Dorothy Ann Conrad

Dorothy Ann (Thiele) Conrad went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Sunday, December 13, 2020, at Zion United Church at Womack. Burial will follow at Clifton Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Clifton Funeral Home. Facial coverings and social distancing will be required. A link to the recorded service will be available Sunday evening at www.cliftonfh.com.

Dorothy was born on June 17, 1936 on their family farm in the Cayote community of Bosque County to William and Emilie Thiele.  She was welcomed into this world by big sisters Helen and Nadine.  Dorothy was baptized in 1936 in St. Johns Evangelical and Reformed Church near Cayote by Reverend Herbert Baur and confirmed in Zion Church, Womack in 1950 by Reverend Anderson.  She attended school in Valley Mills, graduating in 1954.  She was involved in many activities, including literary events, FHA work, sports, and being a majorette.

Dorothy was married to David Alton Conrad of the Garnersville Community of Bosque County on July 10, 1954.  The wedding was held at the Womack Church and officiated by The Reverend Carl Schmidt.  David and Dorothy always told that it was so hot that day that the candles on the altar bent over from the heat.  Several attendees have verified this story.

After their marriage, David entered the United States Army, taking basic training at Fort Bliss in El Paso.  After basic training, David was sent to Germany as a radar technician.  He was discharged in 1956 and he and Dorothy built their home on the family farm in the Garnersville community.  The Conrads farmed and ranched the early years of their married life.  In 1962, David and Dorothy bought the Conrad homeplace from his parents, Lee and Clara Conrad.  Three children were welcomed into the new family during these years, Steven in 1957, Sherry in 1960, and Scott in 1965.

Dorothy had a full-time job taking care of 3 children, cooking and running the household, along with helping David with outside chores and farming.  When asked how she managed in those early years, she would say, “that’s just what we did”!  One can also understand that she raised a garden, did canning, and was an active member of Zion Church, making Cinnamon rolls and Zucchini bread for every event that occurred.

To add to an already full life, Dorothy and David purchased Clifton Feed & Service Center from David’s brother in 1968.  Dorothy became a full-time bookkeeper during the day and still took care of 3 kids along with the other farm duties already mentioned.  She often said she learned her accounting skills from helping her father, William Thiele keep farm records while still at home.  Dorothy had a multi-level skill set which came in very handy at the store.  Probably her biggest thrill each day was visiting with the customers, getting to know them and their families.  She loved everybody and would strike up a conversation in a heartbeat.  One always knew that Dorothy really cared!

Dorothy enjoyed serving others by volunteering at Hermann Sons Lodge activities and at VFW Auxiliary hamburger nights.  She also served as Sunday School teacher, Women’s Guild member, and held various offices on the Church Council.

She loved to have her whole family at her home for gatherings.  Christmas time was always special, and she was the consummate host.  Through the years she made stockings for new family members as they came on board.  As the family grew, she had to move part of the stockings to another room…..adults in one room, kids in another.  Kendall, one of the grandchildren described Granny this way, “I was in awe watching her host, watching her put out food, watching her make sure everyone got a plate before she did.  She was a fireball, small, quiet but could crack a whip”.

Dorothy and David traveled in their “retirement” years with friends and relatives.  She always worked the greeter's table at the sausage supper and knew everyone that came through the door.  She made quilts for the grandkids and always had fresh cookies when guests came for a visit.  Her wit and sense of humor were her trademark, even as she struggled with health issues toward the end of her life. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion United Church, 1411 FM 219, Clifton, Texas 76634; Lutheran Sunset Ministries. P.O. Box 71, Clifton, TX 76634; or the charity of choice.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters.  She is survived by her husband, David of 66 years of marriage.  Also, her son Steven Conrad and wife Charlene of Clifton; her daughter Sherry Schulze and husband Larry of Clifton; and her son Scott Conrad and wife Vere of Clifton; grandchildren, Holly Hill and husband Craig of Franklin;  Haley Goodrich and husband Zach of Pittsburgh, PA;  Kendall Conrad and friend Taylor Bassett of Houston;  Kyle Schulze and wife Kacy of McGregor;  Katie Young and husband B.J. of Waco;  Julie Hinote and husband Mike of Clifton;  Tim Miller and wife Ashley of Clifton;  Jami Tunnell and husband Clint of Blanket;  fourteen great-grandchildren, Holland and Hayden Helton, Sam, Clay and Sadie Schulze, Brady, Lucy and Miles Young, Ella, Luke and Tessa Hinote, Joe and June Miller, and Bec Tunnell.  Dorothy is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and innumerable close family and friends who loved her dearly.

Pallbearers include Kyle Schulze, B.J. Young, Tim Miller, Craig Hill, Doyle Anz, and Harry Willmann.

Honorary Pallbearers are all past and present team members at Clifton Feed and Service Center, Inc.

Condolences may be made at www.cliftonfh.com