Nell Rosenquist

Nell Rosenquist, (Mama Nell), 93, of Avoca, TX, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16th in Lubbock, TX, surrounded by family. Thynell Thompson was born August 6, 1932, in Sylvester, TX to William Thompson and Marie (McCuistion) Thompson. She graduated from Stamford High School at the young age of 16. She graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX and taught 2nd grade in Lueders, TX. After marrying Melvin Rosenquist on August 1, 1953, she began a teaching career in Stamford. She went back to school at Abilene Christian University (after raising her children Taimi, Russ, and Paul on the family farm) to get her kindergarten certification. She loved teaching kindergarten and enjoyed running into former students in Stamford throughout the years.

Nell was known for her sweet spirit and love of the Lord and her family. She was a faithful servant in all that she did. She joined Bethel Lutheran church after marrying Melvin (she still loved her Baptist hymns though!) and was involved there throughout her lifetime. She loved playing bridge in her bridge club and was active in the Tuesday Quilters at Christ Lutheran. She also looked forward to participating in the Cross Ministry where she creatively made crosses to share her love of Christ with others.

More than anything, Nell loved being a wife, mother, and Mama Nell. She was a partner with Melvin in all aspects of farming, and later in life, enjoyed traveling with him in their RV. They loved round dancing and wintering in the Valley. They took many, many dance lessons and made numerous friends across the country. Nell had a kind heart and a competitive nature when it came to playing cards or games of Social Security with friends and family. She loved playing bridge with dear friends Fern, Dorothy, and Maxie. And later, when their group dwindled, she began to play the card game, Hand and Foot. She enjoyed playing this with granddaughter and caregiver, Adria. And yes, she could still beat you easily!

Nell would tell you she had the best neighbors and friends who checked on her and stopped by with food or to deliver plants they had cared for over the winter. She always said, “I am blessed!”

Family was everything to Nell and she loved being surrounded by her kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She delighted in spending time with the little ones. In later years, she was able to FaceTime with them and loved retelling stories about their antics or cute sayings. Even in her final days, in the hardest moments, she loved looking at pics of her great grandchildren and lit up with a smile.

Nell is survived by daughter Taimi Wendeborn and husband John, of Stamford, TX; son Russ Rosenquist and wife Dawn, of Plano, TX; son Paul Rosenquist of Ericksdahl, TX; grandchildren Adria Martinez and husband Michael, Jacob Wendeborn and wife Marni, Kyle Rosenquist and wife Ashley, Blair Schrodel and husband Matthew; great grandchildren Ace and Cy Martinez; Bodie and Asa Wendeborn; Riley and Caden Rosenquist; Charlie and Eric Schrodel. She will have a namesake great granddaughter in December, Joanna Nell Wendeborn.

Nell was greeted in heaven by her husband of 62 years, Melvin; her brother Jim and wife Berniece; her brother Stanley and wife Joyce; and her parents William and Marie Thompson.

Nell’s life will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Bethel Lutheran Church 10625 FM 600, Avoca, TX with Rev. Richard Strait officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home. The family will gather on Saturday, October 25th at Tankersley Funeral Home (807 Columbia St. Stamford, TX) from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. for visitation.

Memorials may be given to Bethel Lutheran Church, %Tena Tankersley, P.O. Box 828, Stamford, TX 79553.