Marion Collette Kuemmel

Collette was born on September 19, 1937, in Corpus Christi, Texas to Fred and Velma (Lackey) Ashley. She spent many summers in Luling, Texas with her extended family, the “Lackey girls” as they are lovingly referred to. Collette eventually moved to Austin and made a name for herself in real estate. Many came to know and love her as the benevolent landlord of Highland Square Apartments. She will be remembered as a hard-working, independent, classy, sassy lady who loved her family and her dogs.

Collette is survived by her son Bruce Phillip Kuemmel Jr’s three children; Sara Hildebrandt and husband Jake of Leonard, Texas; Robin Kuemmel and partner Daggar Hefter of Austin, Texas; and Phillip Kuemmel III of Austin, Texas. She was blessed with four great-grandchildren Andrew Gentile, Kinsley Hildebrandt, Brooklyn Hildebrandt, and Lawson Hildebrandt. She is also survived by her cousin Gloria Quinn of Luling, Texas, as well as many other descendants of the Lackey ladies.

Collette is preceded in death by her father Fred Ashley and her mother Velma (Lackey) Ashley.

Colette’s family invites you to join them in celebrating a life well lived on August 17th at 11 am at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752.

We invite contributions to Austin Pets Alive, in lieu of flowers, honoring Collette’s legacy and her love for animals. https://www.austinpetsalive.org/donate