Cora Leifeste was born May 30, 1914, in Mason. Cora was the fourth of eight children born to Robert Priess and Dora Umfrid Priess. She was a life-long resident of Mason County until her health required a move to the nursing home in 2002. Cora passed away on Saturday, February 26, at the age of 96.

On January 28, 1933 Cora married Theo Leifeste. She was a perfect helpmate to Theo. They worked side-by-side together on the farm and ranch and they built a wonderful relationship together. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Kathleen and Doris. Cora was a life-long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was involved with the women's organizations including W.E.L.C.A. She also taught Sunday School and Bible School. Cora loved to spend time with her family and also enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, sewing, handwork, quilting and playing dominoes. She was an inspiration to all of her family for her determination, her patience in dealing with her health, her faith, her thoughtfulness and her self-sacrificing love.

Cora and Theo were together for 73 years until his death in 2006. When he was in the hospital for three months in 1996 she stayed with him day and night. When one had to go into the nursing home the other also went. They were inseparable. In 2003 they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with many friends and family.

Cora is survived by her daughter Kathleen Hill and husband Rev. William G. Hill of Westhoff, two grandsons Tim Herklotz and wife Elaine of Taylor and David Herklotz and wife Karen of Coppell, four great-grandchildren Tiffany, Matthew, Natalie and Katie Herklotz, one great-great-grandchild Garrett Weiss, a brother Robert Priess Jr. of Hobbs, New Mexico, two sisters-in-law Frances and Hertha Priess and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and beloved husband Theo, Cora was preceded in death by her daughter Doris Leifeste Riggs in 1980 and by 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

The family would like to thank all the care givers who through the years showed so much love and concern for Cora.

Funeral services will be held in St. Paul Lutheran Church on Wednesday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tim Scheffel officiating. Interment will follow in the Gooch Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Tim, David and Matthew Herklotz, Danny and Wayne Priess, Tommy Starks and Max Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Katie, Natalie and Tiffany Herklotz, Margarine Beaman, Kitty Bo Wilson, Hortencia Cardoza, Mark Cole and Dr. Leo Tynan III.

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 at Mason Funeral Home.

Memorials in Cora's honor may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hill Country Memorial Hospital, or Hill Country Memorial Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at masonfuneralhome.net.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home.