Edna Laverne Theiss

Edna Laverne Theiss, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 88. Born to Lorenze and Annie (Hassler) Mittelstedt on June 18, 1937, in Klein, Texas, Edna lived a life filled with God's blessings of love, laughter, and cherished memories, touching the hearts of everyone she met. 

Edna was a life-long member of the Missouri-Synod Lutheran Church; into which she was baptized and later confirmed her faith in Christ. Throughout her teen years, she was active in her church's youth group, and reminisced fondly on time spent socializing and serving the church with her friends and family. It was through her church family that she met the man she would one day marry. On November 24, 1956, she married the love of her life, Earl Adam Theiss, whose memory she held dear until her final days. Their union of almost fifty-nine years was a beautiful partnership filled with joy. Together, they created a warm home where family gatherings were a regular occurance, especially on Sundays and holidays when Edna lovingly prepared meals for her family and any friends who happened to join in and were always welcome. She and Earl firmly believed in the importance of family gathering around the table to spend a few hours catching up on current happenings, sharing in the laughter and tears of life's seasons, and supporting one another through love and prayer. 

She loved watching her family play volleyball on the sports court, often calling out encouragements or laughing at epic fumbles; she was an expert Pitch and 42 player, and enjoyed domestic pursuits such as canning, sewing, and baking. Her chicken and dumplings, apple pies, and squash patties were crowd favorites. Throughout her lifetime, Edna perfected the art of homemaking. Her door was always open and visitors were greeted with a warm smile and a hug. 

Edna was a devoted fan of the Houston Astros; she often offered unsolicited advice on who should or should not be pitching, praised players who were on a "hot streak," and bemoaned the slumps in which her favorite players inevitably found themselves. A love of fishing was cultivated when Edna was a child. She accompanied her father on fishing trips and continued the pastime with her husband in later years; the couple found great joy in fishing together, and Edna found even greater joy when she brought in more fish than Earl. Her love for family was evident in her thoughtful and creative spirit; she made baby quilts for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, imparting warmth and comfort with every stitch. Her legacy is one of kindness and compassion, a testament to the love she shared with those around her. 

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl A. Theiss; and daughter-in-law, Traci Theiss. 

She is survived by her children, Gail Wilkins (Mike), Peggy Adcock (Larry), Donna Young (John), Bruce Theiss (Karen), and Bryan Theiss (Caralynda); grandchildren, Ryan Wilkins (Amanda), Brooke Boyd (Brandon), Hope Holmes (Jimmy), Katrina Whitten (Jerry), Kinsey Johnson (Sam), Garrett Adcock (Rachel), Lauren Eastman (Matthew), Erin Brown (Matthew), Logan Howard (Marcus), Colin Young (Bria), Ami Nash, Joshua Theiss (Abbie), Landon Theiss, Hailey Simmons (Roger), Ty Theiss (Greta), Westen Klenk (Sierra), Sam Padgett (Caleb), and Blayne Klenk (Salem); forty-five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

A funeral service for Edna will be held at 3 P.M., Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, Texas. Pastor Tim Eden will officiate the service. Visitation will be from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas. 

Pallbearers: Ryan Wilkins, Garrett Adcock, Ty Theiss, Colin Young, Joshua Theiss, Landon Theiss 

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.