Young Joo Lara, 1963–2021

Young Joo Lara, age 58, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021, in Lubbock, Texas, at University Medical Center surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 14, 1963, in Kyongbuk-do, South Korea, to Chun Sun Namkung and the late Kap Soo Seo. On June 2, 1992, she married Roberto D. Lara in Seoul, Korea. She always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She was a restaurant manager in South Korea, a Taekwondo instructor and third-degree blackbelt, cosmetologist and member of the Saint Mary's Catholic Church parish, where she taught CCD classes and assisted with cleaning the church and setting up the altar. She was a dedicated Christian who had a great faith and love for God, her family, her friends and her countries. She was a kind-hearted person who would often cook and give people a taste of Korean food. Not only was she an outstanding wife and mother, but she was also kind, compassionate, and selfless.

She is survived by her husband, Roberto D. Lara; her brothers, Ki Seo Young and Ki Chol Seo of South Korea; her sister, Seo Yeogin of South Korea; her daughters, Monica Lara, Elisa Lara and Young Margarita Lara; her sons, Roberto S. Lara Jr., and Ricardo S. Lara; and her grandchildren, Joseph Moya, Jacob Moya, Jalee Moya, Xzaven Roman, Myah Roman and baby Kayden Lara-Gamboa.

She is preceded in death by her father, Kap Soo Seo of South Korea, and her mother-in-law, Margarita D. Lara of Spur, Texas.

A viewing was held on Sunday, March 14, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Spur, Texas, with the rosary being held at 7 p.m.

The funeral and Catholic mass were held on Monday, March 15, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, in Spur, Texas.