Loretta Beth Meckel nee Haverlah was born to Bennie W. Haverlah and Lola Boeckman Haverlah on October 15, 1936 in Stockdale, Wilson County, Texas. Loretta went to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on April 17, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. Loretta lived at Vista Village Retirement Center in New Braunfels from 2014 thru April 2020. Many heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and owners of Vista Village who took care of my dear Mom and made her years there happy. Loretta was proceeded in death by her husband, Lawrence A. Meckel; her parents, and sister Bennie Lou Hilbert. Loretta is survived by her daughter, Kirsten Winkler Dietert and fiancé Carlton Niemeyer; her beloved grandchildren Brooks Meyer and Meagan Dietert and several nieces and nephews whom she adored. She received a teaching degree from Southwest Texas State Teachers College (Now Texas State) in San Marcos. She passed down her proper pronunciation and spelling of the English language to me and as many of you can attest – she taught ME well! She met and married Klaus Winkler in 1968 in Tulsa, OK. After their daughter Kirsten was born, she was a fulltime dedicated housewife and mom. Years later she married Lawrence (L.A.) Meckel in New Braunfels and assisted him in his home building business. She was the best cook and could make something out of nothing! Fishing, camping, sausage making, and holiday get togethers with family were great memories of hers. She made every birthday and holiday meaningful and special. Mom touched everyone’s life through her kind, gentle and caring spirit. She loved music and sang in a band in her younger years – Multiple Sclerosis took many things from her, including most of her eyesight and ability to walk but music was always her comfort and she enjoyed the entertainers that came to sing at Vista Village immensely. Arrangements are through Zoeller Funeral home. A private graveside service will be held at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Cemetery on April 23, 2020. In lieu of flowers please give to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: nationalmssociety.org or your favorite charity on her behalf.
