved music. She served at First Baptist and Calvary Baptist in Harlingen for many years. She was always involved in church activities such as accompanying or leading children’s choirs, singing in the adult choir, ensembles, singing solos, playing handbells, and teaching children’s Sunday School classes. LaRue was a member of the South Texas Chorale for many years. She taught and encouraged her children to love music. She always made sure that her children were where they were supposed to be and on time. She took her son Joe to tennis tournaments all over Texas. She also travelled all over to her husband, Larry’s, tennis tournaments for most of their marriage.

LaRue loved travelling with Larry and her beloved friends. She also enjoyed time with her “lunch bunch” ladies’ group.

Most of all, LaRue loved the Lord. Faithful is the best way to describe her.

In recent years, she really enjoyed seeing her family grow. Visits from her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids brought her great joy.

LaRue is survived by her children Laura Mathis (Bill), Joe Elliff (Rosalie), Bill Elliff (Merrillee), her grandchildren Chris Elliff (Ashlynn), Collin Stewart (Jenny), Tyler Elliff (Cooper), Kaitlyn Hardin (Marshal), Andrew Saenz (Iris), Jeremy Saenz, her great-grandchildren Marshal Hardin, Jr., Benjamin Hardin, Duke Stewart, Amelia Stewart, Rain Elliff, Walker Stewart, Mac Elliff, Oak Elliff, McCoy Hardin, Beau Stewart, Foster Elliff, Rafael Saenz, and Lore Elliff. She is also survived by her brother, Gary Wheelus and brother-in-law, Bob Weed along with several nieces and nephews.

LaRue was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Elliff, her parents, Lloyd and Myrtle Wheelus, her grandson, Jarryd Elliff, and her sister, Margaret Moorman.

The Elliff family would like to express our sincere gratitude to LaRue’s caretakers Mimi Garza, Maria Herrera and Rose Orozco. These ladies have been a blessing to our family for several years. Also, to Dr. Pete Lazzopina for his constant care for Mom. A special thank you to the staff at Valley Baptist Medical Center for such wonderful care the last week of LaRue’s life, especially to Stephen Hill, her nurses Melissa and Ivan in ICU, her nurse, Alexa, on the hospice wing, and to Wendy, the chaplain, who all so selflessly ministered to LaRue and our family.

The Elliff family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 77 Business, San Benito, TX 78586. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1815 N. 7th Street, Harlingen, TX 78550.

Memorials can be made to Young Life of the Rio Grande Valley, P.O. Box 533087, Harlingen, TX 78553.