Nelda Jean Schulthise

Nelda Jean Schulthise, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Harlingen, Texas. She was born on January 11, 1936, in Dale, Indiana, to Ernest and Nella Mae Schulthise.

Nelda earned a bachelor’s degree in ESL Education and dedicated many years to teaching in the Harlingen and Brownsville School Districts. A devoted member of the Church of the Nazarene, she served as a Sunday School teacher, prepared coffee and desserts for her Bible study class, and made significant contributions as a volunteer at the Battered Women’s Shelter. A published poet for which she received awards, Nelda was an avid reader who took great care to read the Bible cover to cover each year. She also enjoyed history books. She was self-taught pianist and played for the enjoyment of her family. Nelda loved horses and the color purple.

She is preceded in death by her son, Benjamin Fernando Arredondo; her siblings, including Paul Schulthise, Betty Stevenson, Carl Schulthise, Ruth Gurnsey, Erna Cox, Reverend John Schulthise, and Elsie Katherine Schulthise; as well as her sons-in-law, Brandy Brandenburg and David M. Holshouser, and her ex-husband, Benjamin Arredondo.

Nelda is survived by her children: Betty K. Brandenburg Boonville, Indiana, Gloria Jean Holshouser Dalton, Georgia, Marta Saldaña (Juan Jaime) Kingwood, Texas, Laura Arredondo Austin, Texas, and Benjamin Arredondo Brownsville, Texas. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Mathew Milburn (Sacha), Timothy Milburn (Kristy), Humberto Perez (Jen), Erica Jean Sinnott (Steven), Fernando Perez (Erica), Ana Cristina Padilla, Juan Jaime Saldaña II (Norma), Venessa Saldaña, Alejandro H. Arredondo (Ryan), Luis Fernando Hoyos (Michelle), Aaron Lopez (Anahy), Brianna Sanchez, Carlos Sanchez, and Nicole Arredondo; and her great-grandchildren: Nathan Milburn, Noah Milburn, Carter Milburn, Alexis Milburn, Alicia Saldaña, Natalie Saldaña, and Winter Hoyos.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to her son-in-law, Juan Jaime Saldaña for his generosity in providing Nelda’s every need no matter how big or small, her friend and caregiver "Faithful" Rachel Guzman for her love and support over the past four years, as well as to Diana Tyndall and Carlos Sanchez, who held a special place in Nelda's heart. They also extend their appreciation to The Palms Retirement Center, where she resided for 20 years, and to the compassionate nursing staff at VBMC. Most sincere love and gratitude to Treasure Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation, where she spent the last two years of her life. The kindness and love shown to her by all will be fondly remembered. The family is beyond appreciative for the excellent care she received at Treasure Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation. Words cannot express how happy, safe, and loved she felt there. As Nelda often remarked, “There’s no place like home.”

A private family visitation was held on Friday, January 30, 2026, and a Mass will be conducted on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Church of the Nazarene, 2001 N. 7th St., Harlingen, Texas 78550.