Thelma Vaudene “Dene” (Pitts) Pape

Thelma Vaudene “Dene” (Pitts) Pape, 97, of La Grange, died Sunday, April 29, 2018. Dene was born in Malakoff on Sept. 6, 1920, the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Wood) Pitts. She married Oliver Pape on May 3, 1941 in Baytown. In 1947, they moved to Fayette County to begin a life of work, family and service. Dene was a hard worker and a “people person”. She was employed as a ladies’ ready-to-wear sales clerk for over 40 years working at the Fashion Shop, Marian’s Apparel and That’s My Style retail store. She also worked for Schmidt Jewelry store. Her many hobbies included cooking and sewing. She and Oliver enjoyed playing 42 and both were members of the La Grange Dance Club. Dene served her community as a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on their building committee, Rutersville Home Demonstration Club and a charter member of the Fayette Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. In 2007, the Fayette County Fair Association honored Dene with the “Volunteer of the Year” award and most recently, she became known as the “Jewelry Lady” at the Second Chance Emporium. She is survived by daughter, Sondra Cooper (Dennis); son, Glen Pape (Kim), all of La Grange; sister, Ruby Smith of Llano; five grandchildren: David Cooper (Wendy); Jason Pape (Chiara); Spencer Pape (Kim); Kaywin Kubesch (Chris); and Collin Pape (Nicole); eight great grandchildren: Caden, Jaxon, Hannah, Eli, Madison, Oliver, Liv and Katherine; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oliver; five brothers and one sister. Visitation was held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Funeral services followed beginning at 2 p.m. with burial at La Grange City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the La Grange Fire Department, First United Methodist Church or to a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.