Pauline Kelling

Pauline Dornbusch Kelling of Knippa, widow of Ray Elwood Kelling, passed away in the early morning hours of June 23, 2017 at Methodist Texsan Hospital in San Antonio. Pauline was born to Paul and Ella (Falkenberg) Dornbush on July 31, 1931. Pauline was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Knippa where she was baptized on August 31, 1931 by Rev. Langner. She was confirmed in her faith by Rev. Meyer.

Pauline was educated in the Knippa public schools where she graduated in May of 1948. She enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball in her youth. She began her career by working at the Balzen Garage as a bookkeeper. Later she worked as an operator at the Knippa Telephone Company.
She married the love of her life, Ray, on October 29, 1950 in Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Knippa and they celebrated 46 years together. To that union were born two sons and one daughter, Michael, Rebecca and Mark. She and Ray began farming in 1954 and worked together in this business until Ray's death.
At the age of 16, Pauline began taking piano lessons from Rev. Meyer. Beginning in 1951, she served as the organist for Emmanuel Lutheran Church and retired from that position after playing for church services for over 60 years. She enjoyed this opportunity to serve her Lord and her church family.
Pauline was very active in her children's activities by serving as a 4-H adult leader of Uvalde County and a cook for the 4-H County Camp for many years. She was also an active member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Women where she served as treasurer and hosted the annual women's Christmas party. She enjoyed serving the snacks for Vacation Bible School each year.
In 1980, she received the Conservation Homemaker of the Year Award presented by the Southwest Conservation District. In 1988, Pauline and Ray were named Honorary Uvalde County Stock Show Superintendents in recognition of the time and efforts given to the 4-H programs. She was an active member of the Lutheran Brotherhood Fraternity where she served as an officer. Pauline loved good food and loved to prepare lots of it for family and friends. She will be remembered for her famous German chocolate cakes and potato salad which have been served at many community events. The annual Knippa Chicken Supper was an event she looked forward to each year. She lovingly dedicated many months preparing her goods and desserts which were coveted both in the Country Store and the at dessert table. For many years she enjoyed making wedding, shower, and birthday cakes, especially for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching the San Antonio Spurs win each year and kept her mind sharp by loyally watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and playing Words with Friends. Pauline loved to travel, particularly on cruises that she took with her family.
Pauline was preceded in death by her husband Ray on February 25, 1997, her parents, and a niece, Belinda Dornbusch. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca (Becky) and Mark Landry of Knippa, and sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Donna Kelling of Brenham, and Mark and Beverly Kelling of Hondo. She is also survived by the following grandchildren and their spouses: Sara Wingfield and husband James (Jimmy) of Austin, David Landry and wife Emily of Austin, Stephen Kelling and wife Brigette of Bullard, David Box and wife Jennifer of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Philip Landry and wife Caitlin of Katy, Matthew Kelling of Austin, Derrick Box and wife Elle of Tucson, Arizona, Nathan Landry of Knippa, Andrew Landry and wife Kendra of Baytown, and Joshua, Jacob and Abigail (Abby) Kelling of Hondo.
Additionally, she was loved by her great-grandchildren: Andrew (Drew) and Olivia Wingfield; Hudson Landry; Lucy, Ivy, Ruth, and Corrie Kelling; Austin and Libby Box; and Madison and Mabel Landry. She is also survived by her brother, Elton Dornbusch, her dear friend and caregiver, Lourdis Esquivel and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Her funeral will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Knippa on Sunday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Nathan LaFrenz officiating. Interment will follow in the Knippa Cemetery. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers and her granddaughters will lead the processional. Honorary pallbearers are Dick Geries, Norman Kuebel, Raymond Schwarzlose, Roy Silvas, Noel Troxclair and Billy Word.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice.
Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation

RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary
220 S. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Saturday, June 24, 2017
2:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Emmanuel Lutheran Church
250 South FM 1049
Knippa, TX  78870
Sunday, June 25, 2017
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Knippa Cemetery
Hwy. 90 East
Knippa, TX  78870