Elvera Scheffer Stratmann Workman, 86 years, 8 months, and 25 days, of Hallettsville, Texas died at 3:33 p.m. on December 25, 2009 at her home, where she was the happiest. Her passion for life was self-evident to all who knew and loved her.

Elvera was born on March 31, 1923 in Lavaca County to the late Fred and Amelia Schultz Scheffer. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and she served her Lord faithfully.

She began her schooling at Sublime, Texas and went through the Sublime schools through the 10th grade. One of Elvera's favorite stories was about when she and her brother Milton rode their horse, Dolly, to school each day. Milton always made her ride behind him unless a cold northern wind was blowing. Then Milton would have Elvera ride behind him as they headed south to school but in front of him as they headed north to home!

She transferred to Hallettsville High School to graduate. Against all odds, she enrolled at Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos, Texas. Elvera attended college during World War II and because of the extreme shortage of teachers, she left college to return to Sublime to begin her teaching career. She eventually returned to San Marcos where she earned her Bachelor of Science in 1959, all the while caring for her 3 children, all under the age of 11 years. She later earned her Master Degree in Education.

For 31 years, Elvera was an enthusiastic school teacher. She truly cared for each of her students and motivated them to be their best. For this, her Hallettsville High School students paid tribute to her by dedicating the 1970 yearbook to her. This was an honor she cherished all of her life.

Following her retirement, Elvera was able to spend time enjoying the things she loved. These included sports of any kind, especially if it involved her beloved Texas Longhorns; quilting; participating in community projects such as the Lavaca Historical Museum; clubs including the Lavaca County Retired Teachers and Book Club; and numerous committees and Bible Studies at St. Peter's Lutheran Church.

Elvera was an avid domino player, whether it be for pleasure or competition. She and one of her favorite partners, Janet Brier, placed in many "42" tournaments throughout the state of Texas. For eight years Elvera served on the Hallettsville City Council. In 1992, she was honored by being named Citizen of the Year.

Elvera and her husband, Arthur Stratmann, thoroughly enjoyed traveling. They visited almost every state of the Union, visiting historical sites and relatives. In 1985, Arthur said there were some relatives he wanted to see and off they went to Europe for an extensive vacation. While in Germany, they were able to connect with many relatives that remained in their lives for many years. Elvera also travelled to Singapore and The Holy Lands, where she rode a camel.

Elvera married Arthur George Stratmann on May 11, 1946. They were blessed with three children, Faye Eloise, Judith Jean, and Robert Arthur. On April 10, 1993, she married Melvin A. Workman. She always said she had "married two great men, different, but great in their own way".

As involved as she was, Elvera never neglected the needs of her family and friends. And whether she was doing their laundry, cooking a meal, driving them to appointments, it was always done with a loving and happy heart.

Her greatest joy was her three children, two sons-in law, four grandchildren, and her new great-grandson. They truly were the "light of her world". As busy as she was, she always had time for them and she never forgot what was really important in this world – family! She was blessed to have them, but not nearly as much as they were so incredibly blessed to have her as their mother, mother-in-law, and "Mutta".

Elvera was preceded in death by husband Arthur G. Stratmann and Melvin A. Workman; parents Fred and Emma Scheffer; brothers, Winfred Scheffer and Milton Scheffer; sister and brother-in law Esther and Alvin Miles; nephew Dr. Norman Miles; and niece Sandra Scheffer.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Faye and Ronny Carroll, Judy and Kenneth Knocke; her son Robert (Bobby) Stratmann; four grandchildren Ronny Jr. Carroll, Robyn Knocke, Kendra and husband, Daniel Mayfield, and Morgan Knocke. Elvera was delighted by the birth of her first great-grandson Grey Mayfield. Surviving also are her two sister-in-laws Viola Scheffer and Leona Scheffer, 12 nieces, nephews, and spouses, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville, Texas on Sunday, December 27, 2009 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services for Elvera Stratmann Workman will be at St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Hallettsville, Texas on Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Herb Beyer officiating .

Pallbearers will include her nephews Arnold Scheffer, Wayne Scheffer, Travis Scheffer, and Kenneth Scheffer, Marvin Dusek, husband of a niece, and Jacob Neskora, friend of Mrs. Workman. Serving as Honorary Pallbearer will be Joshua Wagner, another friend of Mrs. Workman.

Donations can be made to the St. Peter's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall Fund.

Our family wants to say a special thanks to Ginger Dean, Mary Cooper, and Felicia Williams for the special care and love you gave our mother. Also, thank you to her family and many friends who have prayed and supported mother through this difficult past year.