Melba Grey Rains Bartschmid
Melba Grey Rains Bartschmid, 86, died Feb. 19, 2011, after enduring a disabling neuralgic condition. She was born in Grand Bayou, La., in 1924 to Theodore L. and Nellie Skinner Rains.
She moved to Naborton, La., at an early age and graduated from Mansfield High School in 1941. She attended business college in Shreveport, La.
During World War II, she worked in Shreveport while she corresponded with her sweetheart Albert Henry “Buddy” Bartschmid Jr., who spent 36 months overseas fighting.
After the war, the couple were married in 1946 and lived in Shreveport. She worked for Texas Company and her husband and his father opened a machine shop, Bartschmid Oil Well and Machine Works.
With her first child’s birth, she became a full-time mother and housewife. In 1963, the family moved to Austin, where they lived for the next 28 years. They were active members of First Evangelical Free Church.
She supported her children’s activities, being an active parent for the McCallum High School Band and Blue Brigade. She also was active in the Aggie Mothers Club, several bridge clubs, the Austin Garden Club and community Bible study. She and her husband attended countless Aggie football games, traveled in their recreational vehicle and enjoyed a memorable trip to the Holy Land.
Survivors include her children Betty Rains Bartschmid of Blacksburg, Va., and Albert Henry Bartschmid III of Georgetown; grandchildren Rebecca Ann Falgout of Galveston, Albert H. Bartschmid IV of Fredericksburg and Kyle Thomas Bartschmid of Georgetown; great-grandchildren Payton Ashley Falgout and Albert Henry Bartschmid V; brother Ted Rains of Golden, Colo.; and sister Nelwyn Stuart of Metairie, La.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years; parents; and sister Betty Rogers.
A graveside service was Feb. 22 at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park in Burnet with Thomas Bohmfalk officiated.
An online guest book may be signed at www.putnamfunerals.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Israel, P.O. Box 908, Bellmawr, N.J. 08099-0908 or Animals Hope Alliance, P.O. Box 237 Blacksburg, VA 24063.
Arrangements handled by Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory, 145 Texas Ave. in Kingsland, (325) 388-0008.