Elvia L. Howell, 91, of Harlingen, TX passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at her residence with her loving daughter by her side. Preceded in death by her parents, Anacleto Lara and Julia Aguilar Lara; her husband, Charles Roy Howell; and grandson, Patrick V. Novotny. Left to cherish her memory are her three siblings, Dolores Abrego Lara, Bertha Lara Bunderson and Robert Lara; her loving daughter, Elizabeth A. Howell; two grandsons, Clint Clancy, Christopher R. Novotny; and five great grandchildren, Taylor, Victoria and Vivian Elizabeth Clancy and Caleb and Lillie Novotny. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews. Elvia put off finishing school at a young age to help her father with "Union Panaderia"; the family business that her father opened in 1940 in San Benito Texas. Elvia oversaw all the hot fresh baked sweet bread made from scratch with a special recipe only her father shared with the family. Years later that bakery was closed after the loss of her father and mother, but the legacy continues even today through the now famous, Lara's Bakery in Harlingen Texas. Elvia Lara married Charles Roy Howell and raised a daughter at their home in San Benito. Elvia and her husband opened a car wash business in 1969 and in 1972 they moved to Harlingen where they bought some land and built their home together. Elvia pursued her education and received her GED from TSTI, in Harlingen. Her degree earned her a position as a Dental Hygienist Assistant. After a few years Elvia went back to school where she received her Certificate of Nursing that led her to perform her duties working nights at Dolly Vincent Hospital in San Benito. Her desire to continue serving manual labor took a turn when she decided to stay home close to her family. She challenged herself and completed cosmetology school. She gathered equipment and designed her own beauty salon, proudly naming it, "Palm Blvd Hair Fashions." After ten years as a hairstylist, she retired and focused on caring for her husband in his time of need. Elvia never slowed down. Throughout her life, she kept busy helping others in her neighborhood and her church. She was a true leader and gave her time to assist in school activities. She gladly served as a Brownie Troop Leader and as a Leader for the Girl Scouts. She gained great respect and compassion from everyone who knew her. Her greatest desire and joy in life was driving around in her riding mower. She took great pride in keeping a well-manicured lawn. In everything she did, she was impeccable and persistent working towards achieving her goals of perfection in all her accomplishments. She was a beautiful loving caring and just all-around wonderful virtuous woman with the biggest heart and the biggest smile to brighten up any room. She will so dearly be missed by all. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at The First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Sam Houston Blvd, San Benito, TX in San Benito, Texas with a reception to follow at the Fellowship Hall. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Elvia Howell at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston, Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586.