Addie Maurine Schmeltekopf was born to Neal and Cloyse Kelly on November 15, 1932 in Hamilton, Texas. She passed away on March 29, 2017.
She was preceded in death by husband, James Sr.; her parents; one brother, Bruce Kelly and wife Margie; one sister, Mary Lois Nickell; brothers-in-law, Jesse Harden and Jack Turner; and sister-in-law, Gayle Kelly. She is survived by her five children: Peggy Grantham and husband, John, of Tallahassee, FL; Martha Jennings and husband, Billy, of Newark, TX; Weldon Wright and wife, Billie, of Snyder, TX; James Jr. and wife, Nadine, of New Braunfels; Donna Clark and husband, Gary, of Dripping Springs, TX; grandchildren Shane Duncan, Jennie Armstrong, Dennis Tichavsky, Sonny Wright, Gregg Wright, Margaret Schmeltekopf, Michael James Clark; and 10 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren. Additionally, sisters Nena Harden, Myrtle Turner, Carrol Kelly and brothers Cecil Kelly and wife Ruth, R.B. Kelly, and Harrol Kelly and wife Ann; and brother-in-law, Wayne Nickell.
Addie and James, Sr. married in 1960 and moved their family to New Braunfels in 1966. Addie studied bookkeeping and accounting at Nixon Business College in Austin. After a few bookkeeping jobs around the San Antonio area, she joined Ditch Witch of Central Texas in 1975 and worked there for over 25 years. Her time at Ditch Witch and the relationships there were very special to Addie.
Addie was the epitome of the “Greatest Generation”. The example she set for her family was far stronger than she ever realized. She served God throughout her life by teaching bible study classes and, most enjoyably, singing in every choir she could join in her years of membership at Oakwood Baptist and FBC New Braunfels. She was an excellent cook and baker, showing her love for her family through special recipes that involved “a pinch of this, and a handful of that and cook it until it’s done”. She loved to sew and quilt and ministered to younger women through her church-quilting club. She taught us to serve God, love and serve others, work hard and “don’t complain.”
It has been a joy in recent days to hear from those outside our family whom our mother touched. It is a true testimony of the subtle but powerful impact of her life.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakwood Baptist Church Building Fund.
Public Visitation will begin 3:00 PM Sunday at Oakwood Baptist Church and will continue until 5:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Monday, April 3, 2017 at Oakwood Baptist Church with a Graveside Service to be held at 1:00 PM in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.
