Marelle May Obituary
Marelle Bodin May, 81, of Atascocita, Texas passed away on July 8, 2014, at her home after a short and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on January 24, 1933 in Ashton, St Mary's Parish, Louisiana to parents Dolze Victor Bodin and Beatrice Edmonds Bodin.
Marelle was a graduate of Jeff Davis High School in Houston, Texas where she participated in many activities, including the National Honor Society, Order of Rainbow for Girls, Eastern Star, JROTC, and Student Council. In 1951, she graduated Salutatorian of her Senior Class, and received full Scholarships to Baylor, St Thomas University, Mary Harden Baylor and Southwestern College.
She used this same drive and determination with her career at Humble Oil and Refinery. Starting as a typist, she was promoted numerous times. After working for more than 40 years, she retired from Exxon as a Well Permitting Coordinator and remained a loyal and dedicated retiree.
Marelle was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was passionate about her children, grand-children, and their related activities. She loved travelling, "antiquing", and working in her yard. She loved sports, be it her boys and grandsons or college sports. She was a die-hard UT fan! Marelle also had a passion for books and reading. She volunteered countless hours at the Atascocita Library. Marelle was a staunch Republican and she loved to watch the news. She was quick to share her knowledge of what she had learned to anyone willing to listen, and we all loved her for that. She gave us a lot of laughs.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dolze Victor Bodin and Beatrice Edmonds Bodin; brother, Dewy Victor Bodin; and son, Kelly Clay May. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Dwayne Edward May and Rebecca; Johnelle May Zarutskie and Paul, Craig B May, John George May, III and Holli. Seven grandchildren: Kelly Clayton May, Taryn Christine May, Alexander John Zarutskie, Emily Elizabeth May, Cameron Edward May, Logan Elizabeth May, and Katarina Elle Zarutskie. great granddaughter, Madelyn Grace; and brother, Ray Lavon Bodin, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Pallbearers: Kelly May, Cameron May, Alexander Zarutskie, Gentry Scott, Matt Wisenbaker, Tom Schneider.
Services were held on Friday, July 11, 2014 at Kingwood Funeral Home. Interment was at Brookside Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, Marelle would like donations to be made to the American Cancer Society and/or Leukemia Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bonnie Tittle
September 9, 2025
I have searched for this lady for several years to no avail. I wish I had found her before she passed away. We were sisters-in-law. I thought the world of her. I doubt any of her children will know who I am. It's been so many years since I have seen any of them. I loved the entire family. So sorry we lost touch.
Danna Tullos
July 25, 2014
Wonderful Lady, Will always remember her kindness and her wonderful family.
Jo Ann Ward
July 10, 2014
Dwayne & Family, our condolences on the loss of your dear mother. Johnny & Jo Ann Wars
July 10, 2014
Dwayne, Rebecca and family. I knew your mom for a short time and loved every minute of her company. I think we did a couple of Christmas parties and at least one baby shower. Very pleasant lady . Happy to have met her... love to you.
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July 10, 2014
What do you say at a time like this. I'm sitting here thinking of all of our get togethers and the fun times we had at Mimi and Papa's so many years ago. My how time fly's. I'm so glad we were in touch over the last few years. You left me with great memories. We are never ready to let our loved ones go. May God be with all of you during this difficult time.
Love Dolly Iselt
Tim, Tammy, Noah, Jacob, and Seth (Josh) Edmonds
July 10, 2014
Mrs. May was also the first person to welcome us to the neighborhood eight years ago. We will miss all her wonderful advice on keeping our plants alive. She had such a green thumb I use to tease her about some flowers she threw away that still bloomed in the trash can. Election day will not be the same without her here to discuss who won or lost or as I should say who we thought should have won and lost. You could not ask for a better neighbor or friend. We will miss you dearly.
July 10, 2014
Marelle, I am so honored to have met you at Paul and Johnelles house and seeing your smiling face many years ago. You were a great mother and grandmother to my dearest friends. My thoughts and prayer to the family.
