Mary Alene Staples Kolb

MAY 2, 1931- NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Mary was born May 2, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas to Melville Wright Staples and Ruby Poppell Staples. She departed this life on November 13, 2014 to be with those who have gone on before her and to wait for those who follow. She made the world a better place for 83 years.

Mary grew up in San Antonio and attended local schools. The family moved to Hawaii when her dad was stationed at Hickam Field, near Pearl Harbor and witnessed the attack December 7, 1941. Children, grandchildren and friends alike loved to hear Mary share the history of that infamous day. The family eventually returned to San Antonio where Mary graduated from Hot Wells High School and went on to attend Durham Business College.

It was at St. Paul's Lutheran Church that she met the love of her life, Robert H. Kolb, whom she wed in August 1952. They made their home in San Antonio. Mary was a loving wife and mother. They had four wonderful children and lived a very blessed and amazing life together for 62 blessed years.

Mary was a much loved and respected member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She was very active in the church; teaching Sunday School, serving as the Superintendent of Sunday School, assisting with the Child Care program and Thrift Store activities. Mary was also very instrumental in the St. Paul's Parent Teacher League throughout the years of St. Paul's Parochial School. Mary held many other volunteer and official positions as needed

Mary was active in the American with Disabilities organization. She worked tirelessly to ensure that all business were accessible to those with limited mobility. Mary was never one to give up on a challenge. Through multiple physical challenges she had immeasurable success in. She will be remembered as always having a loving word, a warm hug, and a beautiful smile.

Mary is survived by her husband of over 62 years, Robert H. Kolb; children, Kathy Shorter, Karen Birt, Karolyn Martinez, and husband Ricardo; and son, Robert A. Kolb and wife, Dena; grandchildren, Nichole Shorter, Kristin Shorter, Jared Shorter, Bradley Birt and wife Kelly, Brittany Sylvia and husband Phillip, Lisa Price and husband Jason, Kallie Martinez, Carlo Martinez, Keeley Cline, Jacob Kolb and Conner Kolb; great grandchildren, Angela Shorter-Kinney, Emerson Sanchez, Vaughn Sanchez, Brady Birt, Kensington Sylvia, Andrew Sylvia, Katelyn Price and Ryan Price. Her life is also celebrated by beloved brother, John "Jack" Staples and wife Winnie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She will be missed by all who had the privilege of calling her "Friend".

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 16, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Porter Loring on McCullough.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

MONDAY-NOVEMBER 17, 2014

10:00 A.M.

ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH

2302 S. PRESA

Pastor Carlos Boerger officiating. A graveside service will be at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

If you desire, memorial contributions may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, St. Jude's Hospital, or St. Paul's Lutheran Church; three organizations close to Mary's heart.

You are invited to sign

The guestbook at

www.porterloring.com

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8.