Obituary of Carey Marie Yellig

Carey Marie Yellig, 74, of La Porte, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 12, 1950, to Leo and Frances Schenkenfelder, Carey made her home in La Porte, Texas where she became a cherished member of the community.

Carey always considered herself blessed to meet and marry the love of her life, Ray Yellig, at an early age. Together with their young sons Joseph and Thomas, they moved to Texas and never looked back. Carey was a supportive and involved wife and mother and she made life beautiful for her family and those that were lucky enough to be a part of it. She welcomed friends as family, embraced Texas hospitality, and always had a place at the table for one more. She was outgoing, spirited, and had a gift for making every person she met feel like a lifelong friend. Carey was known best for her positivity and laughter, which always seemed to come easy for her, despite lifelong health challenges. 

Those who knew Carey in her younger years would remember her passion for exercise and aerobics where she best demonstrated her unbounded energy and unyielding strength. In addition to raising two active boys, she was energized by volunteerism, her part-time work life, and creative arts. As hard as she worked as a wife, mother, co-worker and friend, she also enjoyed her leisure time outdoors, eventually building her own tropical paradise by the bay in La Porte with her beloved Ray. She held a special love of the water and a deep appreciation of life’s simple yet profound beauty. She rejoiced in every sunrise and sunset, documenting God’s artwork in the countless photos that she shared with friends and family,  

Later in life Carey lovingly welcomed Laura and Jennifer into the family as if she had always been reserving that space in her boys’ lives just for them. Carey’s most treasured joys were her two grandchildren, Reese and Ryan. Her house, life, and heart became a haven for her grandchildren virtually overnight. If they wanted one, she offered two, their joys were her bliss, and their interests became her passions. She was again supportive and involved in their lives, this time featuring a special and magical grandmother bond, creating laughter and memories that no time or distance could erase.

Carey faced every challenge with determination and grace. Despite enduring a prolonged illness, Carey’s strength and will to live never wavered. Her legacy of resilience and love lives on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Carey is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Raymond; her two sons, Joe (Laura) and Thomas (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Reese and Ryan; her brother, Bob (Pat); her sister, Anna (Chuck); and countless friends and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Frances.

Services to honor Carey’s life will begin with a Rosary and visitation on Tuesday, December 17, from 6–8 PM at Clayton Funeral Home in La Porte. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in La Porte on Wednesday, December 18, at 10 AM, followed by a cemetery service at Grand View Cemetery in Deer Park at 11:30 AM. A reception will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.