Mareta Ruth McBride

Mareta Ruth (Reta) McBride died peacefully Thursday morning, April 19, 2012, in Bronte, Texas. She was born July 25, 1924 in Woodstock, Illinois, the second child of Arthur Lee and Martha Skrogstad Bennett. Reta grew up in Woodstock, graduated from Presbyterian School of Nursing in Chicago, and moved to Falfurrias, TX in 1947. Her plan was to be “an old maid, frontier nurse.” But she met Bill McBride, and he changed the “old maid” part of her plan.

Reta and Bill married in 1948 and set up housekeeping in Encino, TX. They had three children: Christine, Peter Lee, and Karen ‘Cele. Reta had her hands full being a rancher’s wife; raising three rowdy children; volunteering at the Brooks County Hospital; and organizing and/or participating in most of the preventive-health clinics held in Brooks County throughout her time in the area. She was a member of the Brooks County Hospital Auxiliary; and she volunteered with 4-H groups, particularly teaching young people the basics of sewing, and the Future Nurses/Health Careers Club, teaching the Candy Striper classes and monitoring that program. She taught nurse-aide classes and home health classes. She served on the Brooks County Hospital Board. Her passion for education led her to help found the Encino Charter School and to serve on its Board of Directors. Reta loved history and delighted in researching and sharing the history of the Encino area. She appreciated the service others gave to the community and was a staunch supporter of the Southern Brooks County Volunteer Fire Department.

When her children began high school, Reta started working full-time at Brooks County Hospital, doing floor duty and eventually becoming Director of Nurses. Upon retirement, she had more time to devote to her grandchildren, her ranch and cattle, birding, gardening, traveling, and more community service. She imbued her children with her strong sense of giving back to one’s community.

Reta found her spiritual home with the First Presbyterian Church in Falfurrias. She was an active member: singing in the choir; helping with Vacation Bible School for years; being an Elder of her church and serving on the Session; chairing various church committees; and being one of those who could be counted on to lend a hand whenever needed.

Growing up, Reta’s love of music was displayed by her membership in her school bands and orchestras. She and her two sisters sang for church, school, and community functions. In South Texas, she added her beautiful alto voice to the church choir, community choirs, and singing with her family. She passed that love of music to her children and grandchildren.

Reta received many honors and citations in her life, including being named “Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She touched the lives of many people in South Texas and had a large extended family: more than just her own children called her ‘Mom’ and she was ‘Grandma Reta’ and ‘Aunt Reta’ to so many. Whereas she will be greatly missed, her legacy will live on in all those she influenced, nurtured, and loved.

Reta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Joseph “Bill” McBride; brother, Douglas T. Bennett and sister, Marilyn B. Colton. She is survived by her son, Peter (Hortencia) McBride of Mission, TX; two daughters, Christine (Geoff) Morrison of Ellinger, TX and Karen McBride (Wendell Miller) of Blackwell, TX; one sister, Sherlie (Sherman) Vangsnes of Bandera, TX; five grandchildren, Catherine Sweeny, Eva Nix, Dennis McBride, Anna McBride and Bill Miller; five great-grandchildren, Sophia, Emmie and Isaac Sweeny, and Marshal and Presley Nix, three step-grandchildren and their 6 children, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams, 1208 S. St Mary’s Street in Falfurrias, Texas.

Funeral Service will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church, 104 S. Center Street in Falfurrias with Rev. Michael Doane officiating. Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Southern Brooks County Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 57, Encino, TX 78353 or the charity of your choice.

Please join us in honoring our loved one, Mareta McBride, by visiting our memorial website at www.funerariadelangelhwilliams.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams, your Dignity Memorial provider.