Alma Whatley

Alma Wisian Frels Whatley passed away January 14, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 22, 1915 to Theodore and Margaret "Gretchen" Wisian in Lockhart, Texas. She attended school in Robstown and was raised on a farm south of there. On February 21, 1934 she married Palmo Frels. In 1940 they purchased a 114-acre farm four miles north of Banquete and were living there and farming the land when, in 1944, he died suddenly. Alma was now a young widow in her late 20's with three small sons to care for. This family tragedy and the war made her realize that a person can do almost anything they set out to do. With a little assistance from her 8-year old son, Alma set out to complete the job of farming 114 acres in cotton and grain her husband had planted a few weeks earlier. She had never sold a bale of cotton or a bundle of feed, but she learned. She paid off the mortgage on the farm and cared for 13 head of cows and several hundred chickens, as well as caring for her family. Her brothers were all in the military and were not able to give her much help. But with her determination and faith, they got through it. Several years later, in 1948, Alma married Carroll Whatley and her life returned to a little more normal. They had a daughter, continued to farm the land at Banquete and raised their children. After they retired, they sold the farm and moved to Corpus Christi. They were married for more than 50 years. Her family always came first, and she did all she could to meet their needs. She loved people, playing dominoes, helping with church activities, sewing and embroidery. Alma was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Gretchen Wisian; first husband, Palmo Frels; second husband, Carroll Whatley; three brothers, Werner, Walter and Melvin Wisian; and three sisters, Hertha Pfluger, Mildred Gerdes and Edna Sims. Those left behind to cherish her memory are her three sons, Clarence W. Frels and wife, Ruth, of Bishop, Texas; John W. Frels and wife, Becky, of Waco, Texas; Palmo Dale Frels of Lufkin, Texas; one daughter, Judy Kennemer and husband, Donal, of Longview, Texas; two sisters, Grace Fels of Corpus Christi and Ida Belle Cude and husband, Glenn, of Bishop, Texas; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M. with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at St. John Lutheran Church, 3316 E. County Road 48 in Robstown, Texas with Pastor Jeffrey Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in the Robstown Memorial Park. The family wants to extend appreciation to her loving caregivers at Cimarron Place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church; 3316 E. County Road 48; Robstown, Texas 78380.