Ethel Chandler Ames, age 91, born March 27, 1934, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Boerne.

Ethel and her husband, Arland, shared 45 years of marriage rooted in faith, family, and service to God. Arland went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2003.

Together, Ethel and Arland lived out their faith daily and raised their children in the church. The Ames family were charter members of Bulverde Baptist Church when it was still a mission of Parkview Baptist Church, located on the Roy Acres Singing Hills Ranch in Bulverde, Texas where Walmart is now located.

Ethel faithfully served as Nursery Director, Sunday School teacher, and Director of Vacation Bible School. Arland served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and church bus driver, faithfully picking up children who wanted to attend church.

In 1974, after her children were in school, Ethel began a new chapter as the mail carrier for Bulverde. At that time, there was only one postal worker, and her route was long and demanding—but she loved it. She cherished seeing her friends, neighbors, and fellow church members each day as she delivered their mail.

Later, Ethel and Arland relocated to San Antonio, where they had the opportunity to work together at the same post office until their retirement in 1992. Immediately after retiring, they answered another calling—joining the Mission Service Corps as volunteer missionaries. For ten years, they served faithfully in Maine and along the Texas border, traveling in their motor home and spending time at their cabin on the Maine coast. They helped start numerous churches, walking miles through neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and inviting people to attend new church starts or Vacation Bible School.

Ethel is survived by her children: Mike Ames and wife Judy; Alan Ames; and Carolyn Ames Steele and husband Stan.

She was the proud grandmother of eight grandsons, who were the absolute joy of her life: Fred Engelhardt and wife Emily and their daughter Elizabeth; Jeremy Ames and wife Carla; Austin Ames; Joshua Ames and wife Victoria and their children Annabel and Oliver; Chris Engelhardt and his son Clay, Ethel’s first great-grandchild; Justin Ames and his son Max; Jordan Ames and his daughter Kiera, Ethel’s first girl after nine boys; and Omar (Mickey) Pachecano.

We will miss our mom and grandma deeply, but we rejoice in knowing she is now face to face with her Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:21

I can only imagine what her eyes saw that beautiful morning.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Abundant Hospice for the love and compassionate care our mother received—especially her nurse Donna and her CNA Gabby, who were truly angels among us.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 3 p.m., at Mission Park North, 20900 IH 10 W, San Antonio, TX 78257, officiated by her beloved nephew, Reverend Glenn Howard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Abundant Hospice in memory of our sweet mom and grandma.

Arrangements are under the compassionate care and expert direction of the staff of Holt & Holt Funeral Home of Boerne. To share words of comfort with the family, please visit www.holtfh.com.