Marie Nauth

Marie Nauth of Wichita Falls went to be with the Lord on January 15, 2016. Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016, in the chapel of Hampton-Vaughn Funeral Home. The Reverend Howard Chapman will officiate.

Marie was born on June 23, 1940, to Ludwig and Gretel Nauth in Darmstadt, Germany, and she lived through World War II and the American occupation. She became an American citizen in 1969 after citizenship classes taught by Merle Anthony and was sworn in by Judge Sarah T. Hughes. Marie taught Head Start in Germany to acquaint American servicemen with German customs and language, and taught German NATO pilots’ wives about American customs and language through the International Friends Class at First Baptist Church. She was a big supporter of Wichita Falls and America with the Germans who came to Wichita Falls. A graduate of Midwestern State University, she taught German briefly at Wichita Falls High School, but spent many years at Barwise Junior High School teaching Exploratory Languages and American History. She was a member of the Fellowship Class of First Baptist Church, the Criterion Club, the American Association of University Women, and the Wichita Falls Area Association of Retired School Personnel. Her hobbies included gardening, knitting, crocheting and cooking. She loved to travel and was ever curious about current events all over the world.

Marie loved Germany, but she loved America, too, and never took it for granted the freedoms and advantages she found here. She remembered the hardships of war and its aftermath and was ever thankful for the peace and safety she enjoyed here. It was difficult for Marie to leave her home, country and family after marrying an American, but she opened her heart to America, as America opened its heart to her. She was a true patriot.

She was a Christian, and she joined the First Baptist Church family in 1969 where she found treasured friends and a place of service. Marie’s faith in Christ sustained her through many trials.

Survivors include three children: Nina Lathan, Cynthia Hunnicut and John Childress; grandchildren Norbert Lathan, Margarete Marie Lathan, Elizabeth Bailey, Travis Hunnicut ; and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Hans (Helmtrud), Erich (Didi), Georg (Gisela), and Norbert (Conchita) Nauth and sister Fanny Goebel, all of Germany.

Memorials may be sent to the Scholarship Fund of the American Association of University Women (2633 Chase Drive 76308), First Step, Inc., First Baptist Church or a charity of choice.