Ellen Ann LeClair

Ellen Ann LeClair passed away at the age of 81. She was born March 20, 1941 in Kenedy, Texas to Odes B. and Bertha I. Gilley (Whitley). She graduated from Rockport High School. She started her legal career at age 14 working part time to help her mom with expenses and caring for her dad who had suffered a stroke. After high school she worked for Lola Bonner Attorney and attended UCC part time. She married her husband Alan in 1968 and moved to Merced, California in 1969 where Alan was stationed at Castle AFB.  There she worked for the law firm of Cortney & Sharrow until April 1972 when they moved back to Portland, Texas. Ellen then worked for the Kleberg Law Firm from 1972-1996. They lived in Portland from 1972 until she passed on October 3, 2022. She suffered a stroke in 2011 and her health continued to decline until her passing.

She is survived by her husband Alan; sister Matye Kieth (Cary), and cousin Tommie Whitley (Brenda).

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 10, 2022 at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland. Interment will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. Donations may be made to the South Texas Children’s Home.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com