Violet Hensley Stolz

VIOLET HENSLEY STOLZ, 97 years, was welcomed into the home of her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 10, 2014, in Houston, Texas. She was a devoted daughter, wife and mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Violet was born October 30, 1916 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to her late parents Emma and Werner Hensley. She was baptized in 1916 at the Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Racine, Wisconsin. She graduated from Horlick High School, also located in Racine Wisconsin. She married her high school sweet heart, Louis Stolz, on November 25, 1937. They were blessed to celebrate 68 years together. Violet's greatest joys were her children, Suzanne and Robert and was devoted to being a Christian example to them, teaching them to love, be responsible and respectful and to love and serve their Lord. Her example of a life dedicated to Christian principles was an inspiration to both of them. They lived in Racine, Wisconsin until 1949, when they ventured south to Bellaire, Texas.

Born and raised in the midwest, then transferred to the south, she embraced the community with love and support by making new friends, finding her church home and getting involved. Volunteering has been a lifelong commitment. The desire to volunteer in the community is about creating memories, building relationships, using your unique gifts, caring for people and supporting them in all walks of life while improving their quality of life. She epitomized this. She volunteered at MD Anderson in the clinics in charge of the Jolly Trolley, greeter and escort in the Clark Clinic, sewed robes for the patients, and during the holiday escorted Santa from room to room. In addition she volunteered for Christian Community Service Center where she worked at the Sunshine Resale Shop and was honored for the Volunteer of the Year, as well as working the seasonal programs of Back to School and Jingle Bell Express. In addition she volunteered in the city of Bellaire as a Girl Scout Leader, American Heart, America Cancer and Cystic Fibrosis. She was equally busy at Faith Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, served as the Attendance Secretary, served on the Parish Board of Education, Social Ministry, and Faith House committee. Violet was a woman of commitment as she joined the Faith Lutheran Church in 1949 and was a member of the choir for 60 years. In 1994 she was honored by Mayor Bob Lanier in the Mayors Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. She loved her Lord and her fellow men. Violet's quick wit and sense of humor was enjoyed by family and friends. Her life has been an inspiration to us all and her dedication to the Christian principles. She will be missed not only by her family, but also by those she touched with her life.

In 2005 she moved to University Place where she made new friendships, enjoying each other’s company and serving on many committees. In addition she made friendships with the staff and PAS.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Stolz; her brother, Eugene Hensley; sister-in-law, Verne Hensley; sister, Eunice Klema; brother-in-law, Ray Klema; and her son in law, Richard Girouard. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Girouard; and her son, Robert Stolz and wife Pat Stolz; her 8 grandchildren, Lori Kramer (husband Chuck), Linne' Girouard, Richard Girouard (wife Marlene), Jennifer Chorn (husband Wes), Stephen Girouard (wife Becki), Anne Bracewell, David Bracewell, Joy Bracewell; 19 great-grandchildren, Autumn, Ashley, Paige, Kendall, Hailey, Trace, Ty, Lillieth, Lisseth, Jason, Danielle, Brittany, Spencer, Sarah, Jamie, Riley, Amanda, Dylon and Emma; and 6 great great-grandchildren, Addy, Christofer, Alexander, Kalen, Parker and Mason. She was very blessed with many special nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the caretakers at University Place as well as the companions from the Temporary Home Care for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life service in Violet’s memory will be conducted on Saturday, the 22nd day of March, 2014 at 1:30 pm in the sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church, 4600 Bellaire Boulevard, with Pastor Kerry Nelson officiating. Following the service and reception, there will be a private inurnment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the Choir Fund, Faith Lutheran Church as the choir was such an important part of Violet's spiritual life.