Wanda "Gma" Reibenstein

She was born on October 22, 1931 to Lawrence Marion Porter and Etta Faye Scoggins Porter. She grew up in Waelder, TX and moved to Houston to complete business school and begin a successful career at Transamerica. After 35 years, she retired to become a full time Grandma – a role that she enthusiastically embraced and loved more than anything. Those that knew her also knew the love she had for sports and teaching as she coached her children’s sports teams for many years. When she wasn’t coaching, she had a permanent bleacher seat and watched from the sidelines through almost every weather condition with unwavering support. She loved riding side by side with her husband (J.D.) in his truck until his unexpected passing in 1990. No matter what, she poured her time and energy into all things Aggie, sports, children, grandchildren and recently, great grandchildren.

She was affectionately known as “Gma” to all who loved her and will always be remembered for her selflessness, strength and perseverance. A devout Christian, she was a member of St. Matthew’s Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church Houston.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Etta Faye Porter; her husband, James Dean “J.D.” Reibenstein; son Lawrence “Larry” Reibenstein and his wife Peggy; grandsons Ryan Lawrence Reibenstein and Benjamin Cole Reibenstein; sisters Dorothy “Virginia” Wohlwend, Mary Katherine Jennings; niece Carol Davis; nephew Charles Wohlwend; and sister-in-law Yvonne Porter. She is survived by her daughter Cindy Reibenstein; grandson Matthew Reibenstein and his wife Katy and their two children Paxton Lawrence and Brinlee Kate; granddaughter Ashley (Reibenstein) Perrin and her husband Thomas and their daughter Nicole Ruth; brothers Warren Porter, Marion Porter and his wife Audrey; nieces Dionne (Porter) Ward, Connie (Porter) Wooley, Judy Porter, Melinda Jennings; nephews Clifton Porter, Mark Porter, Mike Jennings; great nephews Charles Morgan, and a host of extended family, close friends and granddogs that she loved dearly.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the friends, family, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital staff who supported Grandma and her loved ones during her extended hospital stay and final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations on Grandma’s behalf be made to the following charities, or the charity of your choice: Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Southeast Texas Chapter (15355 Vantage Pkwy W #220, Houston, TX 77032) or the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, Texas (1111 Herring Ave.Waco, TX 76708).

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm in the White Oak Stateroom at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. Funeral Service will be at First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002 on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 10:00 am, with a reception to follow. Interment to follow the reception at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079.

Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, Houston, TX.