Mandy Ferguson (Greenville SC)
July 10, 2014
Marelle May,
“Our life is like a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away”, James 4:14. It has been a great blessing to have been your next door neighbors for over the past 22 years. We have weathered through several hurricanes, storms, fallen trees, and many changes in our neighborhood. We have seen many come and go in our neighborhood but it was a comfort to our family to know you were here looking out for us. We will miss seeing you working in your yard. You definitely had a green thumb for sure. Everything you touched was so beautiful and you had the prettiest yard on the block if not the neighborhood. In the past several months during your illness, we have seen your family there to comfort you and aide you. You were truly loved by your family. We are deeply going to miss you and it has been such an honor knowing you. Marelle thanks for being a great neighbor. Love, Billy and Jackie Lovell
Marc Johnson
July 10, 2014
So sorry to hear of Ms.May's passing. She was a sweet lady and always made me feel welcome in her home. Our thoughts and prayers to her family.
July 10, 2014
Marelle was one "pretty woman". It is hard for me to use the past tense "was". She was my friend and secret pal--she and I had some fun times on her trips to New Orleans. Marelle and her youngest son visited one Mardi Gras with my husband, Frank, and I. Marelle always spoke of her family and her boys and daughter and how much she loved them. She would mention how proud she was of them all; how she liked to hunt with the boys. How much I admired Marelle. One minute she could have hunted; and the next moment, she was getting all "dolled" to go out on the town.
She seemed to make everything easy. Marelle was interesting to talk with; and she always gave you her honest opinion. I will miss her laugh too.
To say Marelle is unforgettable would be an understatement. Marelle will be remembered and always in my prayers.
Rena and Frank Conley, 13294 Old Dutchtown Avenue, Gonzales, La.70737
Kathy Raymer
July 9, 2014
Marelle, I miss our many hours of conversations on political topics, ExxonMobil and life as we know it. You brought me lots of knowledge, support and joy. You will forever be in my heart!
Robin Alvarez
July 9, 2014
Marelle, I remember meeting you when Cameron was to be born. His baby shower. I hooked up with you cause you were so much fun. God bless you and you family. I lost my son 3 yrs ago to a heart problem that we didn't even know about and he left us his son to raise. God works in crazy ways. Glad I got to meet you. You sure left a special family behind.
July 9, 2014
Dear Ms. May, I miss you so very much. You were like a second mother to me and was the first to welcome me when I moved in across the street from you. You truly blessed my life and it was my great pleasure to have know you. God has a new and gracious angel now and I hope to someday see you again. My heart felt prayers go out to the family and I pray that Almighty God will give you peace in this time of grief.
Katarina Zarutskie
July 9, 2014
Nana,
I miss you so much and I don't know how I will get through my weeks without calling and talking to you about life. You are such a strong and brave person. I look up to you as my mentor. You taught me how to be a strong and independent young woman and I will be forever greatful for you. I am so glad we got to spend time together before you left this world to go home and be in peace. I will never be able to make your fudge, gumbo or biscuits as well as you did but I will try :). Nana thank you so much for always supporting me and telling me to follow my heart. I don't think I have ever told you but every photoshoot or ballet performance I do, I always think of you. I think of your wise words and great hugs
Love your granddaughter,
Katarina
Gwen Wiley
July 9, 2014
Dear Ms. May, I miss you so very much. You were like a second mother to me and was the first to welcome me when I moved in across the street from you. You truly blessed my life and it was my great pleasure to have know you. God has a new and gracious angel now and I hope to someday see you again. My heart felt prayers go out to the family and I pray that Almighty God will give you peace in this time of grief.
Chavana Family
July 9, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. God Bless you all she will be dearly missed. Love you all!
Priscilla Johnson
July 9, 2014
My dear Marelle, I miss you so much already but when we last talked you said you were tired and "ready to go home." I am happy that you are now home and out of pain. Football season will be very lonely this year without you. Gosh, remember Friday nights at Turner Stadium watching the boys play? So glad our paths crossed in this life. Love you
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22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339
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