Ella Coston

Ella Elizabeth “Libby” Coston, 73, breathed her last on October 23, 2021. Libby was born to Arta Xerxes and Susie Murel (Goodman) Russell on April 6, 1948 in Lufkin, TX. Born just after WWII and the last girl before her treasured brother Thad, Libby grew up knowing the pleasure of simple things and the value of hard work. Going to school, Libby thought the librarian had the best job in the world. After graduating as Salutatorian from Huntington High School, she went on to study at Ambassador College in Big Sandy, TX. There she met her soulmate (and cowboy) Wood Coston. Libby graduated with her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Texas A&M University – Commerce, fulfilling her dream of becoming a Librarian. May 19th 1974 was the first day of the adventure called ‘Marriage to Wood’. They started their honeymoon with a road trip and had many memorable trips along the way. This included their journey into the mountains of Central Mexico – where they had the best meal of frijoles, fresh corn tortillas, and avocado. Coincidentally, this is also where Libby’s vertigo ended with her having to “butt scoot” down the side of the Temple of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico. Libby’s vertigo caused several exciting incidents, all of them including her yelling at Wood to “LEAVE ME ALONE” and “DON’T TOUCH ME”. Climbing down the side of a canyon on the Edwards Plateau while hunting has never been as exciting. Wood and Libby landed in Laredo Texas, in 1980 and found their calling. While waiting for their daughter, Netanya, to come along, they hosted several nieces and nephews. This turned out to be great practice for the independent little cuss that is their daughter, who finally showed up in 1987. Libby worked for United Independent School District as a teacher and then librarian for over 20 years. A life-long educator, Libby spent her life loving and teaching the children that entered her presence. Known for her live demonstrations (including making butter, hatching chicks, and identifying the parts of a cotton plant – which was always snatched from the edge of the field) she was also known at Sigifredo Perez Elementary as the resident zookeeper. She raised several birds - including a pigeon, re-located multiple tarantulas, and adopted several dogs that wandered up to the school building. A celebrity in the local Walmart and HEB, she made sure to acknowledge each and every student. Libby enjoyed reading and instilled this love in students and family alike. Libby survived her husband getting a PhD in his 50’s with a teenage daughter (and all the attitude that entails, from both of them). While there was some plotting behind Wood’s back on how to get rid of the body when he was particularly irritating, the laughter involved in concocting those plots kept the sanity. Libby always said she’d rather laugh than cry. That attitude carried over to all aspects of her life. It might take a few days, but she’d look for the funny side. Well known for her midnight dealings with wildlife (“Get the gun!!” being a popular yell for possums under the tub) Libby also taught Netanya how to use a skillet to try to kill a rat; don’t worry, it wasn’t one of the good cast iron ones. The belly laughter involved in that escapade caused sore abs for days. Left with decades of love and laughter are her husband Wood, daughter Netanya (Robert Hewitt), sister Judith (Larry) Omasta, sister in law Jacquelyn Russell, brothers in law Marty, Jimmy, Bill (Carolyn), Scott (Rhonda), sisters in law Julie (Murray) Athens, Sara Thurman, and JoAnn McDougall, as well as multitudes of nieces and nephews. Libby loved flowers, the more colorful the better. Alternatively, donations to local libraries in her name are appreciated. A celebration of her life will be held graveside at Old Uvalde City Cemetery, on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at 11:00am. A light lunch will be held at Rushing-Estes- Knowles Mortuary afterward. Libby despised dark and dower colors and would prefer color at her celebration of life. Dress comfortably.