Our beloved mother, Elaine Seidel, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ June 6, 2026.

To many people, Mom was a community leader, a public servant, a businesswoman, and a friend. To us, she was simply Mom.

Mom had a way of making everything better. If there was a problem, she would help find a solution. If someone was hurting, she would offer comfort. If you walked through her door, you were welcomed with a smile, a hug, and usually something good to eat.

Some of our most treasured memories were gathered around Mom's table. Saturday and Sunday lunches and dinners were more than family meals—they were traditions built on love. No one left hungry, and no one left without feeling cared for. The conversations, laughter, stories, and time spent together created memories that will remain in our hearts forever.

Mom never met a stranger. She had a contagious smile and a gift for making everyone feel important. Within minutes of meeting someone, she could make them feel like they had known her for years. Her hugs were genuine, her kindness was endless, and her heart was always open.

Throughout her life, Mom served others with dedication and grace. She worked as a Tax Assessor, served as a County Commissioner, was the Executive Director of the Smithville Chamber of Commerce, and later became a Real Estate Agent. She loved her community and believed in helping

people. Mom made countless contributions to both her family and the community she loved so dearly.

But if you asked Mom what her greatest accomplishment was, it would not have been a title or position. It was her family. Clayton and Anne, Clinton and Lyn, Clifton and Karen, Sharon and John, Sharlotte and Marshall, Jose “Tony”, Derrick and Lindsey (Simon, Dawson, Violet, Clayton), Douglas and Katherine (Colton, Dalton, Ashlynn, Avery, Lane), Ryan and Ashleigh (Madyson, Kaden, William), Caleb, Brianna, Ashley and Reese (Dorothy), Tyler and Georgia (William, Matilda, Edward), and Christian. Mom loved her children with her whole heart. She was proud of her grandchildren and found endless joy in her great-grandchildren. Nothing made her smile more than hearing about their accomplishments, sharing stories, attending family gatherings, sporting events and simply being surrounded by those she loved.

Her love extended far beyond blood relations. Over the years, she gathered many "adopted" children into her life. She welcomed them, encouraged them, prayed for them, fed them, and loved them as if they were her own.

Mom taught us lessons that cannot be found in books. She taught us to work hard, help others, keep our faith strong, and always make room for one more person at the table. She showed us that true success is measured not by what you have, but by how many lives you touch.

Today our hearts ache because we will miss her voice, her laughter, her wisdom, her cooking, her hugs, and the comfort of knowing she was always there. Yet we are comforted by our faith and by the knowledge that she is now in the loving arms of Jesus.

Mom, thank you for every sacrifice you made, every lesson you taught, every prayer you prayed, every meal you cooked, every hug you gave, and every life you touched. Thank you for showing us what unconditional love looks like.

Until we meet again, we will carry your love, your faith, and your example in our hearts every day.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

We would like to extend a thank you for the wonderful care from Aspen Hospice & Pallative Care especially our care team of Rayna, Jacob, Chely, Keshia, Hayli and Kim

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider donations to Bastrop Community Senior Center address 1209 Linden Bldg A, Bastrop TX 78602 or St Mary’s of the Assumption (Building Fund) attn: Sharlotte Seidel 1728 Riverchase Ave, Smithville TX 78957.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Friday, June 12, 2026. The Visitation will begin at 6:00pm and the Rosary will begin at 7:00pm.

The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30am on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in String Prairie with burial following at the St. Mary's Cemetery. A meal will be served following the burial at the Church Hall.