Louise Richards Volz

Louise Richards Volz was born February 18, 1924 in Schulter, Oklahoma, the only child of the late Virgil Berry Richards and Janie Lancial Richards.  She grew up in a rural setting and attended school in both Schulter and Okmulgee.  In 1938 her family moved to Corpus Christi, TX when her father began work at the Pontiac Refining Company.  She attended high school in Corpus Christi until she went to Detroit, MI when her dad was sent there to help open new stills at a refinery.  She graduated from high school in Detroit and then returned to Corpus Christi.  Louise attended and graduated from business college where she met Heinz Henry Volz, her future husband.  Henry enlisted in the Army and then Louise and Henry were married on February 18, 1943. During Henry’s Army service they lived in Philadelphia, PA; Fort Benning, GA; Camp Perry, VA and Williamsburg, VA.

After Henry retired from the Army in 1958, they lived for a year in Sweeny, TX and then moved to Wharton in 1959 when Henry began a teaching career at Wharton County Junior College (WCJC).  Louise attended and graduated from WCJC and then obtained a BA degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston.  She then began teaching in the Wharton public schools and taught 4^th and 6^th grades at Sivells Elementary School and Canton Street School until her retirement in 1985.

Henry was a world traveler and Louise accompanied him on many of his trips including those to the Soviet Union, China, South America, Australia, Asia and Europe.  Louise began oil painting as a hobby and won numerous ribbons at the County Fair and other art exhibitions.  She was a founding member of Wharton Art League and participated in painting art murals in Wharton and teaching children about art and painting.  Louise was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society and she enjoyed playing bridge with a group of her friends for many years.

Over the 65 years she lived in Wharton, Louise touched many lives including those of her family, her neighbors, friends and many of the students and the teachers in the Wharton public schools.  In 1979, her parents moved to Wharton to be closer to her during their senior years. They lived across the street from Louise and she cared for her mother and father daily until their passing.  As Henry experienced a lengthy illness she cared for him until his passing.

Survivors include sons John Volz and wife Candace of Austin, TX and Robert Volz and his wife Polly of Gretna, NE.  Her grandchildren are Warren Volz and partner Susan Martin, Steven Volz and wife Becca, Megan Volz, Emery Volz and Evelyn Volz.  Her great grandchildren are Eli, Violet, Judah, Abel, Daniel and Austin Volz.

Funeral services are to be held at Wharton Funeral Home at 2 PM on June 15th with Pastor Tony Wishert presiding.  A reception at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall will follow the service.  She will be interred in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton.  Pallbearers will be John, Robert, Warren, Steven, Emery and Eli Volz.  

The Volz family’s appreciation is extended to her neighbors and friends in Wharton and to Penny and Mike McDaniel who have loved and cared for Louise for many years and to the staff members of Beloved Care, Home Instead and Traditions Health who have provided loving care and friendship to Louise during her last months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Henry and Louise Volz Memorial Scholarship at Wharton County Junior College.  Gifts should be made payable to the Wharton County Junior College Foundation, 911 Boling Highway, L-108-C, Wharton, TX 77488 with “Henry and Louise Volz Memorial Scholarship” noted on the check.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.