Louise "Rochelle" Bridges

Louise Rochelle Bridges, affectionately known as Rochelle to her loved ones, was called to her eternal home on February 8, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on March 4, 1941, in Alice, Texas, to Mannan Mack and Daphne Louise Mayer Zoller. Rochelle was a beacon of faith and love throughout her life. Her final days were spent in Austin, Texas, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends.

Rochelle, as a child, moved around with her family as her father worked in the south Texas oil fields. As the eldest child of five, she watched over her brothers, the late Richard Zoller, Robert Zoller, now married to Debbie, Michael Zoller, and her sister the late Janice Hamner. At the age of 10 she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. In her teenage years she picked cotton and worked as a nurse's aide in the local hospital. The values of faith, family, and education were important to her, guiding her to pursue pre-med studies at the University of Texas, so she could be a medical missionary.

Through the International Student Ministry, she met the love of her life, the late Lt Col James Bridges (USAF Ret.), through their 59 years of marriage she followed where his career took them, always finding a church to join and to teach Sunday School, even when overseas in Japan, Okinawa, and Germany. She held the fort down during his three tours to combat zones and caring for their four children. She was a Boy Scout Den mother, a Girl Scout leader and Girl Scout Coordinator for Holloman, AFB. She was active in the school PTAs, as well as her son's sports programs. She also volunteered as the substitute school nurse. She loved seeing her children grow and marry: James and his wife, Danna, Shelley and her husband, Major John Augustin (USAF Ret.), Paul and his wife, Robin, and John (Esquire) and his, wife, Asha. Rochelle's joy grew with the addition of beloved grandchildren, Sarah Bridges, Joseph Augustin, Julie and her husband, Andrew Schwartz, Keren Augustin, Jacob Bridges, Andrew Augustin, and Elijah Bridges, and her great-grandsons, Jonah Bridges and Robin Schwartz. Each of them a cherished blessing.

For 21 years, Rochelle served with the U.S. Government at the IRS. Her professional life was marked by a commitment to excellence and service, qualities that she carried into all aspects of her life.

A devout Christian, Rochelle's faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She lived her beliefs through active participation in ministry, sharing the love of Christ with everyone she met. She was active in the Woodlawn Baptist Church choir, Sunday School, Billy Graham Call Center, Austin Soup Kitchen, and Marbridge Ranch. She cared for her late mother who lived with her for fourteen years. After retiring Rochelle and her husband traveled the globe, but her most cherished destination was always the heart of her family.

Rochelle's life was a living example of the Biblical verse, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Her intelligence, love, and faith-filled life were the threads that wove the fabric of her being.

As we celebrate Rochelle's life, we hold onto the memories and values she instilled in us. Her spirit continues to guide us, and her memory will forever be a source of comfort and strength. Though she has left this earthly realm, Rochelle's legacy endures in the lives she touched and the immense love she shared.

We take solace in the knowledge that Rochelle is now singing with the angels, reunited with her beloved husband and family members who have gone before her. Her journey on earth may have ended, but her story lives on in the hearts of those she loved and the lives she influenced. Rochelle will be dearly missed, but her light will never fade.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Harrell Funeral Home of Austin.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Woodlawn Baptist Church. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday at the Moffat Cemetery in Temple, Texas.