Margie H. Kohutek

Margie Ruth Hunter peacefully entered the eternal and the boundless love of our creator on March 7th, 2026. She was surrounded by her devoted daughters, Pam and Nancy. Margie was born on August 25th, 1925 in Thornton, Texas, a very small community in central Texas. Her parents, Lem and Donnie Hunter placed her in the top drawer of a bedroom chest because they had no crib. Perhaps this was the perfect prologue to the astounding resiliency that she demonstrated throughout her life. She attended a one room school house located several miles from her home, often walking, or riding a horse to and from. She always credited her paternal grandmother, Hattie, for having a strong hand and crucial role in raising her. Hattie ran her own farm all alone with seven children in tow, and often Margie, who absolutely worshiped her. After Margie graduated from Carizo Springs High School she worked for Western Union in Laredo, Texas. She spent the duration of World War II sending and receiving telegrams primarily to and from boys overseas. She had many sad recalls about daily telegrams advising families of their son's deaths, some of whom Margie recognized. Shortly after the end of the war, in Laredo, she met a returning sailor, Robert I. Grimes Jr., who had been a radioman who served on the USS Enterprise in the Pacific Theater. He was approximately 245 knots out of Honolulu on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. The Enterprise was delayed re-entry in to the harbor due to weather. Shortly after they were introduced some of their select friends challenged them to a "dance off" and, the rest was history. And, of course, they both claimed victory. They were married in Alice, Texas, March, 13th, 1948. She and "Bob" were very social and had many friends in Alice. A close friend declared her to be named "Starlight" because she burned bright with a brilliant and ebullient personality. The name has stuck with her all of her life, and most people know her as just "starlight". She and Bob eventually had 3 children, Robert, Pamela, and Nancy. They lived for a short time in Mobile, Alabama where Bob was a station manager for WGOK radio. They eventually moved back to Texas, arriving in Houston around 1964. When their children were in high school, Margie wanted to return to work. She worked for many years in banking, managing the Safety Deposit Box department for Poast Oak Bank. She was cherished by many prominent Houstonians who frequented their belongings, and who told her all of their valued secrets. She just made people that comfortable. Husband, Robert, died in 1975. A heartbroken Margie grieved deeply for a long time, but remarried an old friend, Hank Kohutek 10 years later. After dedicating herself to helping raise Hank's young son, Joe, she and Hank bought 10 acres in Madisonville, Texas where she lived out her dream of creating an herb farm. This allowed her to return to her most desired roots of being just a "farm girl". Hank died in 1999. Margie subsequently spent many years living at Canyon Lake, Texas. She enjoyed painting, gardening, cooking, a good glass of wine...or two...or maybe even three. She had a way of scouting out any good party happening within a 100 mile radius. She was a strong willed, fun, kind, compassionate, and a loving force in this life. She lived to the fullest and was always the brightest star in any room. She treated her children's friends as her very own, often declaring, "I love all you people!" She adored and was a devoted great-grand mother. Her great-grandchildren were her lasting treasure. She knew no strangers, accepted everyone unconditionally, and was gifted with a hearty laugh and the ability to laugh at herself. She is preceded in death by husbands, Robert I. Grimes Jr., Henry "Hank" Kohutek, granddaughter Sally Grimes McClain, and stepson, Tom Kohutek (Mary K.). She is survived by son Robert L. Grimes, daughters Pamela Grimes, Nancy Grimes Marfin (Randy), step-son Joe Kohutek (Beth), and adopted daughter Valerie Nelson (Neal). Surviving grandchildren Melissa Marfin English (Jonathan), Jarrod Marfin. Step-grandchildren Mark Kohutek (Jamie), Jennifer Kohutek Dirks (Nathan), and Brian Kohutek (Jennifer). She is also survived by five Great-grandchildren and five Step-great grandchildren. She collected friends and was loved by a multitude of people. They all have a good "Starlight story" that will be told a thousand times in the coming years which will always sustain her brilliant soul. Pam and Nancy would like to say a grand Thank You to the staff of The Philomena, her assisted living home in Kyle, Texas. For years they took impeccable care of her and will always remain in our grateful hearts.

Visitation will be held at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd, KATY, TX 77494, US, on March 16, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location on March 16, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on March 16, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.