Thelma Latz

Born in 1922 in Tamaqua, PA, Thelma was a graduate of the Thomas Jefferson Nursing School in Philadelphia in 1944. She achieved her degree as a Registered Nurse prior to joining her husband, Lt. Col. David J. Latz, in Germany while he served with the 65th Bomb Squadron during and after World War II.

Thelma and Dave moved around the US in the 1940s and 50s before finally settling in Austin, TX where he was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base. She took a position at the Seton Hospital Nursery while also volunteering her time to a number of causes. In 1968, Lt. Col. Latz passed away, leaving Thelma and four children. Thanks to the overwhelming support of friends and the military community, the family pressed on.

During the time her children attended Reagan and LBJ High Schools, one could find Thelma helping in the front office, leading Girl Scout trips, and various other activities to support her children and community. Later, she took a position at the Lamp Shoppe on Research Boulevard before eventually retiring.

Thelma continued to volunteer well in to her 80's, weekly visiting the Heritage at Gaines Ranch with two friends to play the piano and sing to residents. She loved giving to people from whatever she had, both in time and financially as a long-time supporter of the Special Olympics and other local charities. For more than 40 years, she spent countless hours attending hundreds if not thousands of her children's and grandchildren's activities. Additionally, Thelma was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

Her proudest accomplishment and greatest joy, however, came from her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. David J. Latz and eldest son David T. Latz. Thelma is survived by Dana Latz Madison and Ronnie Madison of Lubbock, Carla and Kelly Latz of Austin, and Adriane and Kevin Latz of Kansas City in addition to 12 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and another great-grandchild due in December.

There will be family visitation at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 3125 North Lamar Blvd on Sunday, November 11th, 4pm-6pm. Services will be held on Monday, November 12th at 10am at Memorial United Methodist Church (6100 Berkman Drive) in Austin followed by interment at Capital Memorial Park in Pflugerville.

The family would like to thank Leslie and the staff of The Medical Team located at The Village and Amy Potter and the staff of Home Therapy for the professional and loving care they provided Thelma over the last two years. Also many thanks to the nurses & staff of Hospice of Lubbock and The Palliative Care Unit at Covenant Hospital.

Memorial gifts are requested to be directed to the following organizations: Gazelle Foundation of Austin (www.gazellefoundation.com), Texas Talking Book Program (PO Box 12512, Austin, TX 78711), or The Palliative Care Unit at Covenant Health (please send contributions c/o Covenant Health Foundation, 3623 22nd Place, Lubbock, TX 79410, or you may contact them at 806.725.6089).