Mary Rose Grafe

Mary Rose Grafe passed away peacefully at home on February 4th 2026 at the age of 87. Mary Rose was born in Hallettsville, Texas on September 8, 1938 the daughter of Gus and Mary Lee Strauss. She was raised in Hallettsville with her brothers Olin and Gus, Jr. but with frequent extended time spent in Austin for her father’s Texas State Senator obligations.

During her childhood years Mary Rose enjoyed horseback riding and became an accomplished piano player. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hallettsville where she met her future husband, Ervin Grafe, in second grade. At Sacred Heart she was a twirler and drum major in the school band. She was active in sports and clubs and was Valedictorian of her senior class.

After high school, Mary Rose attended Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio where she earned an Associate’s Degree. She and Ervin married in 1958 and it was back to Austin for a few years as Erv finished his degree at the University of Texas. She gave birth to their first child during this busy time. They settled in southwest Houston and eventually made their home on Hummingbird where they lived for over 60 years and raised their four children. In their later years, they continued to enjoy time on their front patio, visiting with neighbors and offering a friendly wave to anyone who passed by.

Mary Rose and Ervin were very active in their beloved Corpus Christi Church over the years participating in and providing great leadership to Marriage Encounter, Family Guild and other programs. They sponsored numerous couples preparing for marriage and many remained lifelong friends. Mary Rose led the Women’s Club and chaired the annual Colt Day Festival. She also provided leadership, encouragement, and mentorship to countless people through the Recovery from Food Addiction (RFA) program. All four children attended 12 years at Catholic schools and Mary Rose was an active leader and volunteer at these schools. For many years and up until 2020 she enjoyed her time as the receptionist and administrative assistant at the Center for Creative Resources.

Mary Rose loved to read including every book by her favorite authors, but they had to have happy endings! She made her home relaxing and welcoming with cards and games and Blue Bell ice cream. She was an avid game player and very competitive (but always with her great sense of humor and ready laugh) especially at dominoes, bridge and a special family card game. Mary Rose was excellent at providing support and advice and a listening ear (and meals) to her large family and their friends. She also loved dancing with Erv, especially on their many trips back to Hallettsville for church picnics, festivals and family events and gatherings.

Mary Rose and Ervin were married for 65 years until his passing in 2023. She is survived by her children Marilyn Lacey (Tony), Linda Shook (Allen), Tricia Murphy (Dennis), and Gerald Grafe (Lynda); 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, her brother Olin Strauss (Erin), sister-in law Susie Strauss and countless nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12th with funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m., both at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Stella Link Road in Houston with reception following. Rite of Committal will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 14th at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hallettsville. Donations in her name may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Houston or Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville.