What are 3 words you would use to describe Aunt Theda?

Stronger than she appears, extremely loving/empathetic, surprisingly funny!

What are some of your favorite memories or stories involving Aunt Theda?

Some of my favorite Aunt Theda memories are when I would lie in bed at Mimi's house in the pink (front) bedroom and listen to Mimi and Aunt Theda talk for HOURS.  It was always fascinating to me that they would talk almost every night and were the best of friends.  They could talk about the most mundane and trivial details of each other's days (aka what they had for lunch or what errands they ran), or they could have serious talks.  I thought it was so special that they had such a close bond and were married to brothers.  I always hoped that I would experience the same closeness with my future sisters-in-law, and to my delight, I do! 

More fond memories stem from all of the lovely and fun dinners/meals we have shared with Aunt Theda and Aunt Linda over the years.  We enjoyed many a Caesar salad and tomato basil soup at La Madeleine on Northwest Highway (and Balls next door), chips/salsa and enchiladas at Cantina Laredo, and delicious comfort food at Celebration.  We can't forget about the desserts at Kathleen's!  Dave and I always looked forward to these special meals with Aunt Theda/Linda because it was the perfect time to catch up and laugh.

Perhaps one of my fondest memories of Aunt Theda was when she and Aunt Linda came with me and my mom to find my wedding dress at Lulu's Bridal Boutique in Dallas in the spring of 2010.  This was an extremely personal and special memory that I know my mom and I will cherish forever.  It was helpful to me to have Aunt Theda's sharp fashion sense and we all had such a wonderful time.  To make it better, we went to one of my FAVORITE restaurants for a Mexican food dinner, Gloria's.  It was the perfect day!

Another special time was when we all went to New Mexico together for a family vacation.  Stephan, my mom,  Mimi, and I were SO excited to spend so much time with Aunt Theda and Linda.  We thought it was so cool that we could hang out in a “cabin” in Angel Fire and enjoy nature and each other's company.  Of course, the trip had a few hiccups (aka when Mimi and Aunt Theda had to go to the hospital because they needed oxygen), but we made the best of it and got to spend a little extra time in Santa Fe and Taos.  I will never forget staying in the HUGE suite in Santa Fe and having a lovely breakfast outside, and seeing the looming rainclouds.  It was so special!  When I think of New Mexico, I will always think of the Blue Corn Café, skiing, bear sightings, lovely hikes around the lake, and peace.

A great memory for me was when Aunt Theda, Stephan, mom, and Aunt Linda came to visit me at Vanderbilt for Spring Break in 2005.  We drove to the Smoky Mountains and had an absolute BLAST!  The leaves were beginning to change and we just marveled at the gorgeous views of mountain ranges, trees, leaves, and winding creeks. 

One of our more recent trips was just after Dave and I were married and we all loaded up in mom's minivan and drove to the Jones reunion in West TX.  I think somewhere deep down, we all knew this would be Aunt Theda's last “big” trip and we all wanted to make sure to enjoy it.  We loved visiting with Mimi's relatives, all of whom know and love Aunt Theda.  In honor of Mimi, we ate at the Thunderbolt, her favorite diner and had desserts, like we always did during stops to and from the reunion.  It was such a fun time and I was so thankful to be able to share that with Aunt Theda.

I will always be incredibly grateful to Aunt Theda, mom, Mimi, and Aunt Linda for hosting my Graduation Tea in the spring of 2003 when I graduated from Urusline.  My friends still talk about how dainty and girly the tea was.  It was so perfect and totally me with all of the pink details!  I can still taste Mimi's candied walnuts and all of the girly, delicious delights.  I can't wait to host a tea like that someday for my daughter or niece!

Dave and I are so appreciative that Aunt Theda and Aunt Linda (and mom/Stephan) hosted our Engagement Party in January of 2010.  It was such a memorable gathering of our friends and family and enabled us to celebrate being recently engaged with all of our loved ones.  The party was put together SO quickly and must have been so much work!  People gave the best speeches and it was so special for Dave and I to share in the excitement of our upcoming wedding with the people we love the most.

Of course, it goes without saying that we love spending every single holiday with Aunt Theda.  I have so many fond memories of the “Kelch Christmas” at Aunt Linda or Theda's house and getting to sample all of the nostalgic and special recipes from the Kelch Family (aka lemon raisin “runny” sauce).  It really gives us a chance to enjoy a peaceful holiday gathering with one another.  Aunt Theda always has her house decorated SO BEAUTIFULLY!  From all of the white/blue accents to the gorgeous, sparkling tree, everything is impeccably decorated and so gorgeous to look at.  I will also fondly as a child looking at all of Aunt Theda's Santas that she collects.  

I have many lovely memories as a child going to art museums with Aunt Theda and Mimi and also admiring Aunt Theda's artistic ability.  She and Mimi were both such talented illustrators (as is Aunt Linda) and it was neat to see their passion over the years.

Another great memory for me was talking with Aunt Theda about all of her extensive travels around the world.  She has been to SO many cool places and has so many great stories to tell.  She and Mimi had lots of great adventures and I look forward to sharing them with my kids!  I wish that I had made more time to hear about Africa with Aunt Theda and had made a point to go over and enjoy the slideshow of pictures that she and Aunt Linda took.  I know Aunt Linda and I will make this happen very soon!
 
What are some ways that Aunt Theda has inspired you or supported/helped you?
Aunt Theda is such a kind, loving spirit who has always shown me unconditional love.  She never showed me any judgment and always listened to me talk on and on about myself and offered gentle reassurance.  She has never said anything bad about anyone and always makes you feel like you are so special to her and are the most important thing in the room.  She has inspired me to be nicer and more patient with anyone in my life and to listen more than I talk.  She also has taught me that even though she might appear quiet and shy, she is actually very talkative and super funny.  I always look forward to time with her because you never know when she will say something that has you roaring in laughter!
 
What are some words to make Aunt Theda smile or let her know she's loved?

I would like Aunt Theda to know that she is extremely special to me, and to everyone in our family.  I consider her one of the most important women in my life and she is one of my role models.   

Kristina Leila Nelson
7/31/2013

Theda and I have been best friends for 80 years. I wandered from my home when I was 2 years old and my mother began searching for me up and down the block. As my mother passed a house, a man on the porch asked my mother if she was looking for her little girl.  Mom said yes, and Theda's father said that your little girl is playing with my little girl. Theda was 4 years old and I was 2.  A beautiful friendship was born that day. We became inseparable and were more like sisters than friends.  My daughter called Theda Mom 2 and my precious Linda Marie calls me Aunt Nity. With her passing, I am the only living testament to our childhood, teenage and adult memories together. I am inconsolable, my heart is broken in two.  She was truly the kindest, gentlest, soul in this universe. Theda's graciousness, generosity and love for all will be missed. My daughter said the world will be a little less kind and a lot colder now that Theda is gone. Truer words were never spoken, and a true, loving friend like Theda will never be found again. I love you Theda and will miss you everyday for the rest of my life.

1)  When I think of Aunt Theda I think of an exotic looking lady who is very caring and exudes a quiet strength.

2)  My first real memory of Aunt "Teddy" is when we visited and I think you were around 6- years-old, Linda.  Your mom made scrambled eggs for us for breakfast and you ate yours with ketchup.  This was the first time I had heard of ketchup on eggs.  Since then I've heard of ketchup, Tabasco sauce, and salsa to name a few things.

I also remember after we returned from Hawaii, we stayed at your lovely home.  While we were in the Dallas area, my mother and your mother took me to Neiman-Marcus to buy my first sized bra.  (I had been in stretchy things up until then.)  I don't know who was the most surprised when I was fitted in a 32C at almost 14 years of age.  

As I've looked through photos of my parents, I've noticed that a number of Thanksgivings were spent with your mom and dad, Aunt Maxyne and Uncle David.  Mother and Dad enjoyed their time with the Kelch relatives so much.  

I will always be thankful that you and your mom came to Madison to see Mom and Dad before Dad died.  We went to Red Lobster and shared a lunch as I remember.  I was also so appreciative that you, your mom and Leila came to Chicago for Jennifer and Eric's wedding in 2005. Can you believe that was 7 years ago and that they have 3 children?  The oldest, Jack, is entering first grade this week.  Audrey will go to 4-year-old preschool, and Greta is starting preschool 2 mornings a week.  Paul and Martha also have 3 little ones, Rachel just turned 4 last Friday, Elizabeth will be 3 next month, and Adam is crawling all over and pulling himself up at almost 8 months.

3)  As for inspiring me, I guess I admire that your mother took care of her mother in her home and that you are doing the same.  What wonderful caregivers you all are.  

4)  As far as words I'd like to share is that I certainly wish we had lived closer to you all.  I feel like I didn't really get to know many of my cousins, aunts and uncles as much as I would have liked due to the distances between our homes.  I do know you are in a special place in my heart, though.

Jeanette Handrich
8/20/2013

This is such a sweet thing to do for Miss Teddy.  We should say these things so loved ones know how much they are loved.  

When I think of Teddy I think of how sweet, kind and gentle she is, but also funny.  She and her home have been both warm and inviting to someone who knew no one in Dallas before moving here. That goes for you, too, Linda. Like so many moments in life some of the most wonderful ones happen when you least expect it. I know God placed me where I would find you both....two of the sweetest ladies I've been blessed to know. I'm so thankful.  Miss Teddy always was ready to fix me a glass of tea and let Henri destroy paper on her clean floor!  You both have made me feel so loved and I love you both very much.  I can only hope to be so gentle and kind, but it's something to work toward. A tiny little woman who I have t known but a few years has a huge place in my heart forever.  I read my Veranda magazines at night and think of Teddy. I'll never give them away. :)

Beth Hill
8/18/2013

There are 3 words that come to mind when I think of Theda:

kind, gentle, sweet, classy, refined, giving, caring, soft spoken
( I knew once I got started that it would be more than 3 words.)

I enjoyed the time that we came to her home to spend Thanksgiving with everyone. She is a gracious hostess. We were newly married and it meant a lot to me. I've missed getting to see ya'll at the holiday time.

The times that we ate together with Theda and Maxine were memories for me and an opportunity to make a memory with family.

Stephanie Kelch
8/20/2013

Aunt Theda is someone I respect and like. She never treated me like a kid. And in the Kelch family, that is really something. She is a good listener, a rare quality these days. I remember a time in the 1960s when we were visiting at your old house. I had something to say to her, but was hesitant. She was so patient with me for a good five minutes while I went on and on, telling her I needed to say something. Then I finally said, "I love you." She kissed me on the cheek and smiled. Even though we haven't seen each other recently, Aunt Theda is a part of my life I'll always cherish. A true classy lady. I'll always love her.

David Kelch
8/19/2013

You are the best of friends...and that is what we shall always remember about the two of you.  Quite honestly…that is the way it was with my Mom…but she died at 70 and I was 32....

Someone at the services said..." Weren't you lucky to have your Mom for so long...and I found great comfort in that... although now it does not seem like 32 years is very long at all...
.
But I will say that to you…anyway... although it is never time to let our loved ones go.
What got me through it...was my mom  no longer had pain and anguish on her face the next day... and that gave me such relief that she was in a better place...and no longer suffering...which I had been so frustrated about when I left the hospital...

We shall pray the Good Lord gives you the strength over these coming days and weeks...and keeps you stronger than ever.  We love you both...and our prayers and thoughts are with you...

If I had to say anything about Teddy right now…it would be that she is the sweetest, loveliest lady I have ever known...and always has a smile on her face...and a sheepish grin.. that she was about to say something quite bizarre and funny...under her breath...and it was ...funny!!
She has a devilish sense of humor... that is right on...and she is very giving and generous...

We shall remember that for sure...
Always has the nicest compliments for everyone...
We love you, Teddy, dear...and pray you are at peace in the Good Lords care...

Love, Margaret, Jim, Stephen and Wendi Whitehead
8/19/2013

When I think of you, Teddy, I think of you as a lovely, happy and upbeat person who radiates a positive feeling to those around you.  I have always liked your sense of humor with dry and subtle wit and a very cute smile.  I remember that you and Ralph lived in Southern Colorado in Trinidad or Walsenburg but my feeble mind is struggling with your family home.  Since you have family in Dallas area, I blame that on poor recall.  
 
I cannot write this without thinking of my parents who I was not able to spend time with as you were blessed to enjoy with Linda.  You two have resembled sisters and friends as much a mother and daughter.  You are blessed to have shared a special closeness together for so many years and you made that possible by remaining neighbors down the street.  

Love to you both.

Jim Whitehead
8/19/2013

Theda and I have been friends for many years, and I have always known her to be gracious, witty, and so comfortable to be with.  And lovable, I love her dearly!  I love her positive attitude, her soft Southern accent, the easy way she fits into any group.  I consider her to be a part of our family--she has celebrated with us and mourned with us throughout the years.  She is like a sister to me.  Oh, and for those who may not know, she does a really fantastic imitation of an Ann Miller dance!!
 
“Those Kelch Girls
Thed and Max
Left their tracks
All around the world
 
They viewed all they saw
With pleasure and awe
Those venturous Texas girls
 
Be it by land, by sea, by air
They traveled without a care                          
Dreaming always of their next adventure”
 
 Theda and Maxyne were on a trip abroad.  On arriving at their hotel, they stretched out across the bed, Max on her back looking up, Theda on her side looking toward the bathroom.  Theda said "I see we have a bidet", Max answered (looking at a picture on the wall) "I don't believe I'm familiar with his work".

Doris Gates
8/2/2013

1) What are 3 words you would use to describe Theda?  
Kind, sensitive, artistic
2) What are some of your favorite memories or stories involving Theda?   
I know that she was always infinitely patient with whatever antics Linda and I were up to. She was so tolerant of our wootzie obsession and never had a harsh or unkind word for us or anyone else.
3) What are some ways that Theda has inspired you or supported/helped you? -  
She has always shown a genuine interest in whatever was going on in my life. It was amazing to me that she was able to keep track of the places I've lived, the jobs I've had.  She seemed to hold these things in her memory better than my own parents or than even I could. I think that was because of her generosity of spirit and complete reluctance to ever judge or be critical of others.
4) What are some words to make Theda smile or let her know she's loved?  

That she has always been so important to me and will always be an inspiration.  I will always look to her when I am tempted to judge others too quickly and strive to be more like her. (I can only strive; I'll never have her generosity of spirit, but it's something to keep working towards. )

Beth Button
8/4/2013

In my fondest memories of the family, Aunt Theda is there. At the milestones, at weddings and graduations, at family gatherings—which are not official unless she is there—she is smiling her sweet genuine smile. 
I love her dearly.

Yasmin Serena Morrison
7/29/2013

The only memory that I have of Theda is of a lovely elegant lady.

She was quiet and reserved but always a lady. Our get-togethers were 
always better if Theda was there. I feel love and a deep respect for her and I will carry her in my heart forever.

Life has been better because she was here.

Ron Furtick
7/28/2013

The first time I met Theda, I thought she had a very unique laugh. A quiet laugh. On the surface she was proper as a grown woman, but her laugh was a different story. It was the laugh of a child ready to play and have fun. It was a Christmas gathering at Mimi's house. By then I had several Christmas parties under my belt. Most were boring and the gatherings were all about food. But not that one. Uncle Ted had a game. It was an electronic Hangman. We played the game, and that is how THAT Christmas party became memorable for me. Every time Theda laughed, I laughed. 

Over the years Theda was in most of the family gatherings. I loved seeing her, and hearing her unique laughter. I really don't know what she did for the rest of the year, but I always imagined that Theda had a wonderful and close relationship with Linda and they had a lot of fun together.

When I talked to Theda, she was there with all her attention. But after nearly 33 years, I know very little about Theda. I wish we had spent some time together outside the birthdays, thanksgivings , Christmas, weddings, etc…. I wonder if she ever got mad, or knew a dirty joke, or laughed out loud. What risks she took in life, what adventures she had, what was she like as a teenage girl, where did she and Ted meet, things like that. 

Over the years as Theda began having health problems, I saw her less and less. She tried to attend some of the family gatherings when she could. I felt the gathering was complete when she was there. Even when she wasn't feeling well, she was there, with all her attention, and her laughter. That made me happy. 

Theda has been through a lot. She has been a very strong woman through it all. I have cheered for her recoveries in the recent years, and I truly don't believe she could had recovered if it wasn't for her love of life, and her laughter.

I haven't seen Theda in a long time. But in my mind, she is still that fun woman with the unique laughter I met over 33 years ago. I love Theda and I pray for her every night.

Theda has been family, and I am grateful to have known her. 

Sima Furtick
7/28/2013

1) What are 3 words you would use to describe Aunt Theda?

Smart, Peaceful, Caring

2) What are some of your favorite memories or stories involving Aunt Theda?

Thanks Giving days 

3) What are some ways that Aunt Theda has inspired you or supported/helped you?

How you can go thru life without being angry – no matter what

4) What are some words to make Aunt Theda smile or or let her know she's loved?

She has been a great friend and family member to the Sobhanis

5) Anything else you wish to contribute (poetry, pictures, etc.)?

We all love her very much and are glad to have had the opportunity to know her.

Nasser Sobhani
7/30/2013

1) What are 3 words you would use to describe Aunt Theda?

Gentle, kind, compassionate

2) What are some of your favorite memories or stories involving Aunt Theda?

The way she always got excited about seeing family.

3) What are some ways that Aunt Theda has inspired you or supported/helped you?

Her positive outlook.

4) What are some words to make Aunt Theda smile or let her know she's loved? 

We miss you!

David Nelson
7/30/2013

1) What are 3 words you would use to describe Aunt Theda?

Loving, caring, and kind

2) What are some of your favorite memories or stories involving Aunt Theda?

One of my favorite memories with Aunt Theda is from her old house where she had her collection of Santas displayed.  That had been my favorite memory up to the point when I last saw her.  I had just finished a charity golf tournament and was able to stop by her house to see her and Aunt Linda as well as mom.  She didn't seem to be feeling well, but listened to our conversation and laughed at it periodically.  When it was time for me to go, I told her goodbye and that I loved her and she told me that “we are all really proud of you….not just for the golf tournament, but for everything.”  That really meant a lot to me and even though many people have told me that before, it is something that I will never forget.

3) What are some ways that Aunt Theda has inspired you or supported/helped you?

Aunt Theda is one of a very short list of people that always seemed to be able to bring a smile to people's faces.  In the 25 years that I have known her, I have never seen her mad or upset or even negative about anything.  She is an inspiration in the sense that she is the kind of person that I find myself trying to mimic when it comes to my outlook on life.

4) What are some words to make Aunt Theda smile or let her know she's loved?

Santas for one.  I also think that the memories that we all have with her and Mimi will keep her smiling and remind her how loved she really is.

Stephan Bobak Sobhani
7/28/2013

Words I would use to describe Mom:  Kind, gentle, delicate.  Fragile yet amazingly resilient.  Quietly loving, steadfastly supportive and surprisingly funny. Tender, sweet and generous.  Artistic, discerning, yet able to laugh at herself.  Eager to share her home with her loved ones, genuinely proud of each and every one's success.  Understanding, forgiving, constant.  No one could ever doubt her completely unconditional love for them. This is the mother who nurtured and supported me from childhood to adulthood and will always be recalled with the fondest of memories.

My favorite memories of Mom are mostly “you had to be there” moments when something silly would happen that would start us giggling and finally leave us laughing hysterically. We always laughed over one of us doing something “ignorant” and embarrassing ourselves, like the time she showed up to meet me at the airport with her wig on “whomperjawed,” went to the restroom and came back with it still on crooked, and I just thought she must have liked it that way. When I mentioned it later, she was horrified that she had walked around “looking like that” and we laughed and laughed.  There was the time when I was about nine and was trying to copy a ballerina dancing en pointe (on her toes) on a t.v. show late at night.  My toe buckled, I fell flat on my face making a loud “wham” noise.  Mother just kept on ironing and watching t.v. and said, “Well, Linda, you're going to wake your Daddy.”  My indignant cry of “Mother!” got her attention and she finally saw what I had done.  Again hysterical laughter ensued even though we still had to be quiet to keep from disturbing “grumpy bear” Dad.  It was times like this that were bonding moments for us.  Remembering these moments has always been a beloved pastime of ours. Even now, as she lies in her bed, she will suddenly laugh and say the “punchline” to one of our favorite moments
 
My other fond memories are of all the times she helped me think through circumstances with friends or loved ones and always encouraged me to be kind and understanding.  I will keep her example in front of me for the rest of my life.

And I will never forget her generosity.  I can't look at one room in my house without seeing something that she either gave to me or bought for me when we were out shopping together.  When I was in school, a time we always enjoyed was doing the back-to-school shopping.  When I was little, she would ALWAYS have me narrow down my choices to two dresses then make me choose which was my favorite one. Then she would go ahead and buy both of them for me!

Something most people don't know is that Mother used to have a beautiful singing voice and even sang with a band and on the radio when she was a teen.  She was always singing as she worked around the house and even to this day will break into a little tune out of the blue!  Maybe that's one reason Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty were my favorite Disney movies when I was little, they were both always singing, no matter what!

Linda Marie Kelch
8/6/2013

OBITUARY

Theda Marie Kelch

October 8, 1929 – September 10, 2013

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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