[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 77 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            REMARKS ON THE PASSING OF GRACE STENGEL THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2010

  Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and pay tribute 
to the life of Grace Stengel Thompson.
  Grace was born in Menard, Texas, to a German pioneering family on 
August 12, 1916. Her grandparents were Peter and Emma Jordan, who 
settled on Upper Willow Creek in Mason County in 1856. Her parents were 
George and Louise Stengel, who were prominent members of the Menard 
community. Grace and her husband, Claude, had three children--Toni 
Thompson Hurlbut, Judith Thompson Hunter and Claude John Thompson. 
Grace also has six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-
great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
  Grace was proud of her heritage and of her large extended family; she 
kept up with many of her cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, 
loved them all, and loved being with them especially at family 
gatherings. Her front door was always open, as was her table. The 
family remembers many fine ``spur of the moment'' meals she fixed for 
whoever showed up. To say that she was a wonderful cook and hostess is 
quite an understatement.
  After graduating from Menard High School, Grace attended Texas Tech 
University, and it was at Tech that Grace met her husband, Claude, who 
was President of the Student Body while she was Secretary of the 
Student Body. They were married in Menard in July of 1937. Grace was a 
life-long supporter of Texas Tech, and especially the university's 
athletic programs.
  Grace moved from Menard to Lubbock when son John enrolled at Texas 
Tech University. While there, she served as administrative assistant to 
three Deans of Students from 1972 until 1983. Grace belonged to the PEO 
Sisterhood and she was also a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. 
Grace was a lifelong Methodist who loved the Lord and all around her.
  Grace passed away on May 13, 2010, in Fredericksburg, Texas. Services 
were held on May 15, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church of 
Mason, Texas, and the burial followed at Rest Haven Cemetery in Menard, 
Texas.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Grace's life and to offer her 
many family and friends my deepest condolences. Grace was adored by all 
those who knew her, and she will be missed.

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