Sophie Mathilde Werchan

Sophie Mathilde Rode Werchan, 87, of Austin died on Thursday, November 12, 2020, from a respiratory condition that had affected her for many years. Although not a direct victim of COVID-19, she was nevertheless adversely affected by the disruption to her life that it caused. Sophie was born in 1933 to Enos H. and Clara Ellebracht Rode in the Cherry Spring community of Gillespie County, Texas. Sophie began public school at the Cherry Spring School and then completed her high school education in Fredericksburg. After high school, Sophie attended Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education. Later, Sophie also earned a Master of Education from The University of Texas at Austin. During her working career, Sophie taught in both the Temple and Austin public schools. In July 1959, Sophie met the love of her life, James Werchan an accountant originally from Manheim, Texas, at a rooftop social in Austin. They were married on November 24, 1961, at Christ Lutheran Church in Cherry Spring and made their home in Austin. They were blessed with one son, Alan. Alan and his wife Alice in turn blessed Sophie and James with triplet grandchildren---Adam, ...[more]

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h and Katherine. Known as "Oma" to the three grandchildren and to many others, more than a few of Sophie's activities in later years involved baseball games, dance performances, school functions, and anything else that the three grandchildren did. Along with James, Sophie was always active at the ranch they had in Cherry Spring and the farm they had in Manheim. Sophie began her lifelong walk of faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through her baptism on November 5, 1933, and confirmed that same faith on March 30, 1947, both at Christ Lutheran Church, Cherry Spring. She eventually joined Christ Lutheran Church, Austin, where she was an active member for over 50 years. While at Christ, she served in various capacities including making Braille Bibles, a religious education teacher and superintendent, a quilter and as an officer of the Eunice Guild women's group. Sophie is survived by her son Alan, daughter-in-law Alice, and grandchildren Adam, Seth and Katherine. She is also survived by her sister Ruth Usener of Fredericksburg, sister-in-law Dorothy Rode of Boerne, and brother-in-law Jimmy Hall of Austin, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Sophie was preceded in death by her husband James, her parents, and her brothers Clemens and Elias Rode. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Monday, November 16th, at the Harrell Funeral Home, South Austin location. A private service will be held Tuesday, November 17th at Christ Lutheran Church in Austin, with public interment following at 2 pm in the Giddings City Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to the James C. and Sophie Rode Werchan Scholarship Fund at Concordia University Texas, to Christ Lutheran Church of Austin, or to the charity of your choice.