Inge S. Vargas

Inge S. Vargas, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by her loving family. Inge was born to Elisabeth and Johann Stabel, in Offenheim, W. Germany. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness, big hugs, and enduring love.

In Germany, Inge met and fell in love with her husband Frank Vargas when he was stationed there as a young airman. Once they had daughter Judit, she dedicated her life to nurturing her family, while tending to her parent’s needs too, creating a home filled with love, laughter, a kitchen full of food to share, and countless cherished memories in the various places they were stationed throughout Germany. They eventually landed permanently in the great state of Texas where later in life, her two wonderful grandchildren Elisabeth and Parker were born. She spent the last 24 years in New Braunfels, Texas, the perfect community for a German American lady like Inge!

Inge ventured into the workforce to support her family after raising her daughter into her early teens. She worked as a BX salesclerk and then a night commissary stock assistant so she could still be home for her daughter during the days. Later in life she provided childcare to families; some adopted her as their grandmother, maintaining lifelong ties. Her heart was big and loving, especially when she selflessly assumed the role of caregiver to both of her parents offering them her unwavering love and devotion when they needed her most.

She was hardworking but also knew how to enjoy life. She loved to spend time with friends and family, sharing her “Omi Kartoffeln” (her special potatoes), drinking a cold German beer, and listening and dancing to German oom-pah music (often playing a bit too loudly in the background). She loved tending to her garden in the warm Texas weather, loved experimenting with new recipes (although using wheat flour for “healthier” cakes didn’t work out), and loved crocheting and knitting all sorts of things that still live on in our homes today.

As a devoted mother and doting grandmother, known as “Omi”, Inge instilled in her family the values of love, integrity, perseverance, and hard work to attain life goals. She adored her grandkids, and the family pets too, and spoiled them all when taking care of them for short periods when Judit needed the extra help. She would offer plenty of cuddle time, cook their favorite meals (Goulash always ranked high), give plenty of treats, and take them on long daily walks. Her support was a huge help to her family!

Inge grew up in a close-knit German family which created a life-long bond with her two sisters Wilma and Elke who reside in the U.S. now. They were her confidantes, and they frequently found support and guidance in each other over the years. Inge was always thrilled when opportunities arose that allowed them, along with other visiting German family, to come together at special gatherings. She loved all her family!

Inge was a remarkable person with a vibrant spirit that touched the lives of all who knew her. She had a distinct German accent with a beautiful smile, often accentuated with her favorite red lipstick. Her compassionate nature extended beyond her immediate family, as she was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer advice to others. She often invited uplifting conversations, even with strangers when she ventured out to her favorite places. She was personable and had a remarkable ability to make people smile and feel special. These traits also made her a trusted friend to many. Her ability to listen and share had her talking regularly to some of her lifelong friends and family that lived afar for countless hours on the phone well into the night! She loved having local friends visit and always offered some special treat she had prepared or stored away. Her friendship was truly a gift.

She will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a legacy of love and the indelible mark of her wisdom and dedication.

Inge was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years, Frank A. Vargas; parents, Elisabeth and Johann Stabel. Inge is survived by daughter, Judit Green and son-in-law Carl; granddaughter, Elisabeth Gowen; grandson, Parker Green; sisters Wilma Zink with husband Fred, and Elke Griffey with husband Jack and their respective families, both in Germany and in the United States.++++++++++++++++

We invite you to join us in remembering and honoring the incredible life of Inge and to share fond memories or expressions of sympathy at www.PorterLoring.com for the family. May her soul find eternal peace and may her memory live long in our hearts.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE at Shelter #3Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery(1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio Texas)Monday, July 3, 20232:30p.m.—3:00p.m. CSTWe invite you to a shared meal at 4:00p.m.

Please wear something red in honor of Inge. Attire can be casual, appropriate for the hot weather conditions. If unable to join us, please celebrate Inge in a personal way of your choosing during her service or thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice dedicated to children or animals, causes close to her heart.