Vernell Lilly Ellebracht

1934 - 2025

Vernell Lilly Ellebracht, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born on August 21, 1934, in Fredericksburg, Texas, Vernell was the youngest of six children of Otto and Lillie (Schmidt) Usener. She was baptized and confirmed at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, where she remained a faithful and active member throughout her life. She grew up in the Wrede Community, attending the one-room Wrede School through eighth grade before graduating from Fredericksburg High School with the Class of 1954.

On April 14, 1956, Vernell married her high school sweetheart, Harvey Ellebracht, at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. Together they shared 69 beautiful years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and a deep love of the land. Vernell worked side by side with Harvey on their farm and ranch, often helping with the sheep and cattle or, if staying home, making sure Harvey never left without a snack and a drink in hand.

Vernell dedicated more than 30 years to GTE Telephone Company, serving as a switchboard operator during the days when every call was connected by hand. She often reminisced about the friendships she made there and about the now-lost art of switchboard work in a world long since transformed by technology.

In 1973, just two days after her 39th birthday, Vernell and Harvey received the greatest gift of their lives: the adoption of their daughter, Violet, through Lutheran Social Services. Vernell cherished her role as a mother, pouring her heart into caring for her family and always placing their needs before her own. She later became "Meme" to her beloved grandchildren, a role that brought her endless joy. Meme's house was a place of laughter, cookie dough, pecan pie, thrift store adventures, garden-fresh vegetables, and unconditional love. Her grandchildren will forever treasure the countless memories she created with them.

Vernell was known for her generosity, hospitality, and kindness. No one ever left her home empty-handed, whether with a homemade treat, fresh produce from her garden, or simply the warmth of her love. She treasured her extended family, nieces, nephews, and countless friends, treating all with compassion and care.

Vernell's life was a testimony of faith, devotion, and love. She will be deeply missed, yet her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Paul, Raymond, and Atley Usener; and her sisters, Gertrude Lochte and Elsie Olson.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Harvey Ellebracht; her daughter and son-in-law, Violet and Richard Kruse; her grandchildren, Gideon (and wife Rilae), Caleb, and Hannah Kruse; her brother-in-law, Clinton Ellebracht; and sister-in-law, Betty Ellebracht.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, with visitation from 10:00 till 11:00 a.m.Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, with refreshments afterward in the Fellowship Hall of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home