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Submitted: 6/28/24 • Approved: 7/27/24 • Last Updated: 7/30/24 • R597108-G597106-S3
Calvin Hilton
Aug 30, 1927 - July 3, 1993
Marian Louise
Feb 1, 1929 - Dec 2, 2020
*Obituary
Marian Louise Dannheim Leifeste of Mason, age 91, passed away peacefully from this life into the arms of Jesus on December 2, 2020.
Marian, or "Tootsie" as she was known by many, was born February 1, 1929, to Alvin, Sr. and Eddie Grace Boston Dannheim, in Mason, Texas. She attended school in Mason, graduating from Mason High School in 1946 as valedictorian of the class. On March 30, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Calvin Leifeste, and they began their married life on the family ranch in the Blue Mountain community in western Mason County. Their honeymoon cottage was primitive, with no running water or electricity, but they soon updated the house and were finally connected to electricity from Kimble County Electric. While living at Blue Mountain, they were blessed with a son, Dwight Neil, and a daughter, Joan Marie. After the death of Calvin's father in 1954, they moved to the ranch at Art, Texas. In 1961, they were blessed with another daughter, Lori Ann.
Marian was an accomplished homemaker. She always welcomed family and friends into her home and enjoyed cooking for them. Her talent for designing and sewing clothes was beyond compare. As a young girl, she started sewing clothes for her Shirley Temple doll, then began making her own clothes, and finally sewing for her family. In later years, she began quilting, and many family members are proud owners of one of her quilts. Marian was always there to support her children in their activities, whether it be stock shows, 4-H activities, sports, or music recitals. When grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, she took pride in attending many of their activities as well. They all knew "Nanny" was one of their biggest fans. Her nieces and nephews were always an important part of her life, and she enjoyed having them for visits. Marian was involved in her community in various clubs and organizations. She was a member of Riata Service Organization for many years and served on the Historical Commission and Historical Society. She helped with publishing the Mason County Historical Book. She was a 4-H leader for many years and was an active member of Art United Methodist Church. She and Calvin also enjoyed many special times spent with friends of the "Supper Club".
After the death of Calvin in 1993, Marian enjoyed traveling and spending time with her sister-in-law, Beth. She also enjoyed playing bridge and Canasta with her friends. Playing card games and board games with the grandkids and great grandkids was always special, and they learned quickly that Nanny was not going to just "let" them win.
Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Dwight; son-in-law, Ferd T. Slocum, Jr.; brother, Alvin Dannheim, Jr.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hilton and Marie Leifeste; brother-in-law, Maurice Leifeste, and sister-in-law, Beth Leifeste Alm. She is survived by her daughters, Joan Kettner and husband Fred, and Lori Slocum, brother Donald Dannheim and wife Carol, and sister-in-law, Doris Dannheim all of Mason. Also, grandchildren, Kelly Kettner and wife, Deborah; Jill Cochran and husband, Steve; Lena Walker and husband, Jeff; Ferd Taylor Slocum, III; Cassey Slocum, and Cristi Slocum. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Jacob, Riley and Kyle Kettner, Clara and Cale Cochran, Taylor and Evan Holbert, and Reese and Emry Walker, as well as several special nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Celeste Care of Fredericksburg and New Century Hospice of Kerrville for their compassion and care. The family suggests donations in memory of Marian to be made to Art United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
Pall bearers are Kelly Kettner, Jacob Kettner, Riley Kettner, Kyle Kettner, Steve Cochran, Jeff Walker, and Taylor Slocum.
Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, December 05 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Art United Methodist Church. This will be followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Art West Cemetery.
Face coverings are required, and social distancing is requested.
Photo courtesy of Annette Shaw
Contributed on 6/28/24 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 597108
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