"I only just found out Grace has left us. I met her at Legacy Oaks where I visited as part of Divine Canines. She was always so happy to see the pups and she told us how much she loved and missed her own pup. She always had treats for the dogs and kind smiles for the humans. We will miss her greatly! We love you Grace. Veronica and Maggie "
In loving memory of
Grace Avonelle Delger
March 28, 1919 - June 4, 2020
Grace Delger, our beloved pixie-eyed, no-nonsense matriarch, having lived her 101 years to the max, set sail for heaven on June 4, 2020. She spent her final days as she spent them all, praising her family, sharing words of love and appreciation, praying to our Lord and Savior for salvation, commanding attention, and flirting with her darling nurses. Flirting with anyone of a male persuasion, really. Whenever she heard the word stubborn whispered near her, she would laser her bright blue eyes at the perpetrator and firmly say, "I am not stubborn, I am determined!" Having survived a heart attack at 86, a stroke at 100 and half-hip replacement surgery at 101, you would know she meant business.
Grace was born in Marshalltown, IA, on March 28, 1919 to Ross A. Lee and Helen Myrtle Burt. Her mother was a touring concert pianist and her father managed her mother's career, so she was raised by her grandmother, Stella Burt, whom she adored. She received her high school equivalency certificate in Iowa on February 4, 1969, an event delayed by her marriage at age 16 to Donald A. Vajgert. She managed a mobile home court and worked in the school cafeteria to help support her family of five children. She was a member of Women of the Moose Lodge, earning recognition for her work as recorder, and was a member of her local VFW Women's Auxiliary. She completed a year of college in the field of nutrition.
Grace spent her life supporting her Methodist Church, enjoying Agape Circle and singing in the choir. The highlight of her choral experience came in her mid-80's in the revival of Oklahoma! at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church, where she sang and danced as Ado Annie, "I'm just a girl who cain't say no." Clearly. Delightfully.
After her first marriage dissolved in 1964, Grace married twice again to Harold F. Schiltz, then Curtis Delger. She outlived all three husbands, picked up her skirts and moved to Texas in 1989, and settled in Dripping Springs. It was there, in her late 80's, that she met her soul mate, Edward Oliver. She called him her boy toy, and they enjoyed their golden years having fun, holding hands, swimming, and spending time with friends and family. It broke her heart to outlive Ed, as well.
At 97 years old, Grace wearied of living alone and moved to Legacy Oaks Assisted Living in Oak Hill where she quickly made herself useful as a Community Ambassador, meeting new residents and helping them learn the routine for meals, worship, entertainment, and activities, especially bingo. Her second favorite word was "Bingo!" (Her first favorite word was "Bull.") She celebrated her 100th birthday here with friends and family, and her caregivers were wonderful, kind, and understood clearly that the only drum Grace heard was her own. They loved her like family, and their broken hearts have merged with ours to mourn the loss of this great lady.
Grace was also preceded in death by three sons, Donald George Vajgert, Gene Paul Vajgert, and Gary Lee Vajgert, cherished daughters-in-law Franziska Vajgert and Annabelle Vajgert, and granddaughter Patty Miner.
Her survivors include son Gordan Clair Vajgert, daughter Gayle Suzanne Topness, and daughters-in-law Lois Rachael Vajgert and Elizabeth Anne Vajgert.
Her surviving grandchildren include Linda Stubblefield (Ches), Laura Shaw (Mark), Dennis Vajgert (Dana), Paul Strehlo, Mary Buren, Samuel Stange, Odessa Stange, Sophia Stange, Cory Palmer (Xin), Katie Mitchell, Tobias Vajgert, Carrie Vajgert, Angie Aman (David), Gerhard Vajgert (Roni), and Suzanne Morgan (Andy).
Her surviving great-grandchildren include Erika Stubblefield, Shawn Vajgert, Travis Vajgert, Adam Abben, Ashley Abben, Travis Miner, Jordan Miner, Carolyn Crow, Karyn Meier, Christopher Aman, Kaitlyn Aman-Ramm, Blake Vajgert, Justin Vajgert, and Avarie Morgan, and numerous great-great grandchildren.
A private family memorial service for Grace will be held at Harrell's Funeral Home on Frontier Trail on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm, with interment to follow at Puryear Cemetery. It breaks our hearts to limit attendance due to our current world pandemic and health concerns for immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, Grace would be honored by memorial donations to her beloved Dripping Springs United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 99, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Tributes
"Linda and Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Grace. It was a pleasure to know her-- a wonderfully caring, kind and pleasant lady. And, she was so much fun! I met her when she first visited Legacy Oaks and I was greeted by a lady who was so full of life and humor. I knew she would fit right in! It was such a kick to see her flirting with Scotty at the front desk or Joe the Maintenance Director. She really kept them on their toes! In fact, one of my favorite memories is when she would board the bus to go shopping--she would look at that first step, turn to Scotty and say, \"Honey, you\'re gonna have to give me a boost!\" She had a twinkle in her eye at the sight of Scotty\'s blushing face. And, she loved it. Always kind, and willing to volunteer her talents--I believe Grace to be the example of a Christian servant that you as family, and all who knew her can cherish. Please keep her memory close and God Bless."
"There are not enough words I could possibly find to describe our beloved Grace... She set the bar so high for all of us no matter the age.. she was our Community Ambassador, Resident Councilor Presidents and a very active, kind and involved resident. She will be missed by all of us here at Legacy Oaks.. "
"I didnt no grace but a short time but was honored by the invite to her 100th birthday an honor I will cherish. Of all the souls I have met grace was the purist. God blesses the world with souls like grace to enlighten life on earth,she carried that proudly. I will remember how she touched my life always. She is now with the heavenly Angel\'s and the love of God. I will miss you grace and visit you in memory.Richard Hanshew"
"I just want to say for this very sweet lovable Christian lady may you find happiness and rest inheaven. I love you so so much playing bingo with you. Your friend Mark Jones"
"I?m so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort help you during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 & Psalms 83:18). Jesus prayed for God?s Kingdom to come because He knew it would intervene to solve all mankind?s problems even sickness and death. (Revelation 31:4,5 & Daniel 2:44). "
"I had the privilege of being grace\'s caregiver and she will have a long lasting memory on my heart ? "