Melba Ruth Henry

Melba Ruth Henry, 88, of Sabinal, peacefully passed from this life at her home, surrounded people that loved her, on Monday, August 6, 2024. After suffering from dementia and Parkinson's disease for several years, Melba has now been healed and walks with her Savior, Jesus Christ, in all glory and honor.

Born on February 4, 1936, on her family farm in Arneckeville, Texas, near Victoria, Melba was the daughter of Herbert and Erna Atzenhoffer. She grew up working the land with her brother, Billy, and attended a one-room schoolhouse in Arneckeville, where she first experienced the joy of teaching by helping her younger classmates in 5th and 6th grades.

In 1948, her family moved to Edna, where she continued her education and graduated from Edna High School in 1954. Melba pursued her passion for education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, majoring in home economics while securing an all-level teaching certificate.

During her freshman year at Texas A&I, Melba met Ray Henry, a young man from Sabinal. Their romance blossomed throughout their college years, and they celebrated their graduation together in May 1958, marrying on September 13 of that year. After marriage, they relocated to New Jersey while Ray completed his commitment as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. Recognizing his desire for civilian life, the couple returned to Texas shortly thereafter.

In 1960, Melba and Ray returned to Sabinal, where he transitioned into the family farm, and Melba embarked on her teaching career. She began at D'Hanis and later joined Sabinal ISD, teaching various grades with a focus on home economics. After teaching at the high school and junior high, Melba dedicated most of her career to the elementary school and concluded her tenure as an ESL specialist. She retired from teaching in 1990.

Following her retirement, Melba became actively involved in her community. She was a long-time member of the Civic Club, volunteered at the library, and enjoyed reading to young children at the elementary school. Melba was also an enthusiastic Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church, leading adult classes and women’s Bible studies. Her engagement with the Greater Uvalde Area Emmaus group reflected her deep devotion to serving the Lord.

Above all, Melba cherished her roles as a mother and grandmother. She and Ray actively participated in their children’s lives, fostering connections and making lasting memories through travel both home and abroad. Among her favorite journeys were trips to Israel, where she explored the Holy Lands. Her passion for education and adventure remained unwavering until 2020, when both Covid and dementia hindered her activities.

In her final two years, Melba was blessed to have special caregivers by her side: Rita Ybarra, Martha Lopez, Gloria Alejandro, and Patricia Lucas. These remarkable women provided her with dedicated care, allowing Melba to live in her beloved home, where she tended to her yard, plants, and Bible studies while keeping up with current events and connecting with loved ones by phone as much as possible.

Melba is survived by her son, Stephen Henry and his wife Dawn of Sabinal; her daughter, Sara Ball and husband David of Flint; and her brother, Billy Wayne Atzenhoffer and wife Donna of Edna. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Taylor Ball, Ray Henry, Spencer Ball, Samantha Heffley, Jake Henry, Seth Michaelsen, and Haley Ball. Melba shared special bonds with each of her grandchildren, engaging with children throughout her life through her unique gifts of connection and love.

Visitation will be held at REK Funeral Home in Sabinal on Friday evening, August 9th, with funeral services to follow at First Baptist Church of Sabinal on Saturday, August 10th, at [insert time]. A reception at the church will follow the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, Melba requested that donations be made in her honor to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, the Sabinal Library, First Baptist Church of Sabinal, or the Sabinal Cemetery Association Fund.

Melba Henry was proud of her children and grandchildren, and she cherished knowing they all have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She looked forward to the day when they would be reunited once more.