In Loving Memory of Theda Annette Howze Gohlke (1937 - 2025)

Theda Gohlke, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on January 10, 2025, as a result of complications from a stroke and fall on December 15, 2024.  Known for her vivacious personality, impeccable and colorful style and unwavering love for her family, Theda leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Born Christmas Eve 1937 in Brownfield, Texas, Theda was the daughter of John Duff Howze and Gladys Stephens Howze.   Her parents were on the road when she was born, moving from Amarillo to Abilene, where her father established a successful dry cleaning business.  She was the youngest of three children, the only girl and the apple of her father's eye.

Theda grew up in Abilene, Texas, and remained close to high school friends (Go Eagles!) until the end of her life.  Theda graduated from Texas Tech University in 1958.  While at Tech, Theda met her husband of 57 years, Robert (Bob) Gohlke.  They married on Halloween in 1959 at First Baptist Church in Abilene. (She had a thing for holidays!) They began married life in Herzogenaurach, Germany, near the Nurnberg Army Base where Bob was stationed, working in intelligence after graduating from the Army Language School.

Theda and Bob lived in Austin, TX for much of their young married life, and both of their children (Robin and Ross) were born there.  Theda worked while Bob finished his degree at UT.  For the duration of child rearing, Theda juggled a full-time job with the demands of a model household -- preparing meals, washing, folding and ironing (!) laundry, and shuttling both children to a constant round of activities.  She was a true steel magnolia, and she was committed to giving her children the best of everything.

Theda will be remembered for her perfectly coordinated and coiffed appearance (the colors! the jewelry! the nails!), her love of music and performances (her own included), her adventurous spirit (had suitcase, would travel), her wicked bridge game and her legendary chicken fried steak.  In addition to her many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins in the Howze and Stephens families, she had two adopted families:  the Rosses (Nellie May Gohlke's family) and Fain Presbyterian Church.  Her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her will miss her dearly.

She is survived by her children, Robin Gohlke (and her husband, B Shawn Peterson) and S Ross Gohlke; her beloved grandson, Arlo Peterson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

A celebration of Theda's life will be held in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, on Saturday, January 18 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Wichita Falls for truly compassionate care of Theda and her family at the end of her life, and First Presbyterian Church, her current church home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Manor (https://presmanor.org/give/your-gift/) and to Hospice of Wichita Falls (https://www.howf.org/donate/).

Rest in peace, Theda. You were truly one of a kind, and we are better for having known you.