Ethel Reinhard

Ethel Mae (Ristow) Reinhard

Obituary

Ethel Mae Ristow Reinhard passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the age of 84. She was born in Converse Texas on July 11, 1932. Ethel was the daughter of Veronica and Hugo Ristow. She was baptized LaVernia Lutheran Church and attended the Lower Valley School and Seguin High school.

Ethel's first job was at Alamo Iron Works in San Antonio, where she worked as a switchboard operator. Ethel married Ronald Reinhard in January of 1950 and resided in Marion. The next year, Ronald joined the Air Force and they were stationed in Panama City, Florida, from 1951 until 1956. In 1954, their son Michael was born. Upon discharge from the Air Force, Ethel and Ronald returned to Texas and built their home in Zuehl, Texas. In 1958, their daughter Donna was born.

Ethel was very active in the community. She played a key role in the Clemens's PTA and was instrumental in gaining approval to add restrooms for the children as well and ensure the paving of Gin Road. She was also known for her baking and gardening skills. Ethel's garden was over an acre in size and she often provided vegetables and dill pickles for neighbors. Additionally, she and Ronald picked grapes and made homemade wine. She also took special time out to plant beautiful flowers around the church bell tower and ensure the beds were maintained. Later, as the children grew, she became involved with their school and 4-H projects and returned to work as a nurse for Dr. Dick Creamer, an internist in the NIX Hospital, where she worked for 25 years. She passed along her baking skills to Donna and with Ronald encouraged both children to become involved with the 4-H. She made sure that she and Ronald never missed a game and often traveled to wherever the kids were to support them and cheer them on. After Ethel retired from nursing, she worked alongside Ronald at Military Sales & Service where she handled the displays and perfumes for some of the finest fragrances. She also helped Ronald with farming and ranching and carried on the tradition of raising cattle after Ronald passed away in August of 2001. Ethel purchased 10 Brangus cows and calves because she missed seeing cattle on their front coastal patch. Her daughter Donna and son-in-law Ronald C. Torbet helped her manage the farm until she moved into San Antonio in 2010. By that time, Ethel was very involved with her grandchildren Hughston and Jennifer and busy traveling to join them at the coast or on volleyball tournaments. She had also met a wonderful friend Calvin Stapper in 2008 and again began going to Polka dances and many activities and trips with the family.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she served as the matriarch and role model for the family. She is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ronald, and survived by her son Michael and daughter in-law Charlene Reinhard of Charleston, South Carolina, daughter Donna and husband Ronald C. Torbet of San Antonio, and four grandchildren, Mandy and husband Todd Mascioli, Paxton Wright, Hughston Torbet and Jennifer Torbet, and great grandchild Emma Mascioli. Sisters Delrose (Sadie) Ludwig and husband Howard, Viona Marsh, niece Dr. Melissa Ludwig, and nephews Darren Marsh and Darryl Marsh and wife Laura Luyx and son Harrison.

Ethel has been a member of the Redeemer United Church of Christ for over 65 years. She was also a member of the South Texas Farm and Ranch Club where she had many friends from over the years.

Visitation begins at 5:00pm on Friday, June 30th, with family receiving friends from 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Schertz Funeral Home. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, July 1st, at 10:00am, at Redeemer United Church of Christ in Zuehl, Texas.

A reception for family and friends will be held after the services across the street from the church at the Old Clemens School.

Memorials may be made to Redeemer United Church of Christ and the Parkinson's Society or charity of your choice.

Paul Bearers:

Michael Reinhard, Donna Reinhard Torbet, Ronald C Torbet, Hughston Torbet, Jennifer Torbet and Paxton Wright

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