Nell was born to Jessie (Spradling) Wooten and Ben Wooten on February 11, 1933, in Lampasas, Texas. She was the fourth child of six children. Her father died when she was eleven years old, and her mother died in 1998.
NelI married the love of her life, Thomas Earl Clendennen, Jr. “Earl” June 29, 1949. They had two children, Thomas Earl Clendennen, III “Tom” and a daughter, Lou Ann. Together, they made a life in New Braunfels in 1961 after graduating from Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College. Nell taught school in CISD, beginning with 4th grade and eventually moving to Canyon Middle School as the librarian. She loved teaching and was responsible for implementing computers in all the schools in the CISD when they became available. She brought those computer skills home to her family as well. She began teaching all her grandchildren how to play computer games and become familiar with technology. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. For many years Earl and NeII hosted family dinners at their house every Wednesday evening, being intentional about developing relationships with each family member. She enjoyed a fun and close relationship with her two younger sisters, Wanda and Frances. They spent many hours laughing, traveling and sharing time at each other’s homes.
She enjoyed ranching and hunting along with Earl their entire married life. They loved dancing together, taking trips in their motorhome with friends and family, and spending time at their family ranch in Tow, Texas.
NeII was an excellent seamstress and used her artistic talents in many areas. She loved to sing gospel songs, and sang with a quartet in her teen years on the radio every week. She was an avid reader and loved playing bunco with her retired teacher friends in her later years. She taught all her grandchildren and great grandchildren how to play dominoes. She was always up for a game of any kind.
Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Earl April 14, 2015. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Reavis Wooten and Truman Wooten; and sisters Elva Dean Shaeffer and Frances Bump and granddaughter, Shannon (Seidel) Gilstrap in 2006.
Nell is survived by son, Thomas Earl Clendennen, III “Tom” (Kathleen), daughter, Lou Ann Wallis (Randy); grandchildren, Dustin Seidel (Jennifer) Sommer Adcox (Brent), Corey Conradt (Rickey) Thomas Earl Clendennen IV “Thomas” (Hasina), and Lee Clendennen. Great grandchildren Grayson Seidel, Gage Seidel, Avery Seidel, Jessie Adcox, Hank Adcox, Taylor Gilstrap, Aaron Seidel, Thomas Earl Clendennen V “Thomas” and Kaia Clendennen. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Nell was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels since 1987.
A Memorial Service will be held at ZoeIler Funeral Home, Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice
