Our mother, Jane Edwards Thering, died at the age of 89 on February 5, 2023, after a long and beautiful life. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her. Mom also had many life long friends and in her final years was a well-loved member of her community in Lakeway, TX. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, H. Robert Thering; her siblings Virginia Sorenson and Jim Sorenson along with her parents Harold and Helen Sorenson. She is survived by her children Mary (Dan) Scheppers, Micheal (Dorothy) Thering, Melissa (James) Hastings, and Mark (Linda) Thering, as well as nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Mom was born in La Crosse, WI and grew up in Soldiers Grove, WI. She graduated from high school in 1952 and went on to study at Clarke College in Iowa. There she met the love of her life and future husband, H. Robert Thering. After graduating in 1956, Mom married and moved to Milwaukee to teach while her husband attended medical school. Mom later became an army wife and lived in a number of places throughout the United States.
Mom always took care of others; from her early days as a teacher, to being a young mother with four children under the age of 5, Mom had a big heart. Mom could also be described as feisty… and that feistiness served her well. Her feistiness followed her while she took on a 4 week adventure, traveling in a small truck camper with her husband and children to Alaska. Later, Mom’s strong can do attitude helped with the success of her many volunteer roles: president of the Officer's Wives Club while at Ft Wainwright, AK; volunteer for the Meal’s on Wheels organization in El Paso; president and fund raising/chair person for the El Paso Medical Alliance; and a volunteer and treasurer for the Discovery Shop in El Paso. In her final years she was also a welcome ambassador for her community in Lakeway, TX.
Mom was devoted to her family and friends. She loved having her family celebrate the holidays with her. At Christmas, she would buy matching dresses and PJ's for her granddaughters, herself, and even her own mother. Thanksgiving was always celebrated with her famous Ritz cracker pecan pie, frog jello, and the occasional turkey baked upside down. Almost as equally important to Mom was watching her beloved Green Bay Packers with family and friends. On game day, Mom always wore Packers' attire and accessories--even shoes to match. Mom's bright blue eyes and smile lit up most of all when she shared her greatest love - her grandchildren and later great grandchildren. She always had her iPad or iPhone at the ready to show off a new photo.
Mom knew how to have fun! Card playing and games were always a part of any gathering from ‘I Want It’ and ‘Crazy Eights’ to Scrabble and Words with Friends. Mom had at least 15 Words with Friends games going on her iPad at the end of her life. And we can't forget the hours playing bingo and completing puzzles. Mom even discovered puzzles on her iPad, which brought her a lot of fun.
Finally, whenever one of her family would travel, near or far, Mom always sent then off with the phrase, "May your angels go with you.” We know Mom is one of those angels watching over us now.
Services will be held March 3, 2023, at Martin Funeral Home,128 North Resler Dr. Visitation 10:30am - 11:00am Ceremony 11:00am - 12:00pm Ft. Bliss Burial 1:30pm All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mom’s name to the Child Criss Center of El Paso 2100 N. Stevens El Paso, Texas 79930.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Thering family.
FAMILY
Mary Scheppers (Dan)Daughter
Micheal Thering (Dorothy)Son
Melissa Hastings (James)Daughter
Mark Thering (Linda)Son
She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
DONATIONS
Child Criss Center of El Paso, in Mom's name 2100 N. Stevens, El Paso, Texas 79930
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