Thekla Swindell

Thekla Martha Albrecht Swindell, 94, died April 19, 2015 at Brenham Rest Home, with her family at her side. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Grace Lutheran Church, with Rev. Matthew Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Mrs. Swindell was born at home in Rosenberg on Sept. 10, 1920 to Otto and Minnie Schmitt Albrecht. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith, and confirmed Sept. 22, 1935 at St. Peter''s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill. Thekla was educated in the Rosenberg area. A patriot, she served her country in true "Rosie the Riveter" fashion in the San Bernadino Air Force Base in California, repairing planes used in the battles of WWII. On Sept. 24, 1944, she married Leo Swindell in Austin, Texas, and they eventually made their home in Brenham. Bowling, playing cards and dominoes were favorite pastimes. Baking chocolate pie and cooking special dishes for her family, sewing, and traveling were activities she enjoyed. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and J.R. Allen, and very special family, Al and Donna Gomez, Albert and Donna Garcia, all of Brenham; grandchildren Trey and Crystal Allen, and Tanya Allen White; She was a special grandmother to Olivia Gomez Davis and Sara Gomez Morgan; great-grandchildren: Hayley and Tristan, Tabitha, Taelor, and Austin. Other surviving relatives include her brother, Clarence Albrecht; niece, Beverly Naumann and husband Theodore; nephew Bobbie Lewis and wife Carol, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and relatives. Mrs. Swindell was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Minnie Albrecht; her husband, Leo Swindell; sister, Florene Lilley, and sister-in-law Grace Albrecht. Serving as pallbearers are Al Gomez, Albert Garcia, Pete Naumann, John Naumann, Brett Coghlan, and Steve Allen. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Lewis, Theodore Naumann, Charles Bell, Willis Woods, Preston Davis, and Justin Morgan. Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements for Thekla Martha Swindell are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoaskschapel.com.