On July 23, 2004, Clara Stendebach joined her beloved husband, Edwin at the age of 95 years, 11 months. She was born to Ruben and Etta (Killian) Willingham on August 23, 1908, near Patrick, TX. After graduating from Ross High School in 1926, she attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College for two years, leaving to teach school in Mudd Creek, TX. She married Edwin H. Stendebach of Boerne, TX, on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1928, near Del Rio, TX. After staying at home for several years with her young children, then moving to San Antonio in 1944, she returned to teaching. She first taught in the Harlandale ISD, while working towards a Bachelor of Science Degree, which she received from Trinity University in 1948. She later taught in the San Antonio ISD, retiring in 1968, with a combined total of over 30 years in elementary education. Clara also taught Sunday School classes for many years, first at Palm Heights Methodist Church then at St. Marks Methodist Church. After retirement, she and Edwin enjoyed traveling throughout the States, Canada and Mexico, always finding antique shops and bringing back a treasure. Clara enjoyed being around children, whether it was taking grandchildren on picnics and pointing out the wonders of nature, helping with homework or sharing her knowledge of world history, the Bible or antiques. Clara resided at the Hilltop Nursing Home (now CareChoice) in Boerne, TX since September of 1999, transferring her church membership to The First United Methodist Church of Boerne soon after. She was preceded in passing by her beloved husband of 65 years, Edwin, an infant boy and two loving sons, Vaughn and Ruben; sister, Ruth Stowe; brothers, James Alvin and Elester (Jack) Willingham; infant great-grandson, Gadge Douglas Garmon. Survivors include her sister, Azlea Fandel of San Antonio; daughter, Myrna Edmondson and husband Jimmy; son, Edwin H. Stendebach, Jr. and wife Mary; nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 28, 2004, in the Chapel at Mission Park North Cemetery, I-10 West, with the Service at 11:00 A.M. The Reverend Conrad Archer of The First United Methodist Church of Boerne officiating with Interment in The Garden of the Cross. Pallbearers will be all of Clara's grandsons, Jed and Jace Garmon, Steven, Paul, Robert and Dave Stendebach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the charity of your choice or the First United Methodist Church of Boerne, 205 East James St., Boerne, TX 78006-2303. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the people at CareChoice for the loving care Clara received during the years she was a resident. Mission Park Funeral Chapel North.

Published in Express-News on July 28, 2004