Ophelia Tullius

Ophelia was born October 24, 1925 in Killeen, the fifth child of her parents, Theodore and Bertha Vahrenkamp. She was baptized here at Immanuel on January 31, 1926, and later confirmed her faith April 6, 1941.

She grew up when this area was a farming community and the construction of Camp Hood began. She acquired her driver’s license at age 14. Later, she drove herself, her younger sister, niece and nephew to the red brick building on Avenue D, Killeen’s only school at the time. She assumed additional responsibilities relating to the farm while her three older brothers were enlisted in the Army, Army Air Corps and Navy.

Ophelia graduated from Killeen High School; then Nixon-Clay Commercial College in Austin. Her first employer was the State of Texas. She routinely came home on weekends and attended worship with her family on Sunday. That’s where she met her husband-to-be, Jake Tullius, a young soldier at Camp Hood. A fellow soldier brought a number of his buddies to church, Jake Tullius included. He had to entice a few of them by saying, “….lots of pretty girls at that church!”

Jake and Ophelia married at Immanuel when it was located at the corner of Rancier and Fourth Street. The reception included a pit-cooked barbecue dinner at her parent’s home. Jake’s mother from Michigan and his sister, stationed as a WAC at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, were here for the occasion. They moved to Dearborn, MI at the end of Jake’s tour of duty with the Army at Camp Hood. They lived there a number of years, and their sons were born during that time.

After their move back to Killeen, Ophelia worked in the accounting office of Transportation Division, Directorate of Services, at Fort Hood. She participated in Bible Study and Church Women’s activities at Immanuel. Women from this group gathered at her home to piece quilt tops for the annual bazaar. Pictures are available for about 17 of those beautiful and serviceable quilts.

Ophelia was an accomplished seamstress, teaching basic classes, as well as advanced techniques, for many years. Her skills began, using her mother’s treadle sewing machine as a teen, then on to the modern computerized equipment now in her sewing room. She treasured the many friendships developed over the years through mutual love for the art of sewing.

The banners displayed throughout the sanctuary this morning attest to her God-given talent and love for the Lord and this church. The 100th anniversary banner was a combined effort that set the theme for the year-long observance, “On Our Way Rejoicing.” After Ophelia did the final stitching for the picture and lettering, it was ready to hang and be admired for its beauty and significance. She also made the funeral banner that was used the first time for the funeral of her sister, Clara Schorn. It has been used for all subsequent services in the church. Today it bears her very own name.

As years went by, Ophelia moved to an apartment attached to Bryan and Suzi’s country home. Although a bit homesick at first, she soon took delight in her beautiful new home and the sights and sounds of the outdoor world. Through her wall of windows she watched deer at the feeder, ducks on the pond, and birds and butterflies everywhere. Besides those amenities, all her fabric and sewing equipment was at her disposal, and she could stitch or embroider to her heart’s content.

When her health declined she moved to a care facility in Horseshoe Bay. Her beloved cat moved in with her, and they could watch birds at the feeder just outside her window. She continued to enjoy family and friends who visited her often. She died there on October 25, 2023, one day following her 98th birthday.

Survivors include her sons, Ronald Tullius (Vicki) of San Antonio and Bryan Tullius (Suzette) of Killeen; grandchildren Heather Griffin (Mateo) of Seattle, WA, and Suzanna Tripp (Chad) of Helotes, TX and Justin Tullius of San Antonio, TX; great grandchildren, Rose and Jazz Griffin and Megan and Juliana Tripp.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Killeen.