LaFern McElroy Puls, 89, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at a local nursing home from pneumonia complications.
LaFern ‘Bebo’ McElroy was born January 3, 1928 in Crystal City, TX to Morris S. McElroy and Leona Prause McElroy. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched.
LaFern is preceded in death by her parents, Morris S. McElroy and Leona Prause McElroy, husband, George Puls, Jr. and brother, Clifton Morris McElroy.
LaFern is survived by her step-children, George Puls III (Barbara) of Spring Branch, TX; Yvonne Benson (Bill) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Also grandchildren, Troy McGatlin (Emily), Jason McGatlin (Patrick), Bret McGatlin (Tracy), Kyle McGatlin (Dorothy), Andrew Puls, Daniel Puls (Natalie). Great-Grandchildren, Laurel McGatlin, Kaya McGatlin, Kira McGatlin, Calvin McGatlin, Gwen McGatlin, Blake McGatlin, Ella McGatlin, Kenzey McGatlin, Xander Puls, Skylar Puls, and Grady Puls. LaFern is also survived by her brother, John McElroy (Marge) of Corpus Christi, TX. and nephew, Will Brady McElroy of Los Angeles.
Shortly after LaFern’s birth the family moved to their farm in Robstown, TX. where LaFern attended elementary school in Robstown but thereafter schooled and graduated from Banquete High School. She then went on to attend Texas A&I College in Kingsville, TX.
LaFern met the love of her life, George Puls, Jr. in 1956. They courted, talking about A&M, telling jokes and playing bridge. Their first date was in November 1956. He said “I love you” in February 1957, gifted her a watch in March of 1957, presented her with an engagement ring in April of 1957 and then married her on May 25, 1957. George and LaFern were inseparable after he retired in 1992 and he often referred to her as “his rock”. They were married for 43 years up until George’s death on November 4, 2000. Both LaFern and George were members of the First Presbyterian Church in CC. However, LaFern was baptized confirmed and married in the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Robstown.
LaFern worked for the Robstown ISD Superintendent from 1947-51; and then transitioned into the Oil & Gas Industry by working for La Gloria Corp in Corpus Christi, TX. between 1951-1960. Thereafter she worked for Champion Petroleum in Fort Worth, TX. from 1960-1966, then Texas Oil & Gas in Corpus Christi from 1970-1990. Even after her retirement, LaFern continued to work in the oil & gas industry part-time.
LaFern joined the Desk & Derrick Club in 1960 and served as president in 1974. She was a member for over 50 years. She was also a member of the German Society, A&M Wives 12th Man Foundation, Daughter of the Republic of Texas, Clara Driscoll Chapter, CC ROAL (Reserve Officers Association Ladies Club) and the Navy League. On February 12, 2002 the Downtown Rotary Club recognized LaFern for her dedication and contributions to George’s efforts in the club by bestowing a lifetime membership to her.
LaFern’s hobbies included bridge, dancing, yard work, football watching, cooking, dinner parties, traveling, watching Wheel of Fortune, and word puzzles.
Special thanks go to Diana Cantu, a devoted friend, and Dr. Mark Strauss, of Bay Area Hospital, for 40 years of attentive care.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Seaside Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, with reception to follow. Interment will then follow at Seaside Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers please donate to First Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
John 14:1-3 Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

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