Esther Lee Theiss Truax, age 88 of Houston, TX, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 25, 2021 in Mena, Arkansas. Esther was born in Kahoka, MO on November 23, 1932 to the late Ella and Peter Theiss. Her family moved to Keokuk, IA, where Esther lived until her marriage to the love of her life, John William Truax in 1953. Esther and John lived in Milwaukee, WI until 1967 when they moved their young family to Houston, TX. They shared a beautiful fifty-four years together until John’s death in 2007.
Esther and John were active in the square dance community for many years, dancing and clogging throughout the United States at numerous festivals and conventions. She was an active member of the Bellaire AARP and always served in a leadership capacity. Esther was a devout Christian and loved the Lord. Her family was a source of pride and she delighted in talking about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For the past seven years she was an active resident of the West University Brookdale Community where she and her many friends regularly enjoyed line dancing, happy hour, and water aerobics. Oftentimes Esther would volunteer in the office at Brookdale where she always had a warm and welcoming smile. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Ella and Peter Theiss, husband, John Truax, brother, William Theiss, his wife Mickey and grandson-in-law, Jacob Stephens. Esther is survived by her son, Garold (Gary) William Truax and his wife Susan, of Houston, TX, daughter, Sandra Truax Yates and her husband Jimmy of Mena, AR; grandson, Jonathan Truax and his wife Marissa, of Cypress, TX; granddaughters, Allison Truax and her husband Clayton Jackson, of Newbury Park, CA, Rachel Stephens of Houston, TX, Jamie Munter and her husband Mark, of Clanton, AL; great-grandchildren, Breeanna Truax, Melanie Munter, Cooper Jackson; brother, Calvin Theiss and his wife Ann, sister, Carolyn Hopkins and her husband Jim; step-grandchildren Tina Hayward, Kimberly Truelove, Ambre Wilson, James Miller, Phillip Yates, Robert Yates; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a private interment at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, TX where Esther will be laid to rest with her beloved husband John, with a memorial service to be planned later.
In lieu of customary remembrances and for those desiring, memorial contributions may be directed to Operation Second Chance, 20251 Century Blvd, Ste. 130, Germantown, MD, 20874 or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.
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