Cuero-Lenora Baechtel, 96, of Port Aransas, Texas passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009. She was born on April 20, 1912 in Cleburne, Texas to the late James Isaac and Zena Vivian Fisher Eaton. Lenora Baechtel was preceded in death by her husband William Michael Baechtel. The Baechtels moved from Cleburne to San Antonio during the early 40s where she attended nursing school and worked as a nursing volunteer during WW II. She was President of the Mistletoe Garden Club in San Antonio in the late 50s. The organization was involved on a local, state, and national level to create harmony, beauty, and friendship. After moving to Port Aransas, Texas in the late 60s, she became involved in the Ladies Fire Auxiliary and began a long tenure as President. The Ladies Fire Auxiliary was a support organization of the Port Aransas Volunteer Fire Department. At that time, the Ladies Fire Auxiliary raised funds through weekly Bingo and an annual Port Aransas Outboard Tournament to aid the Port Aransas Fire Department in projects related to fire prevention, fire fighting, and the Children's Christmas Party.

Although Lenora and William Baechtel had no children they delighted in lavishing attention on their nieces and nephews. Lenora Baechtel was a great role model by spending time with family. She exemplified and always encouraged her nieces and nephews to use their talents, to do their best, and to attain the highest education possible. She strongly believed and taught her family to have Loyalty, Trust, and a Love of God, Country, Family, Friends, and Self.

She is survived by her niece, Zena Trcka of Weesatche; nephew, James Kelly of San Antonio, great-niece, Elizabeth Trcka Harris; great-nephews, John William Trcka and Thomas James Trcka; great-niece, Casey Kelly Barton; great-nephews, David Kelly and William Kelly; great-nephew, James Ronald Street; great-niece, Rhonda Street Mason; and numerous other great-great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, William Michael Baechtel; sisters, Opal Kelly and Inez Street; nephew, Jimmy Hugh Street, and great-nephew Michael J. Trcka.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 9:00 a.m., at Freund Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Cleburne, Texas.

Pallbearers will be R.D. Harris, John William Trcka, Thomas James Trcka, Jonathon Trcka, Ryon Trcka, Mike Trcka, David Kelly, and William Kelly.

Memorials can be made to an organization of the donor's choice.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.