Thora Ellen Hightower

Thora Ellen Stengler Hightower passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017 at her home in Coldspring.

Thora was born July 11, 1921 in Liberty to Vier Ira and Commeler Frugia Stengler. She graduated from Cleveland High School in 1938 where she was on the Pep squad and the undefeated Liberty County Girls’ Softball Champs of 1936. She married George E. “Pat” Hightower in 1941 and they moved to the Port Arthur – Groves area. In 1977 they moved to Coldspring. She was a good cook and seamstress, and loved playing 42, but her real joy was fishing. Thora was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cleveland.

Thora was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother: Jack Ira Stengler, her sister: Bobbie Lu Stengler Best, her daughter: Frances Ellen Hightower Jamar, and her in-laws: George L. and Nellie Hightower, Albert and Bea Hightower, Irene Hightower Farrell Sanborn, and Mary and Jeff Wheeler. She is survived by her son: Don Hightower and wife Tana of Bridge City and her grandchildren: Rick Jamar of Coldspring, Ginger Hightower Carlton and husband Karl of Katy, Jackie Jamar Tovar and husband Albert of San Antonio, and Steve Hightower and wife Erica of Cypress. Thora was blessed with seven great grandchildren: Lauren Carlton, Fox Campos, Jillian Carlton, Carter and Cade Hightower, and Ryu and Hero Tovar. Thora also loved her nieces and nephews: Debbie Hajowsky, Denise May, Sam Stengler and wife Beth, Susan Stengler, Sylvia Butler and husband Ronnie, Doug Wheeler and wife Liz, and Irby Hightower.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Pace Stancil Chapel Coldspring, Texas. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Pace Stancil Chapel Coldspring, Texas with Pastor Victor Frank officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Harbor Hospice or the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cleveland.