Elein Emma Nietenhoefer Saathoff passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at the age of 91, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was born Aug. 26, 1919, in Quihi to the late Henry Adolf Louis and Clara (Boehle) Nietenhoefer. She was baptized Nov. 9, 1919, confirmed on Sept. 10, 1933, and married on Oct. 2, 1940, all at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Quihi. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stanley J. Saathoff in 1970; brother, Marvin H. Nietenhoefer; and sister, Alice R. Leinweber. She is survived by her son, Clayton J. Saathoff and wife Joyce of San Antonio; and daughters, Mary Lee Meinen and husband Jonathan of San Antonio; and Debbie Andries of Austin; five grandchildren, Lauri Saathoff of Austin; Karen Saathoff, Andrew Saathoff, Brian Meinen and wife Susan, and Jeff Meinen and wife Erica; three great-grandsons, Blaine and Landon Meinen, and Ethan Meinen, all of San Antonio. Also surviving are her brother, Henry C. Nietenhoefer and wife Verlie of Hondo, sister, Ethel Nietenhoefer of Fredricksburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Elein was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hondo. She enjoyed going to circle meetings with her friends and also going to and helping with various functions at the church. She worked 30 years for the Hondo Independent School District at the Meyer Elementary School cafeteria. In some cases during the course of those 30 years, she saw more than one generation of children pass through the line for their daily lunches. After her retirement in 1993, she enjoyed traveling and went with her friends on many bus tours around the United States. Up until a few months before her death, she worked the crossword puzzle in the daily paper every day. She enjoyed doing needlework and created many beautiful wall hangings. Most of all, she enjoyed her family and family gatherings. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Guinn-Horger Funeral Home in Hondo. Funeral service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church at 10 a.m., Monday, June 27, with interment at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. Casket bearers are Andrew Saathoff, Brian Meinen, Jeff Meinen, Blaine Meinen, Landon Meinen, Stuart Nietenhoefer, and Michael Leinweber. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1303 Ave. M, Hondo, Texas 78861 or the charity of one's choice.