Obituary of Texanna Joe Stubben-Papworth

February 28, 2021, Our Lord and Saviour brought Texanna Joe Stewart-Bruhn-Stubben-Papworth to her Heavenly home. Texanna loved to sing and is certainly singing in the angelic choir. Texanna’s eldest granddaughter shared of her passing: The larger-than-life God-fearing woman who traveled the world in all the wanderlust glory possible, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side. Texanna was born December 25, 1935, in Pennsylvania to Herbert and Sarah Stewart. At age 13 her step-father Elmer Bruhn adopted her and her younger sister. Texanna lived the majority of her youth in Denver Colorado, graduating from East High in 1953. She was always very active in the Lutheran Church. It was the end of 1953 during a Sunday Church service that she caught sight of a handsome young man in an Air Force uniform, not wanting anyone else to “get to him first” immediately after service she asked him to come to the next Walther League meeting. They were married on March 23, 1954. Texanna and Chuck were married 16 years when he was tragically killed in his homemade Smith Mini Bi-plane. During their time together they had 3 children. Chuck’s career was as a crop-duster, amateur stunt pilot, and flight instructor. For the first 10 years of their marriage, Texanna would follow him from job to job driving a station wagon that pulled a 27 foot Avion trailer with the skeleton of the airplane Chuck was building. Finally settling in Brawley CA where Texanna lived until 1985. Texanna loved to travel, she singly drove across the U.S. multiple times. In 1985 she toured Europe and as she said: “it whet my appetite to see more”. In 1987 she began her Diplomatic career with the State Department as a Foreign Service Secretary. During this time she also traveled and enjoyed many adventures. Texanna had a vehicle shipped to her assignments so she could go on her own to many destinations. During her 14 year career with the Foreign Service she was assigned to 4 American Embassies: Lagos, Nigeria – 2 years with the Economic Section. She was very active in the Lutheran Church. She water skied on a river afterward learning it was filled with crocodiles. When news of her passing was shared with her Nigerian friend his response was: When I broke the news yesterday to my people in Nigeria, the reaction was like, an Iroko tree (an enormously huge tree, as it’s expressed metaphorically) had fallen in Lake Havasu, Arizona. My people in Nigeria, who knew Texanna, reacted in a way that was so palpable, indeed, indescribable! Let me just say it was like an earthquake had hit the country as the people broke out crying. The legendary poet and literary Queen of literature — the late great Maya Angelou — put it best: “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The outpouring of tears yesterday in the wake of the sad news is a great testament to how great Texanna made people feel in Nigeria when she served the people and government of the United States. London England – Secretary to the American Attaché and Trade Officer. During this time she was instrumental in assisting the Attaché in the Free Kuwait Movement. She met General Norman Schwarzkopf, President Bush and Barbara Bush along with Jeb Bush. It is said that her carrot cake recipe has been served at the Queen's tea. She shared that her “souvenir” from London was Albert Papworth, after being widowed for 21 years she remarried. Geneva Switzerland – US Embassy – Bern. Her assignment was Conference Services for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations U.S. Mission. She was once the Secretary to Ambassador Geraldine Ferraro at a U.N. Conference. Buenos Aires Argentina – Assigned to the Political Section, during this time the Embassy was targeted by terrorists and security was heightened. President Bill Clinton was a visitor to the Embassy Throughout her Diplomatic career, she received numerous recognitions for her achievements. Texanna retired from the Foreign Service in December 2000 and moved to Lake Havasu City. Texanna was a member of Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she loved to sing in the Choir. She was a member of the Republican Women’s Club – a true patriot of the U.S.A. She believed in God and Country and was very happy to voice this to all. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and very proud of her heritage to belong – a past generation's grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence and the other fought with George Washington. She held several offices in the Lake Havasu Chapter including Regent. She was an Associate Member of the San Carlos, Mexico Chapter, John Edward Mexico Chapter, Washington Old Hall Chapter, and an organizing member of St. James Chapter United Kingdom. Even after retiring and the passing of her second husband in 2004, Texanna continue to travel – Russia, South Africa, Greece-Mediterranean Cruise, Spain, and Europe. Texanna is proceeded in death by her father, mother, stepfather, sister, first and second husband. Texanna will always be cherished and loved by her surviving family: Son - Charles (Chuck) Gerhard Stubben II – LeeAnn Stubben (FL) Daughters: Noma Lee (Stubben) Byerley – Griff Byerley (AZ) – Grandchildren Griffin Byerley II and Ashlee Joe Byerley Linda Joyce (Stubben) Johansen – Neal Johansen (TX) – Grandchildren Krystin Leah (Johansen) Weishiemer and Robert William Johansen Jacqueline (Papworth) Willis – Dell Wills (CA) – Grandchildren Scott Willis and Sara Willis Texanna loved her children, grandchildren, and all she met, she lived her life by John 15:13 “Love one another: as I have loved you” Until we met again in Heaven ~ Psalms 118:24 “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Service will be held: Tuesday March 23rd @ 11:00a Memorial Gallery prior to service 10:00 to 11:00 Due to COVID protocol we must keep the limit of attendance please notify us by text, email, phone or messenger if you will be coming. Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church 3163 Maricopa Ave Lake Havasu City Az Live Stream - this page will state "Page not Found " until the service is about to begin.. https://havasulutherans.org/texanna-papworth-funeral Final laying of rest will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Wentworth South Dakota this summer - TBD Donations may made in her name to: Hospice of Havasu - Lake Havasu City Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church - Lake Havasu City Trinity Lutheran Church - Brawley, CA Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.