Laverne Rydell

Her parents, now deceased, were John A. and Vlasta Julia Wentrcek. LaVerne passed away on Sept. 4, 2025.

LaVerne and Gene V. Rydell were married in 1952 and were blessed with three sons, David Rydell, Terry Rydell and Tim Rydell. Tim was a captain in the USMC based in Austin when he died in an accident in 1985.

She has five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Carl, Kyle, Tara and Shelby, who was recently married to Terreal Hatcher, and Scott Rydell, who is married to Jacqueline. LaVerne was also blessed with two great-grandchildren. She will be remembered fondly by many dear friends and family, who will miss her presence in their lives.

LaVerne grew up in the rural areas around Granger and Taylor. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Southwestern University in Georgetown.

She taught first grade in Taylor before her husband was employed as a pilot by Eastern Airlines and the family moved to Darien, Connecticut. She taught elementary school fourth graders during the day and attended college at night.

She completed her Master’s degree at Western Connecticut State University in 1970. Upon moving back to Texas, she lived on a ranch while teaching elementary school in McDade.

As a rancher, she participated in the organization Singles in Agriculture. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of visiting their grandmother and enjoying outdoor activities at the ranch.

After a successful teaching career, LaVerne retired and moved to the Wimberley area. LaVerne enjoyed traveling all over the world.

She became a member of Chapel in the Hills and the Retired Teacher’s Association. She also enjoyed the Wimberley Civic Club and the Chapel Women’s Guild. She is remembered as a beautiful soul with sparkling blue eyes and a strength derived by her Christian faith.

Memorials in her honor may be sent to Chapel in the Hills in Wimberley or a charity of choice.

There will be a graveside service to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at 11 a.m.