Frances Elizabeth Zoeller Blaha

Frances Elizabeth Zoeller Blaha passed away on June 30, 2013 at the age of 95. Frances was born in New Braunfels, Texas on July 3, 1917. She was one of four children of Elise Elbel, from Twin Sisters, and Otto Zoeller, from Boerne. The family moved to San Antonio in 1917. She had one brother, Jerome Zoeller and two sisters, Katherine LeFlore and Audrey Zoeller.

Frances attended school at Highland Park Elementary School, Edgar Alan Poe Junior School and Brackenridge High School. She graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1935. Frances grew up in a musical family. At an early age she studied the violin and played the violin through high school. She continued her music studies, playing the viola, at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan in the summer of 1935, the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, in the San Antonio Symphony, and at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. At the Interlochen Center for the Arts she was the first chair violist. Frances won several viola solo contests in Texas. She completed her degree in Music from the University of the Incarnate Word in 1939.

In 1940 Frances was married to Capt. Elmer C. Blaha, U.S. Army Artillery, at the Fort Sam Houston Chapel. Elmer flew in the Army Air Corps in WWII, and later retired as an Air Force Colonel in 1963. From 1941 to the 1960s, Frances was a devoted housewife, who always willingly volunteered to help and support her children. Frances taught orchestra in the San Antonio School District from 1968 to 1978; worked with the San Antonio Chamber Music Society; and with the Tuesday Musical Club. Frances also played the viola in a string quartet for weddings and receptions.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one grandson, two sisters, one brother and her parents. Frances is survived by her four children, William Blaha, John Blaha, Barbara Lindner and Robert Blaha; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Heart to Heart Hospice and the numerous care givers for their assistance with senior care work for Frances in recent years.

PROCESSION

MONDAY

JULY 8, 2013

9:15 A.M.

FROM PORTER LORING CHAPEL

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

TO FOLLOW

9:45 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.