Ferdel Spielman Horton

FERDEL SPIELMAN HORTON died at the age of 85 on Thursday, October 30, 2008. She died in her Austin home surrounded by her loving family. Ferdel was born in Humboldt, Iowa, on July 8, 1923, to Elmo Bruce Spielman and Leona Belle Blake Spielman. The family moved to Carrizo Springs, Texas, when she was 11 years old, during the Depression. During those years, a kind doctor saved the life of Ferdel's mother, so Ferdel decided at an early age to become a nurse. She earned her own money to go to nursing school, and ultimately graduated from Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas, in 1945 as a Registered Nurse. Ferdel attended the University of Texas at Austin earning additional hours in nursing. While nursing professionally at Seton Hospital, she met the love of her life, Finas Wade (Joe) Horton. They were married in l946 in Austin, Texas. Except for three years in Odessa, Texas, they have always lived in Austin. Ferdel is survived by her husband of 62 years, F.W. (Joe) Horton, two daughters - Marcia Belle Horton Smith of Round Rock, and Rosemary Horton Cone of Austin. Her other daughter, Velma Jo Horton Rivers is deceased. Ferdel is also survived by: three grandchildren - Amanda Jo Rivers, Joseph Carson Smith, and Charles Wayne Rivers, and two devoted sons-in-law Darryl Carson Smith of Round Rock, and Jimmy Joe Cone of Austin. She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings: Feriba Saul, Kermit Spielman, Keith Spielman, Kenneth Spielman, Robert Spielman, and Peggy Kiernan. Her surviving brother is David Spielman of Austin. Ferdel was a loving, kind-hearted lady who gave freely of her time and love to her church, family and friends. She was unfailingly pleasant, generous, and full of laughter. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity. The memorial service, conducted by Phil Stovall, will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd. in Austin on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 IH 35, Pflugerville, TX. The family wishes to give special thanks for the loving care given by Odyssey Hospice Healthcare of Austin, Texas, in particular to Lynda, Connie and Toby who served Ferdel with kindness and gentle care in her last days.