MARIE NEUHAUS

MRS. MARIE NEUHAUS Mrs. Marie Lee Matheny Neuhaus was called home to be with Our Lord on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at McAllen. Loved ones were at her side when she passed away. Mrs. Neuhaus could count among her paternal and maternal line ancestors families who settled at Colonial Virginia in the 1600's. Her paternal grandparents Exie and Frances White Matheny removed from Monroe County, Alabama and settled at Hidalgo County east of Edinburg, Texas near San Carlos in the early part of the 20th Century. Mrs. Neuhaus was born in the autumn of 1935 just east of San Carlos and was the youngest of 5 children born to Mr. Ubie B. Matheny, Sr. and his wife Mrs. Laura B. Baggett Matheny. Mrs. Neuhaus was a member of the Edinburg High School Class of 1954 and also attended Pan American College. On July 14, 1946, she was baptized at the La Blanca Baptist Church by Reverend W. Truett North. She lived and died a faithful Christian worker. Music was embedded in Mrs. Neuhaus' spirit and she was blessed with a beautiful trained voice. She studied under the direction of Mrs. Taylor and often sang on many early Rio Grande Valley live radio programs. While in high school she was a member of the Sergeanettes drill team. As a young married woman she was a champion bowler. Mrs. Neuhaus was an accomplished equestrienne and shared her love of horsemanship with many young people by teaching them how to ride. She trained many horses over the years and broke over a dozen wild mustangs she and her husband Vernon had adopted from Wyoming. She also loved dogs and took great care of her hunting dogs and tiny French poodles. For almost 15 years Mrs. Neuhaus was the manager of the San Alfonso Ranch north of Edinburg. There she managed the family cattle company and oversaw the production of a yearly grain crop. She was the gracious hostess for many fun hunting parties and barbecues there. Mrs. Neuhaus was a longtime member of the National Rifle Association and was a sure shot who was nationally ranked for some years. Her courageous nature led her to great success in live-bird shooting contests. She was a staunch patriot who understood the blessings of America. She had a deep, abiding love for all things Southern. The love of family has always been Mrs. Neuhaus' greatest joy. She was a devoted, attentive wife and a loving mother who shaped her life around her children and grandchild's activities. She greatly enjoyed the presence of children and taught Sunday School, was a longtime P.T.A. and Band Booster member, and also was a troop leader for many years of Brownies and Girl Scouts. Mrs. Neuhaus was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. She lit up the lives of her family and the many friends she had. She was a caring neighbor whose benevolence and good deeds of kindness are known to many, although she preferred to be a quiet philanthropist. She was ever ready at all times to help those in need. Mrs. Neuhaus was a charter member of Cimarron Country Club of Mission and the Tower Club of McAllen. She and her husband Vernon enjoyed traveling around the United States and especially loved their month at Australia. They often went bird hunting in Mexico and liked to hunt deer at various places, too. They also enjoyed all kinds of fishing. Mrs. Neuhaus was preceded in death by her father Mr. Ubie B. Matheny, Sr. in 1946, her mother Mrs. Laura Baggett Matheny in 1986, and her oldest brother Mr. Ubie B. Matheny, Jr. in 2006. Her husbands were Mr. William Clayton "Bill" Rabe (died 1968) and Mr. Vernon Frank Neuhaus, Jr. She leaves to mourn her passing her two daughters Mrs. Patricia Terry (John C.) and Mrs. Beverly Renner (Dean R.), both of McAllen and her beloved grandson Mr. Luke W. Terry and his fiancée Miss Kaitlyn Foster of College Station, Texas. She is also survived by her twin brother Mr. Marvin D. Matheny, Sr. of Kerrville and 2 sisters, Mrs. Eulene Coker of Corpus Christi, and Mrs. Opal Billman of Sharyland. A sister-in-law from Watauga, Texas, Mrs. Josie R. Matheny, also survives her, as well as nephews, nieces, cousins, and a large circle of friends. Mrs. Neuhaus was a woman of terrific energy and optimism who enjoyed making others happy, especially children. The good that she did in her life will remain in the world so will not be easily forgotten. As a faithful servant of God she helped many people when they needed it. Her life was an active effort for the good of others. A wake for Mrs. Neuhaus will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at Kreidler Funeral Home at 314 North 10th Street in McAllen from 4:30p.m. until 7:00p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donating to a charity of choice. The service of worship celebrating the life of Mrs. Neuhaus will be held on Wednesday morning, November 19, 2014 at 11:00a.m. at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen. The Reverend Bill Sutton will officiate. Mrs. Neuhaus will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery of Edinburg, Texas in the family plot. Kreidler Funeral Home of McAllen has been entrusted with all arrangements. kreidlerfuneralhome.com Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries