Melvira Mary Rothe Carle of D'Hanis, age 102, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. Born in D'Hanis, Jan. 19, 1920, she was the daughter of Oscar and Selma Koch Rothe.

Melvira was a proud descendant of German and Alsatian pioneers who helped settle the South Texas frontier in the mid-1850s and made their home in D'Hanis. For 102 years Melvira carried with her their heritage of quiet determination and undying work ethic. She weathered the loss of her family's ranch and homestead north of D'Hanis at an early age due to a combination of the depression, local flooding & the failing health of her father. After which, her family lived with her maternal Grandma Koch at the Koch Hotel, and made many fond memories.

She was married to the love of her life, Lawrence J. Carle, for 69 years until his passing in 2009.  They were blessed with 6 children and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and even a great, great granddaughter.

Throughout her life, she loved the company of her family and friends, spending time at their ranch south of D'Hanis, camping at Garner Park, traveling in the US and Europe, playing cards and quilting with her friends, and actively contributing to her church and community.  Along the way she sustained herself with an unwavering belief in God and devotion to her Catholic faith, which enabled her to endure many hardships and live a long and fruitful life. She was a picture of positivity, optimism, kindness, joy and love, and these attributes are a legacy she left with all who knew her.

With God by her side, Melvira fought the good fight, finished the race & kept the faith. She will be sorely missed and cherished forever in the hearts of many.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence J. Carle; daughters, Carolyn Ney and Terry Schueling; and son-in-law, Joe Langfeld.

Survivors include daughters, Joan Langfeld and Sandy McGehee (David) of D'Hanis; sons, Rothe J. Carle of Hondo and Mike A. Carle (Ellen) of San Antonio; son-in-law, Thomas R. Schueling; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D'Hanis, with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Oct. 28, 10:00 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, D'Hanis.

Memorials may be made to the Holy Cross Catholic Church.

The family thanks the wonderful medical staff and caregivers she had throughout her life, especially those at Morningside Assisted Living in San Antonio and the beautiful women who cared for her like family in her home. You have our deepest gratitude.

GUINN-HORGER