Ethel’s Obituary Ethel Leazer Donnelly, age 99, better known as “Gram,” passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Colonial Belle Nursing Home in Sealy, Texas. She was born September 5, 1919 to parents Edward Wm. and Leona Johnson Leazer in Old Moulton, Texas being one of nine children.
She attended school at Baursville in Lavaca County. For several years, Ethel worked as a hand-stamper at Tex-Tan Leather Company in Yoakum, Texas. It was during this time that she met her husband, James Donnelly.
They were married on November 27, 1947 in Sweet Home, Texas, where they lived until 1951 when they moved to Sealy. Shortly after moving, they purchased Mr. George Wittenburg’s leather shop in downtown Sealy, which became known as Sealy Leather Goods. She worked alongside her husband for many years hand stamping belts and repairing various leather items.
Ethel also spent time working at the Western Auto Store in Sealy. Ethel was the mother of three children and devoted to her family. She showed affection by cooking meals for those she loved and her extravagant Sunday dinners were always cherished by her children and grandchildren.
She was also a talented seamstress, having sewn for herself and many family members. Ethel was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. Ethel enjoyed sports and was an avid golfer and bowler.
Her greatest joy came from the years spent playing golf with her friends at the Stephen F. Austin Golf Course. Some notable accomplishments were achieving a “hole-in-one” and being the Ladies Club Champion for many years. When she became unable to swing a golf club, she enjoyed playing cards on Thursdays with her dear friends at the clubhouse.
In September of 2014, she became a resident of Colonial Belle in Sealy, where she watched golf on TV and played cards with lady residents. Ethel was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Sealy. She was baptized on March 26, 1944 at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Yoakum, Texas.
She was later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sealy on August 16, 1957 by Rev. O. C. Schreiner. Ethel was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Stephen F. Austin Golf Association, SFA Ladies Golf Association, and the Sealy American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for over 60 years.
She was a past member of the Sealy Women’s Bowling Association and the Sealy Volunteer Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary. Ethel is survived by her daughter, Joyce Tomlinson Amthor of Sealy; son, David Hauschild and wife, Carol Jean of Sealy; and son Jim Donnelly and wife, Susan of La Grange. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Raymond Charles Tomlinson and wife, Terri of Sealy; James Neal Tomlinson and wife, Arlene of Sealy; Wayne Allen Tomlinson and wife, Lea Ann of Cypress; Kimberly Kornegay and husband, Doyle of Sealy; and J. Elliott Donnelly and wife, Jacqualyn of Houston; and great-grandchildren Kyle and wife, Erika Tomlinson; Kaitlin Tomlinson; Zachary Tomlinson and wife, Kate; Renae Tomlinson; Natalie Tomlinson; Lauren Thielemann; Luke Thielemann; Pence Donnelly; Meagen McQuiston; Casey McQuiston; and Preston Pope and great-great grandchildren Cash Tomlinson and Easton Tomlinson.
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband James Donnelly, her grand-daughter Renae Tomlinson and sons-in-law Ralph Tomlinson and Kirby Amthor and her three brothers and five sisters. Pallbearers are Raymond Charles Tomlinson, James Neal Tomlinson, Wayne Allen Tomlinson, J. Elliott Donnelly, Doyle Kornegay, Kyle Tomlinson, Zachary Tomlinson, and Luke Thielemann.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund or The American Cancer Society or Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter – 240 Svoboda Lane, La Grange, TX 78945 or the charity of your choice.
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