Theodora Edna Ernst

SAN ANGELO On Jan. 26, 1921, Theodora became the third and youngest daughter of Fritz and Mary Hanz and a little sister to Marie Gallas and Elsie Redman. Her life's values, ethics and faith were molded growing up, attending school and church in Rowena, Texas. On Jan. 11, 1941, she became the wife of Fred A. Ernst and embarked on what would become a 57-year journey of marriage (and adventure). During those years she became the mother of Doris Wendland, Ray Ernst and Bob Ernst. Each stage of Theo's life brought joy not only to her but to others. She worked for GTE for 30 years where she became a friend to many. Her greatest joy was becoming a "Meemaw" to Teresa Wendland, Ella Nichols, Karla Thompson, Jeff Ernst and Scott Ernst. Her love, joy and pride were extended with the additional blessings of her great-grandchildren, Dan Nichols, Erin Nichols, Jett Thompson, Colton Ernst, Chase Ernst, Creed Thompson, Zach Ernst, Olivia Ernst, Abby Trimble, Kente Nichols and Nathan Porter. Theo was blessed with many talents. Every person she met received one of those gifts - be it in painting, a hand-sewn quilt, a porcelain doll, baked cookies, her beautiful smile or one of her hugs - she shared herself and her love freely, joyously and unselfishly. She wanted us to know and remember who she was from her own perspective in how she saw herself and who she was, so she set her life to paper and became an author. She never finished the book of her life - she was too busy living it - attending craft shows with her wares, line dancing, volunteering at the hospital, her church and spending time with her family. She lived a full and blessed life. On Wednesday, June 26, 2013, she left her earthly body and went home where she has become a true angel of heaven, where she suffers no more and has found true and everlasting peace. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters; brothers-in-law; and sisters-in-law. She is survived by Doris and Marvin Wendland, Ray and Laurette Ernst, Bob and Lauren Ernst, Teresa Wendland, Ella and Todd Nichols, Karla and Tom Thompson, Jeff and Kelly Ernst; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and extended family. To each of us she was something different, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, Meemaw, aunt or friend but the one thing that was the same was her smile, her hug and her love for each of us. A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013, at St. Paul Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Paul Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Shaffer Funeral Home/Sherwood Way. Family and friends may sign the online register book at shafferpioneer.com.