Eddie Ruth Lagway

Most of us simply occupy our communities. A few, however, elevate communities and the schools that they encompass. Eddie Ruth Lagway fell into the latter category. On January 12, 2012, the Lagway Family and the community of Willis took a devastating blow with the loss of an extraordinary woman. She has been truly missed. She was a lifelong active citizen in the Willis community, deeply committed to the educational system of Willis I.S.D. She served on the school board for 10 years, the president and founding member of the Community Development Corporation, a member of the Conroe Friendly Kiwanis, a board member for Turner Willis School Reunion Committee, and an active member in her church; Antioch M.B.C.-just to mention a few of her attributes to the community. 

I write this letter for two reasons, the first reason is that there are so many new people in the Willis Independent School District and school board that did not have the pleasure of meeting this extraordinary woman. The second reason is to plead with those individuals that have a decision in the naming of schools in our district. During the decision making process, please consider honoring this fallen civic leader who served countless days and hours working to progressively improve this school district. The research has shown that this astonishing woman exceeds the qualifications in the naming of the next elementary school or of any school . I am amazed that this has not been presented prior to now. Many current school board members served alongside this extraordinary woman. Within the recent year, I have been involved in many facets of the school district. I am beginning to understand the dynamics in the decision making. This is the reason I am bringing this to your attention. I understand that my request is premature. However, I also know that our town/city is continuing to grow; meaning school populations will increase. This will cause new school construction for our district. I intend to be proactive and persistent so that this subject is on the School Board’s minds and hearts. 

In my opinion, naming a school after Ms. Eddie Lagway is well deserving and an honor considering her commitment and service to the community and the school district. This community and school district consist of diverse ethnic groups, and all ethnicities should be represented in the community. Ms. Lagway, as many referred to her, was impactful to Willis residents. When mentioning her name alone to individuals in the community, you will be amazed about the conversations. I ask you to research this phenomenal woman. Her death caused a media coverage. Our local newspaper, the Conroe Courier broadcasted her on the front page for several days. You would be stunned about the comments expressed by reporters and community representatives. You will then see the life she lived and how she served in this school district and community and why she is more than qualified and deserving of this huge and amazing honor. Our community took a devastating loss when Ms. Eddie Lagway passed away.

Please read my favorite articles about her life and service that I have attached below. Eddie Ruth Lagway Being good at what you do is something that we all strive for in life. ExpertBail Agent Eddie Lagway of Lagway Bail Bonds was no different. She was a fantastic bail agent...but even more importantly she was a fantastic person. Unfortunately, Eddie's time ended last week when she passed away from a heart attack at age 55. She will be solely missed by everyone in her home city of Willis, Texas. Eddie spent her life doing things for others. Whether it was helping someone bail out a family member or just playing a role in her community to help others, she was always doing something positive. To say she was extremely active in her community would be an understatement. From the local school district to her local church, she spent every day trying to make life better for everyone. As a founding member of the city's Community Development Corporation, she played a key role in the city's pocket parks. She also played an active role in the School District as well as founded the WISD Education Foundation, which most recently ensured that the 1967 A.R. Turner High School Football team received their state championship rings. Eddie, you were a wonderful person to know and everyone who ever met you would say the same. We are extremely proud to have worked with you and called you an ExpertBail Agent and a member of our AIA family. We wish you peace. As you can see I am not asking too much in her honor she is a woman who is well deserving of an honor such as naming a school in the district that she served so diligently. Thank you for your time 

Nikita Lagway