Edna Ham

Edna Anne Eickenhorst Ham, 97, of Brenham, passed away March 3, 2014 in Bryan. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Thursday, March 6, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill, with Pastors David Hansen and Virgil Pecht officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Edna was born October 24, 1916 in Washington to Henry and Minnie Schwartz Eickenhorst. She was baptized November 19, 1916 by Pastor Alfred Bohat at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wm. Penn, and confirmed there March 20, 1932 by Pastor C. J. Appel. Educated in Washington County schools, Edna was active in the 4-H club where she won two awards: Gold Star Award, and a trip to the Texas State Fair in Dallas. Edna was married to Ivey Lee Ham on Dec. 18, 1938 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wm. Penn by Pastor Appel. The couple lived in Houston, and later Pasadena, where she was employed by J. C. Penney. She was a member of First Lutheran Church while in Pasadena. After moving back to Brenham, Edna became a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill and the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and served as a patriotic instructor for many years. Other memberships included the American Legion Auxiliary 0048, and the Prairie Hill & Rocky Hill Fire Dept. Edna was active in the Shell Retirees Club, and also worked with the Washington Co. Fair for many years. She helped organize the Cowbelles of Washington County, and was a member of the Cattlewomen''s Association. She retired from B.I.S.D. and worked side by side with her husband on the ranch, where they raised Simmental cattle. Dancing, playing cards, and dominoes were favorite pastimes. A love for the outdoors was exhibited by her love for gardening and outdoor sports such as football, fishing and Astros'' baseball games. Edna loved her children and grandchildren very much. There was nothing she would not do for them. Survivors include a son, Reeves Ham of Brenham; daughter, Bernice Gaskamp of Austin; six grandchildren: Peggie Gaskamp of Austin; Paige Hankins and husband Clay of Double Oak, Texas; Robin Levatino and husband Steven of Austin; Reeves Ham, Jr. and wife Lori of Austin; Brent Gaskamp and wife Robyn of Austin; Michael Ham and wife Amy of Bellville; nine great-grandchildren: Sydney and Natalie Hankins, Claire, Samuel, and Grace Levatino, Ryan, Perry and Carter Gaskamp, and Hudson Ham. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivey; son-in-law, William R. Gaskamp; brothers-in-law Milton Ham, Eddie Walden, Robert Brezik, Hubert Wallace, Marvin Graham and Jack Ham; and sisters-in-law Mildred Ham, Madeline Ham and Maudie Graham. Her family also includes a brother-in-law Ford Ham, sisters-in-law Cordie Ham Wallace, Robbie Ham Walden, Jessie Ham Brezik, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons Reeves Ham, Jr. Michael Ham, Brent Gaskamp; grandsons-in-law Steven Levatino, Clay Hankins; and great-grandsons Samuel Levatino, Hudson Ham, and Carter Gaskamp. Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill. Funeral arrangements for Edna Ham are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.