Lena Dell Gage, a cherished mother and grandmother, will leave a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her as she passed away on May 2, 2026, just one day before her 101st birthday. Born on May 3, 1925, in Rising Star, Texas, to William H. Ware and Louisa White-Ware, Lena’s journey through life was marked by love, community, and an unwavering spirit.
A proud graduate of Rising Star High School, Lena attended Beauty College in Brownwood, Texas, where she honed her skills as a beauty operator. She later lent her talents to the sewing factory in Abilene, Texas. On June 20, 1944, Lena married the love of her life, Irvin Wayne Gage, in the same town where her story began, embarking on a beautiful partnership that would last more than six decades.
Lena’s home was a sanctuary of warmth and generosity, where family and friends were always welcomed with open arms. Her gentle, soft-spoken nature drew people in, making her a cherished confidante and friend to many. A devoted Christian, Lena was an active member of Cottonwood Baptist Church, where she led ladies’ Sunday school classes and embraced her faith with a passion that inspired those around her.
Her passions extended beyond her beloved church; she found joy in playing dominoes, creating delicious cookies, and crafting beautiful quilts as a dedicated member of the Cross Plains quilting club. Above all, Lena took immense pride in her role as a grandmother, and the love she had for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was an enduring light in her life.
Lena was preceded in death by her parents, William H. Ware and Louisa White-Ware; her adoring husband, Irvin Wayne Gage; and her siblings, five brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her son, Tony Gage and wife, Sharon; daughter, Donna Freytag and husband, Richard; grandchildren, Weldon Wayne Gage and wife, Wendy; Brian Gage and wife, Keisha; Stacie Bratton and husband, Josh; John Freytag and wife, Samantha; as well as great-grandchildren Noelle, Holly, Ivy, Brady, Lila, Jimma, Cutter, Reese, and Riggs.
Her kindness, cooking, and the warmth of her home will be remembered and cherished by all whose lives she touched. Lena will be deeply missed but will live on in the hearts of her family and community for generations to come.
The family will honor Lena’s remarkable life with graveside services on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Cross Plains Memorial Park on W 9th Street in Cross Plains, Texas. Those who wish to celebrate her memory and legacy are invited to join the family in bidding a fond farewell to a truly remarkable woman.
Lena was preceded in death by: I.W. Gage, William Ware, Louisa Ware.
