Louise Boren

Mary Louise Rea Boren passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023, in Burleson, TX. She was born in Hermleigh, TX on December 1, 1929 to Leland B. and Mildred Chorn Rea. Louise went to school in Hermleigh (she got a double-promotion in elementary school there) and moved to Lubbock when she was 15. In 1946, at age 16, she graduated from Lubbock High School. Upon graduation she attended Texas Tech University for 1-1/2 years before marrying her childhood sweetheart, Charlie Boren, on February 22, 1948. Louise and Charlie moved to Waco and enrolled at Baylor University the next year, from which they both graduated. Their first daughter, Charlsa Louise, was born in Waco while Louise was a student.

Beginning in 1950, Louise and Charlie lived in three small east Texas towns (Rosebud, Palestine, and Joinerville) while Charlie coached and Louise taught after having received her degree remotely from Baylor in 1951. In 1958, Louise and Charlie, now with daughters Charlsa Louise and Rebecca Lace, moved to Austin.

Austin would be home for the next 21 years. Louise secured a position as librarian at Ortega Elementary School in east Austin, and then she moved to Lanier High School to teach English when it opened in 1961. It was during this time that Charlie discovered he had a talent for and love of wood sculpture; and in 1979 Louise and Charlie inherited and moved to an historic family farm in Burleson, TX-Russell Farm. Thus they began a new 30-year life adventure together.

Louise and Charlie became the fourth generation to occupy the historic family farmhouse, and they spent much time renovating it. At the same time, Louise was by Charlie's side as they traveled so Charlie could study with master carvers in Bavaria, England, Canada and the USA. Louise managed the business side of things so that Charlie could devote his time and efforts to refining and developing his sculpture talents and practice.

With teaching so much a part of both Louise and Charlie's backgrounds, they felt the need to share their knowledge & experience. They began to host wood-sculpting seminars, and Louise would graciously provide meals and a comfortable setting for students from all over the U.S.

As the infirmities of age crept up on this couple, whose ancestors had been in Texas for generations, they sought a way to preserve their beloved Russell Farm for posterity. A gift to the City of Burleson in 2012 made possible this historic treasure to be enjoyed for not only art classes and presentations, but also for community gardening, weddings, family celebrations & reunions, local history seminars, and other community activities. Also in 2012, Louise and Charlie returned to Austin where they had family nearby.

"She was 12 and he was 14 and he held her hand in the movie theater." Louise and Charlie's lives remained as intertwined as those young hands until Charlie's passing in Austin in 2018. In 2019, Louise moved back to Burleson to be closer to her beloved Russell Farm. Although in declining health, she devoted her time to adding finishing touches for the many buildings, exhibit areas, and plans for Russell Farm. Louise loved gardening, watching sports on TV, doing crossword puzzles, savoring oysters, and writing short essays.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents Mildred Rea Irvin and Leland B. Rea, and her daughter Rebecca Lace (Becky) Boren. She is survived by her daughter Charlsa and son-in-law Mark Bentley of Austin, TX; her granddaughters Hilary Bentley and Erin Bentley, both of Austin, TX; and many other dear family members and friends.

Louise's family is filled with gratitude for the wonderful caregiving she received during the last years of her life. Heartfelt thanks go to Nita, Janet, Bibi, and all the caring folks at Quality First Senior Care, especially Rhoda, Charlie, Beverly, and Helen.

A service will be held at the pavilion at Prairie Springs Cemetery, County Road 714, Burleson, TX at 11:00am on Friday, December 1. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Russell Farm, 405 W. County Road 714, Burleson, TX 76028.