Twyla Faye Carlson Tolar
Twyla Faye Carlson Tolar, 78, died Aug. 9, 2011. She was born in Valpariso, Neb., to Oscar and Edna Carlson. Her family moved to Lincoln, Neb., where she attended public schools and the University of Nebraska, where she was a proud Kappa Delta.
She met her husband Lt. Roland J. Tolar on a blind date, which subsequently led to 53 years of marriage. She loved the role of career Air Force wife and was a leader in the Air Force Wives Club, American Red Cross and many social clubs. It takes a special woman to be a military wife, basically raising the family alone and enduring many separations and relocations. She formed many special, lifelong relationships with military families and was the consummate military wife.
Upon her husband’s retirement, the family relocated to Texas, initially to Houston, then Austin and finally Horseshoe Bay, which the couple referred to as heaven on Earth.
After raising three fine children, she went to work at the Austin American-Statesman in the classified advertising section. After a brief time, she began her 17-year career at the University of Texas at Austin in the Office of Accounting, eventually assuming a senior position in the Student Loan Section.
In 1991, she retired from UT-Austin and permanently moved to Horseshoe Bay. Because of her outgoing personality and willingness to be a loyal friend, she developed many beautiful friendships. The couple viewed retirement as a golden opportunity to travel to many countries, going on cruises and meeting many beautiful people. However, advancing age and illnesses resulted in their last cruise in April.
It was discovered she had terminal cancer and subsequently entered Seton Highland Lakes Hospice, which provided loving care and pain-free medical attention. Her final wish was to be at home in Horseshoe Bay, where she spent her last hours surrounded by her family.
In addition to her husband of Horseshoe Bay, survivors include son Mark Gregory, wife Amy and grandson Cory; and daughter Kim Kizer, husband David and granddaughter Shelby, all of Austin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son Scott Bradley; and many relatives.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Aug. 11 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373. Interment is 10 a.m. Aug. 12 at Lakeland Hills Cemetery, 4219 Park Road 4 in Burnet.
A service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Church at Horseshoe Bay, 600 Hi Ridge in Horseshoe Bay.
The family wishes to thank all of her wonderful friends, especially, but not limited to, the four “B’s”: bunco, bridge, bingo and the birthday group. Their gratitude also is extended to EMS personnel for their devoted service to the community.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seton Highland Lakes Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.