Elvera “Sis” Janssen Gips, 95, of Cuero passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. She was born near Nordheim on Nov. 13, 1920 to Willie and Elvia Reichert Janssen. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Nordheim. She grew up in the Nordheim area and attended Nordheim schools and graduated valedictorian from Nordheim High. She attended Texas State College for Women in Denton for two years.
On Feb. 25, 1941, she married Ray H. Gips of Yorktown at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Nordheim and lived in Cuero. They had two children over the next seven years and she enjoyed being a stay at home mom. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, golf, going fishing at the coast, and later in life, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In 1968 “Sis” returned to college and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Southwest University in San Marcos in May, 1970, Library Certification from Texas Woman’s University in Denton in August 1970 and her Master’s Degree from the University of Houston Victoria in 1975. While working toward her Master’s Degree she also taught a class at the University.
In 1970 she taught history at Cuero High School and in 1971 she became the Junior High School Librarian. She held this position until her retirement in May 1986. She was a life member of Texas State Teachers Association and a member of the Texas Library Association and Texas Classroom Teachers. After her retirement she did volunteer work at the Cuero Public Library. She was also a 60 year member of the Grand Lodge of the Order of the Sons of Hermann.
She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Cuero where she and her husband sponsored the Intermediate Luther League in the 1960’s and she taught in the Sunday School.
She is survived by her daughter Julie Buenger (David ); son Will Gips (Lucille); her grandchildren, April LeMaster (Brian) and Amber Ward (Jeff); and her great grandchildren, Dane LeMaster, Barrett LeMaster, Tate LeMaster, Dylan Ward, Bronson Ward and Bode Ward.
Preceded in death by her husband of 59 years; her parents; her brother, Wilton T. Janssen; and her nephew Wilton T. “Teddy” Janssen, Jr.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with Funeral Services following at 3 p.m. with Pastor Sharon Wiggins officiating. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Aubrey Feril, Phil Mueller, Ottie Gips, Dale Murray, Billy Carnes and Donnie Caraway.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cuero Public Library or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.
Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.