Selma Leona Conrad Edelen

Selma Leona Conrad Edelen was born December 22, 1923, the middle child of Paul and Albertina (Schneider) Conrad, in Garfield, Texas. She passed away on March 8, 2011, at the Crest Nursing Home in Butte, Montana.

Selma met Ben Edelen in Victoria, Texas, when he was stationed at Foster Field and she worked at F.W. Woolworth. On their first date, they saw Gone with the Wind.

They married in a Nuptial Mass performed by Father Augustus Hermes at St. Mary’s Church in Victoria on August 30, 1945, and honeymooned in San Antonio. They were married 50 years when Ben passed away in November 1995. Ben and Selma were the proud parents of two sons, Paul Gregory and Milan Joseph.

During Ben’s Air Force career, he and Selma were stationed in Sacramento, California, Harlingen, Texas, Lincoln, Nebraska, Guam, Okinawa, and Japan. Ben (and Selma) retired from the Air Force at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls, Montana, in 1971. No matter where they lived, Selma enjoyed participating in the church choir and other church activities, as well as being a hospital volunteer. She also enjoyed bowling, and she and Ben were, of course, Dallas Cowboys fans. After retirement, she and Ben spent several months traveling around the country before settling in Victoria.

Selma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ben, brother, Ray, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her son, Milan, San Antonio, Gregg (Connie), and grandsons, Todd (April) and Lee (Shana), all of Butte, Montana. Also surviving are her sister Doris (Dale) Lyon, Austin, and special cousins, Jenell (Carl), Acord Victoria, and Geri (Gus) Darilek, Shiner, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Selma was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and mother-in-law. If someone needed a helping hand of someone to talk to, Selma was there. Her mother spent many years living with Ben and Selma, and when she had to go to a rest home, Selma never missed a daily visit, making sure her mom was well taken care of. She and Ben were also the primary caregivers for her aunt and uncle, Bill and Paula Nolte, in their later years. Selma made numerous friends during their years in the Air Force, many of whom still stay in touch with her. She never met a stranger.

In March 2008, Selma was no longer able to live on her own so she moved to Butte, where she stayed with her son and his family. Due to failing health, Selma has lived the past two years at the Crest Nursing Home. Selma enjoyed her time at the Crest, making friends with other residents and staff members. She was a joy to have around, always happy and helping any way she could. Selma and her family would like to especially thank all the wonderful CNAs and nurses at the Crest for their excellent care. That special and personal attention eased our minds, knowing she was taken care of as if she were family.

We will all miss Selma and her stories, her wonderful laugh, her hugs, and her German chocolate cake. Mom, we will remember you and love you always.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 13, 2011, from 6 to 8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Monday, March 14, 2011, at Colonial Funeral Home, Rev. Greg Korenek officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home, 1801 E. Red River Street, Victoria, Texas, 361/578-3535.