Elvera Willey

Elvera Lenora Krivan Willey, long-time resident of Uvalde, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on April 24, 2015.
She was born September 17, 1919 to William Francis and Elenora Ehlers Apelt in Comfort, Texas.

Elvera graduated from Center Point High School in 1937 and attended Texas State Women's College in Denton. She married Frank G. Krivan on October 30, 1939 and they had two sons William Robert and James Frank. After spending the WWII years in Beeville TX, Washington DC and Austin TX, they moved to Kerrville TX in 1946 to start Commercial Office Supply, an office supply and printing business. In 1951 they moved to Uvalde TX to open Uvalde Office Supply Company. They worked together until retiring and selling the business in 1976.

Elvera was a savvy businesswoman, managing the retail portion of the business while Frank handled outside sales throughout Southwest Texas. Over time, she introduced new lines of merchandise to the community, including art supplies, books, gifts and greeting cards.

She was a very active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church beginning in the early 1950's, where she contributed to many aspects of parish life with her husband and sons.

She was a long time member and leader of the Green Thumb Garden Club, including four terms as President. Her tireless efforts resulted in significant enhancements to numerous sites in Uvalde, including the median along East Highway 90 and the historic Town Square. Her leadership also was instrumental in Uvalde being designated as a Tree City. Other involvement on behalf of her family over the years included Cub Scouts, PTA, and the Uvalde High School Band Boosters.

Her husband Frank died in 1989. Eleven years later she remarried long-time Uvalde resident and businessman, Norman B. (N.B.) Willey.

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life and she remained in close touch with them throughout her life, encouraging their interests, serving as a role model, and always "teaching" by her example. She loved cooking for and with them, playing, and just being together. Her energy and nonstop activity earned their nickname for her of "energizer bunny." Her spirit was indomitable and she simply never stopped.

Her ability to embrace change and seek learning in her long life was remarkable. Always inquisitive, she worked hard, responded to the needs of others, and was committed to a job done well.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Francis and Elenora Ehlers Apelt; first husband Frank G. Krivan; sister Claire Apelt, brother and sister-in-law Norman and Mary Apelt and nephew Steven Apelt.

Elvera is survived by her husband, N.B. Willey; two sons, Bill Krivan and wife Terry of San Jose, CA and Jim Krivan and wife Jean of Houston, TX; four grandchildren, Kimberly Krivan Guinn and her husband Patrick, Jamie Krivan Lange, Brian Beecroft Krivan and his wife Lesley, all of Houston TX, and David Krivan and his wife Katherine of Truckee CA; eight great-grandchildren, Garrett, Kendall, Carson and Avery Guinn; Katelyn and Ryder Krivan; Anna and Frank Krivan.

Elvera will be missed by all to whom she gave lovingly of herself as daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She remains with us in our hearts forever.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Anna Aguilar, Elvia Galindo and the other caregivers whose loving and compassionate care allowed Elvera to enjoy life in her home until the end.

A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 16th, at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, with a private graveside service following at Hillcrest Cemetery. A reception and celebration of a life lived well will follow at the Uvalde Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 343 N. Getty St., Uvalde, Texas 78801; or the Charity of one's choice.

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