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BERNICE STOLTE 100 YEAR CELEBRATION AUGUST 17, 1924 – AUGUST 17, 2024 Born August 17, 1924, to Mike and Rose Richter in Sutherland Springs, TX, Bernice became the youngest of 4 children. Growing up on an approximately 100 acre spread she completed daily household and farming chores. In addition to attending school, she became quite the accomplished athlete who likely acquired her greatest reputation as an underhand fast pitch softball pitcher. That experience helped her develop the skills necessary to become a decorated bowler for many of her adult years. Her early adult years were spent mostly being mother to 8 children, Janice, Joyce, Billy, Doris, Gail, Mike, Clay, and Mary Beth. As a homemaker and mom there were endless meals to make, dishes and clothes to wash, and transportation to provide, along with many other needs. These responsibilities for such a large family were a full-time job demanding total effort and attention. She somehow managed to fit in art lessons, attend her bowling leagues, and keep up with her pet bird house. She then became a loving grandmother as her nest expanded when her 8 kids parented their families. She is survived by her children, Janice Lackey, Joyce Sanders and husband Stephen Farmer, Billy Sanders and wife Debbie, Doris Thomas, Gail Tondre and husband Nick, Mike Sanders and wife Ann Marie, Clay Stolte and wife Diane, and Mary Beth and Rose Montes. In her later adult years as granny to over 125, grand, great grand, and great-great grandchildren she filled the role of the family baker, gardener, and matriarch admirably. She became a skilled story teller using her own love language with each one of her extended family. She was also famous within the family for her ability to yodel or for singing her personal rendition of the Christian song “He could have called 10,000 Angels”. Bernice became known as “Aunt Bernice” to numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved like her own family. In addition, she was respected by many friends and acquaintances in her neighborhood who she loved to gather with for a meal or a visit over the years. Also, she volunteered at her favorite church as an office assistant for several years and made many friends there. Never bashful about sharing with others all of the lessons her 100 years brought, her legacy will be remembered indefinitely. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Alamo Funeral Chapels. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Alamo Funeral Chapels with the interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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Bernice Stolte

August 17, 1924 - May 10, 2025