Nelwyn Eileen Ward Borgens of Hondo, 70, passed away Tuesday, Mar. 27, 2018. Born Oct. 20, 1947, in Hondo, she was the daughter of Floyd and Darlene E. Wendland Ward. Nelwyn grew up in Hondo and graduated from Hondo High School in 1965. She then attended Texas A&I in Kingsville, TX where she met her future husband Larry. Larry and Nelwyn married in Hondo in 1969 and soon moved to Larry's hometown in Washington. The couple then lived in the Los Angeles CA area where their first child, Barton was born. Wanting to be closer to family, the three moved back to Hondo in 1976. In 1980, their second child, Kimberly was born. While raising two children, Nelwyn was also a substitute teacher at McDowell Jr. High and attended UTSA. Upon receiving her degree in Education, Nelwyn began teaching 3rd grade at Sabinal (TX) Elementary. In 1993, she began teaching at Alkek Elementary in Bandera, Texas. She was a 3rd-4th grade teacher, special education teacher, UIL coach, as well as other roles. For students, she was supportive, kind, and helped kids feel accepted, especially for those who needed encouragement the most. For the staff, she was a beloved coworker and friend to many and a wise and supportive mentor to others. In 2002, Larry and Nelwyn moved from the city limits of Hondo and onto the family ranch. She hated the heat, dirt, and mosquitos, but was dedicated to fulfilling Larry's dream of living retirement in the country. Nelwyn retired from teaching in 2014. She enjoyed cooking and baking special treats for loved ones, reading, playing games, keeping in touch on social media, sewing and crocheting. She liked getting good deals while shopping at stores, finding treasures at estate sales with Larry, dressing in bright colors, and wearing unique socks for every occasion. She loved animals and cared for many cats over the years but nothing was as important as family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin. Keeping the family connected was a top priority. Nelwyn was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church all the years she lived in Hondo. She was a dependable servant of the Lord, volunteering with the Women of St. Paul, VBS, Jr. Lutherans, working in the kitchen, and visiting the nursing home. She was a welcoming, funny, talented, and giving woman who will be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; great-niece, Cheyenne Ward; and sister-in-law, Judy Van Dyke. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Larry L. Borgens; son, Bart (Jennifer) Borgens of San Antonio; daughter, Kimberly (Kenneth) Caldwell of San Antonio; brother, Lennis (Deborah) Ward of Hondo; grandchildren, Julia Borgens and Elena Caldwell; sister-in-law, Patti (Monte) Murphy of Monroe WA; nephews, Lance (Kathryn) Ward of Hondo, Rob Murphy of Monroe WA and Grant (Colleen) Van Dyke of Coupeville WA; great-nieces and -nephews, Josh Ward, and Sydney, Cameron, Cole, and Jordan Van Dyke. Visitation will be Monday, Apr. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service will be Tuesday, Apr. 3, 10 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hondo. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.