Nellie Kothmann

Nellie Marie Mueller Kothmann of Uvalde died Jan. 12, 2022, at her residence.
She was born July 8, 1925, in San Antonio to Dr. Edwin Leo Mueller and Nellie Wilimina Salter Mueller.
She graduated in 1948 from Incarnate Word School of Nursing with a combined degree in nursing education and as a registered nurse.
She married Riley “Boots” Kothmann on Feb. 22, 1949, in San Antonio.
They lived in San Antonio and Pearsall, Texas, before moving to Uvalde in 1958 to run the Uvalde Livestock Sales Co.
After Boots’ death on Jan. 7, 1971, she faced the challenge of being a single parent to eight children ranging in age from four to 20. When the youngest began school, Kothmann became a school nurse for Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District so her schedule would coincide with that of her children. She served in that position at various schools for over 20 years.
Throughout her time in Uvalde, Kothmann was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church volunteering in various capacities including as a religious education teacher, a member of the Altar Society, and as a member and officer of Catholic Women’s Club.
She battled breast cancer twice, and after her first mastectomy she became active with American Cancer Society as a Reach to Recovery volunteer and a Relay for Life volunteer. She was awarded the ACS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
She was a member of several prayer groups and bridge clubs, the Red Hat Society and the Chili Peppers, where she enjoyed promoting Uvalde. She also served as a docent at the Uvalde Opera House. Following her retirement from UCISD, she was a regular volunteer and supporter of El Progreso Memorial Library and St. Henry de Osso Center. She received the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award in 2014. In 2015, she was named an Honorary Good Egg as a longtime supporter of local performing arts.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Dr. Edwin Lee Mueller, Dr. John A. Mueller and the Rev. James Mueller; one sister, Betty Conley; and two sons-in-law, Ed Taylor and Joe Welch.
Kothmann is survived by eight children, Riley Kothmann and wife, Martha, of Fredericksburg, Kay Taylor Welch of Uvalde, Jimmy Kothmann and wife, Marilyn, of La Grange, Patti Dishman and husband, Mike, of Uvalde, Carol Chaney and husband, Terry, of Carrollton, Roy Kothmann and wife, Carol, of Uvalde, Nita Pollak and husband, Doug, of College Station, and Chris Moravits and husband, Gary, of Riviera, Texas; one sister, Margaret Wolf of San Antonio; one brother, Bill Mueller and wife, Jean, of San Antonio; two sisters-in-law, Mary Helen Mueller of San Antonio and Pat Mueller of Seguin; 18 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff and residents of The Veranda Assisted Living Facility, Uvalde Memorial Hospital Hospice, Patricia Castillo and all Nell’s caregivers for their loving care. Their kindness and compassion never went unnoticed and was always greatly appreciated. A very special thanks to Jennifer Morales, long-time caregiver, whose devotion and dedication to Nell in her later years brought comfort and peace of mind.
The family suggests memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Uvalde Hospice Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.
Family visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 5 PM followed by rosary at 7 PM. A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Uvalde, Texas