Mary Virginia Kristensen

Virginia Ward Kristensen, 94, died on March 26, 2013. Virginia was born in Palestine, TX, on

Nov. 8, 1918. She graduated from Elkhart High School and received a BS degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. Virginia enjoyed teaching school for 32 years (28 yrs. in Houston ISD,

2 yrs. in Eagle Lake TX, and 2 yrs. in St. Louis MO).

Virginia also taught Sunday school while her children were young. She loved the church and church work, and always enjoyed caring for those in need. Virginia was happiest when she was serving others.

She helped organize the Stephen Ministry program at Hilltop Lakes Chapel (where her husband

Dr. Bob R. Kristensen was pastor for 18 years) and also served as Stephen Leader for 15 years. Bob and Virginia had a beautiful and caring ministry there– helping so many people in good times and bad times. Virginia was also an active member of WSCS, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and the Women’s Golf Association at Hilltop Lakes. In 2007, she and Bob moved to Cinco Ranch in Katy TX to be near their five children. They have been members of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church there for the past 5 years.

Virginia was preceded in death by her first husband, Raoul Maurice Estlinbaum of Eagle Lake TX;

her parents, Iris & Henry Ward of Elkhart TX; her brother, Robert L. Ward of Jacksonville TX; and her grandson, Seth Tyler Havers of Houston TX.

She is survived by her second husband of 47 years, Bob R. Kristensen of Cinco Ranch in Katy TX, and five children: Maurice Estlinbaum (wife, Cathy) of Friendswood TX; John W. Estlinbaum (wife, Dale) of Boerne TX; Mary Kettle (husband, Tim) of Houston TX; Suzanne Miller (husband, Jim) of Houston, TX; and Cynthia Hepler (husband, Mike) of Cinco Ranch in Katy TX. She is also survived by a sister, Louise Cobb (husband, Bill) of Wimberley TX, as well as eight grandchildren: Raoul Estlinbaum (wife, Kim) of Corpus Christi TX; Ray Estlinbaum (wife, Tina) of Pearland TX; Ginger Schneider of Lago Vista TX; John Ward Estlinbaum of Friendswood TX; Jason Estlinbaum (wife, Charlene) of Friendswood TX; Crystal Waugh (husband, Ryan) of Napa CA; Tracy Kettle of Houston TX; and Matthew Havers (wife, Ghazala) of Houston TX. Virginia was also blessed with seven great grandchildren: Lauren & Ryan Estlinbaum of Friendswood TX; John Patrick & James Schneider of Lago Vista TX; Thayde & Kamden Estlinbaum of Friendswood TX; and Jordan Douglas & Carter Ryan Waugh of Napa CA. Her big family was always the love of her life.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, April 6, at Hilltop Lakes Chapel, #2 Hilltop Drive, Hilltop Lakes, TX 77871. Dr. Tony Taylor will conduct the service, with Rev. Kim Meyers assisting.

A private family interment will be held at Hopewell Cemetery near Hilltop Lakes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hilltop Lakes Chapel Foundation, PO Box 1143, Hilltop Lakes, TX 77871.