Linda Marie Gray Grauke

Linda Marie Gray Grauke, 73, of Harwood, passed away Monday, July 17. Linda was born August 22, 1943 in Gonzales to Earl Gray and Eva Low Gray. She graduated from Gonzales High School with the Class of 1961. Linda graduated from Howard Payne University in Brownwood with the Class of 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. She married Melvin O. Grauke on December 19, 1964 in Gonzales. Linda was a member of Memorial Heights Baptist Church, the Thompsonville Ladies Club and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Linda began her teaching career at East Avenue Elementary before taking her talents to the Gonzales Jr. High School where she taught Remedial English, Communication Skills, and Music and Arts. Linda also worked as the Choir Director for the Gonzales High School. She retired after 37 years of teaching in the Gonzales Independent School District. Linda has been loved and remembered by many of her former students through the years who appreciated her love and dedication to teaching. Along with teaching, Linda also played the piano and organ at Eastside Baptist Church, the First Baptist Church and Memorial Heights Baptist. Linda had also been part of the Ladies Sextet at the First Baptist Church.

Linda enjoyed cooking; she had a full breakfast prepared for her children every day before school and a delicious supper every evening. She made delightful homemade biscuits and gravy and outstanding homemade ice cream. In her quiet time she found comfort in playing her piano at home, cross-stitching, working on her family’s genealogy, and collecting antiques. However, her greatest love was supporting her children in everything in which they were involved. She always gently pressed her children to do their best in all they did, whether it was scholastics, athletics or cheerleading. She shared her faith with her family and helped them develop a close relationship with the Lord. Linda loved family reunions and working to keep the extended family together. She adored her grandsons and they will always cherish the memory of their Nonna.

Linda Marie Grauke is survived by her loving family, husband, Melvin O. Grauke of Harwood, daughter and son-in-law, Rynda Gaile and Chris Wardlaw of Dripping Springs, Donald Wayne Sr. and Karen Grauke of Harwood, grandsons, Donald Wayne Grauke Jr., Matthew Grauke, and Tanner Wardlaw, and her great-granddaughter Weslyn Grauke. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Rev. Clint Lowery officiating. Interment will follow in Woodmen of the World Cemetery. Pallbearers: Donnie Grauke Jr., Matthew Grauke, Tanner Wardlaw, Mike Dolezal, Steven Dolezal, and Scott Dolezal. Honorary pallbearers: Harold Grauke, Herman Grauke, Preston DuBose, Billy Bob Low and Junus Low. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be made to Memorial Heights Baptist Church. Friends may sign the guest book by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.