Aileene Oelkers (Mildred Aileene Denny Oelkers)

May 14, 1933 – June 7, 2026

Aileene Oelkers of Pleasanton, passed away June 7, 2026. She was born in Oolagah, Oklahoma, the daughter of Era Caroline Denny (Collins) and Marvin L. Denny. She primarily grew up in Oklahoma City where she met her first husband, Charles M. Ehninger (deceased) at an Air Force Base dance.  They would marry in 1950 and go on to have six children before divorcing in 1970. Typical of Air Force families, every child was born in a different state or country.  After military life, the family would move to Amarillo in 1961. During this time, Aileene would go on to attend Amarillo Community College and earn a degree as a licensed vocational nurse. In 1967, the family again moved to Dallas; then in 1968 to Austin; followed by San Antonio in 1970. She met and married Aaron Respondek in 1971, and lived a few good years at Canyon Lake before they were divorced in 1976. She was a site director for the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department; eventually retiring after 20 years of service. Her career started at Lockwood Recreation Center on the East side. One of the toughest centers in all of San Antonio.  She was recognized by the City for her establishment of a vital safe haven and Post-Segregation community healing through her sports programs at Lockwood. Similar success at Garza and Monterrey Parks, where she launched early girls sports and softball leagues. At Hamilton she ran summer camp programs that provided crucial childcare for working parents. At all centers she led exercise classes for women and endeared herself to the children who all called her "Miss Aileene".

During her time working in San Antonio, she would meet and marry Charles Oelkers (deceased) in August of 1977. They would eventually move to Pleasanton following her retirement.  She loved her life in Pleasanton and spent over 20 years volunteering her time and effort at the hospital and CAM food pantry.  Aileene served on Library board as president for several years and continued to be active until her passing. She was on the Longhorn Museum Board and was known as the "butter lady" for the Yesteryear Festival.  She volunteered at every opportunity at First Methodist Church of Pleasanton which she loved. She loved many and was beloved by many in what she considered her home,  Pleasanton.

Aileene would have six children, Dr. Diana Ehninger Hindt (Billy, deceased), Charles M. Ehninger and Yoko (both deceased), Richard M. Ehninger (Sharon, deceased), Eric W. Ehninger (Neemat), Robert G.Ehninger (Carolynn deceased), David E. Ehninger (Theresa), step-children Cindy Vaughn (Dwayn), Robert Oelkers (Letha), and deceased step-son, William Oelkers.

She was the proud Grandmother of Genary Dixon Hindt, Garrett Hindt, Catherine Harris, Monty Ehninger, Stephanie Wickerham, Michael Ehninger, Daniel Ehninger (Alicia), Blair Ehninger, Natalie Charbonnet (Justin), Blake Ehninger, Sarah Ehninger, Jacob Ehninger (Julia), and Courtney Reshkovsky (Adam).

She was blessed to be the Great-Grandmother to Kayla Mason (Wes), Addison Goembel (Aiden), Brooks Haight, Ava Wickerham, Scarlet Reeves, Curtis Harris, Cyana Harris, Isla Charbonnet, George Charbonnet, Lawson Ehninger, Orion Caldwell, Light Ehninger, Honor Reshkovsky, Bliss Reshkovsky,Victoria Ehninger, and Owen, Levi and Noah Hindt.

Even greater, she was the Great-Great-Grandmother to Miles Mason, Asher Goembel, and Anthony Goembel.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at First Methodist Church, 420 Main Street, Pleasanton with visitation at 11:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 pm.

Final resting place will be a private burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with her husband, Charles. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11:00 am.