Grace Elaine Ahlschwede

Grace Elaine Marr Ahlschwede, 85, of Wall, Texas, died peacefully on May 3, 2026.

She was born March 31, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Von Jay Marr and Pearl Scott Marr and grew up in the small town of Crete, NE.

Grace graduated as Salutatorian from Crete High School in 1959. She was the yearbook editor along with participating in band, choral and drama programs. She met her high school sweetheart, George Ahlschwede when they were the last chairs in the band. The two were married on April 22, 1962, and celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary just last year.

Grace began her undergraduate studies at Nebraska Wesleyan, completing her studies at the University of Nebraska in 1962 in just three years with a Bachelor of Social Studies & Geography and a Minor in English.

She began her 25-year teaching career in Manhattan, KS while George pursued his master’s and PhD. It would not be the last time she supported a family member in pursuing further education. While in Kansas she took a hiatus from teaching to raise her family, moving to Texas in 1974 for George’s work. Grace worked for the San Angelo Standard Times before she returned to teaching, sharing her love of reading and writing as an English teacher at Lee Jr. High and later Central High School.

Grace was the strength behind her family, instilling the values of hard work, kindness and respect for others. She always made sure they had what they needed to pursue their goals. She supported her husband’s livestock pursuits and her kids’ school, 4-H, and sporting endeavors. She put all 3 of her children through graduate schools and considered their JD, DVM and MBA as her accomplishment as well. Grace was a life-long learner, whether reading or watching news programs, traveling or taking interest in those around her. If you had a story to tell, she listened.

Grace is survived by son Scott Ahlschwede (Patricia) of Saratoga Springs, NY, and daughter Anne Barnes (Nelson) of San Antonio, TX; daughter in-law Tonya Ahlschwede, grandchildren Jay Ahlschwede and Sophie Ahlschwede of Mason, TX; and Elena Ahlschwede and Axel Ahlschwede of Saratoga Springs NY. She was preceded in death by husband George Allen Ahlschwede; son, Allen Jay Ahlschwede, parents, Von and Pearl Marr, brother David Marr.

A graveside service will be at 11 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Wall Protestant Cemetery, Wall, TX. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wall Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 280, Wall, TX 76957.