Mary H. Wells
1937-2016
Mary H. Wells, 78, of Bandera passed away Wednesday, June 15.
She was one of nine children born to Adolph and Delphina Carson on August 1, 1937 in El Paso. Mary married
James Wells on July 20, 1957.
For 15 to 29 years, she worked many different jobs for various businesses in Bandera. In addition, Mary lived in Madrid, Spain, during her husband’s military tour.
Mary is survived by her children, Rebecca Ybarra and her husband, Lee Roy; James Wells Jr. and his wife, Patricia; Michael Wells and his wife, Susan; Margret Giesen and her husband, Randy Qullen; and Marie Hesskew and her husband, Walter; siblings, Clara Blancas and Adolph Carson Jr.; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, parents, three sisters and three brothers.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 23, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Father John Nolan officiating. Interment followed at the Fort Sam Houston National cemetery.
Pallbearers were Andrew Bowles, James Bowles, Zane Giesen, Jacob Giesen, Ryan Wells, James Ybarra, John Ybarra and Adam Ybarra.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made in Mary’s name to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.
Eugene R. (Gene) Laue
1914-2016
Eugene R. “Gene” Laue, 101, of Lakehills, died Saturday, July 9, in Bandera.
He was born August 30, 1914, in San Antonio.
Gene was a champion bowler in San Antonio during the 1940s and ‘50s. He served as a past Worshipful Master in Masonic Texas Lodge #8 and belonged to the Shriner Clowns.
Gene was also past commander of American Legion Post #410 in Lakehills and a lifetime member of the Lakehills VFD. As a member of the United States Army during World War II, he was the oldest veteran in Bandera County.
Gene was an active member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Bandera. He worked as a dental supply salesman for Patterson Dental Supply.
Survivors include daughters, Carol Jean Quick and ML of Victoria, and Sandra Mauer and David of Lakehills; son Eugene E. “Bubba” Laue and Terry of San Angelo; stepdaughter Patricia Biesenbach of Atascosa; stepson Don Carrell and Janie of Harlingen; brother Charles E. Laue of Bandera; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, July 14, at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Bandera with the Reverend Allan Conkling officiating.
The family thanks the staff at Bandera Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center for their loving care – especially Monique Rhea, with whom Gene shared a special bond.
Memorial donations may be made in Gene’s name to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 314, Bandera 78003 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Lois Schulte
1936-2016
Lois Schulte went home on Saturday, July 16, after battling Alzheimer’s disease for two and a half years.
She was born Lois Ann Schladoer on Feb. 24, 1936 in Bandera County – the second daughter of Benjamin and Fleta Joiner Schladoer. Lois grew up on the family farm on Mason Creek, and attended 12 years of school in Bandera, graduating from Bandera High School in 1954.
In the summer of 1954, she met her best friend and soul mate, a Medina County boy named Alfred Schulte Jr.
The couple married
on Dec. 16, 1954 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Quihi.
Their first child, Donna, born in Hondo just over a year later, was quickly followed by Michael and Julie. Seventeen years after Julie’s birth, the couple’s fourth child, and second son, Christopher, was born.
During her life, Lois worked in many different capacities – as a waitress, bank teller, activities director for a nursing home and as a director of a church childcare center. She also utilized her creativity by working in craft shops in Kerrville and Durango, Colorado.
Lois loved plants, animals and people. She never met a stranger, and everyone relied on her for gardening advice. A skilled interior decorator, Lois helped many ladies rearrange their living rooms to the best advantage.
She loved to travel, and road trips were her favorite way to see the country. She also loved ice cream and the color purple. Thrift store shopping in Kerrville became a passion in her later years.
Lois is survived by her husband of over 61 years, Alfred Schulte Jr., of Seguin; daughter Donna Loth and her husband, Joe, of Seguin; son Christopher of Colorado; grandchildren, Amy Tobin Babel, Jason DeTeso, Megan Munzert, Stephanie Donaldson; Paul and Emily Donaldson; Matthew Donaldson; and great-grandchildren, Joseph and Morgandy Babel, Vincent DeTeso and August Munzert. Other surviving family members include sister Bennie Jean Schladoer O’Neill; brothers, Richard Schladoer and his wife, Patricia, and Ernest Schladoer and his wife, Vivian; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Lois was predeceased by her parents; infant granddaughter Megan, daughter of Donna, in 1980; son Michael in 1981; and daughter Julie in 2002. Their reunion must have been a most joyful event for them all.
A memorial service celebrating Lois’ life will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, July 23, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Quihi. A private disposition of ashes will be held at a later date.
Memorials honoring Lois may be made to support Alzheimer’s research.
Laurie Ann Dowlearn
1956-2016
Laurie Ann Dowlearn, 60, of Bandera, passed away Thursday, July 7, in Bandera.
She was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, on Feb. 20, 1956.
A stay-at-home mom for over 20 years, Laurie was a devoted wife and mother. She was also passionate about her Golden Retriever, Gunner, and her Chocolate Lab, Marley.
Laurie also enjoyed spending time with her best friend, Jeanne. They were forever going to movies or riding in Jeanne’s Mustang convertible – especially during midnight runs to the convenience store because Jeanne forgot to buy cigarettes.
Laurie is survived by her husband of over 25 years, Walter Ray Dowlearn, of Bandera; mother Jacqueline Tom of Hawaii; son Jonathan Pierce of Brady; daughters, Crystal Lynn Dowlearn and Ashley Nicole Dowlearn, both of Bandera; and grandson Jacob Robert Harrison of Bandera.
She was predeceased by her father, Clifton Johnson, of Bandera, and brother Mack Johnson of Austin.
Laurie’s loving family and friends will miss her dearly. May she have fun exploring heaven and watching over all her loved ones until we are reunited.
James David Tate
1945-2016
James David “Buzz” Tate, 71, of Bandera, died Wednesday, July 20, at his residence.
He was born on July 16, 1945, in San Diego, California, to William Clyde and Dorothy Tate.
Buzz is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter Candy; son James; stepson Kenneth Siegel; and sister Ruby Mae Whaley.
He was predeceased by his sister, Helen Sue More.
As per Buzz’s wishes, there will be no service or memorial.
Brenda Gail Chesnut
2016
Brenda Gail Chesnut, 49, of Bandera, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 30.
She had served as a certified nursing aide for over 31 years in the Bandera area, with the last 20-plus years being spent with Tri-County Home Health.
Dedicated to her patients, Brenda loved making everyone laugh.
She is survived by her family, Ronnie and Cyndy Chesnut, Gary and Bernice Chesnut and numerous nieces and nephews. Brenda also leaves with heavy hearts her two daughters, Jenna Nijsse and Chrystal Martinez; the twinkle in her eye, granddaughter Tinliegh Nicole Martinez; her beloved wife, Lauren Chesnut; and their extended family, Watermelon, Fruit Salad and Pumpkin. She will love you all forever.
Brenda was predeceased by her twin sister, Barbara Jean Chesnut, and her brothers, Jason Chesnut and Quincy Skinner.
Memorial services will be held 10 am, Saturday, August 6, at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Bandera with Mr. Martin Smith Officiating.
