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Mary Anita Vasbinder Champagne went to our Lord on Sunday, October 25, 2015, at 94 years of age. Anita was born on April 6, 1921, in the community of Boldtville, southeast of San Antonio, Texas, to Murray McGee Vasbinder and Helen Hickory Blandford Vasbinder. Anita attended Boldtville School for nine years and was involved in 4-H, track, softball, and volleyball. She graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1939. From high school she enrolled in Dimoline Secretarial School and continued to help at the family farm, sharpening homemaking skills she would need in the future. Anita met the love of her life at Hill Top Dance Hall on a Saturday night in December of 1941. His name was Joseph Henry Champagne. They danced the night away and were married at San Jose Mission on May 28, 1942. Anita and Henry had six children: Yvette, Conny, Joe, Roxye, Dawn, and Brooks. Having these children encouraged Anita to be involved in the Home Demonstration Club, 4-H clubs, the PTA, and many other activities regarding her childrens' schools. As Anita's and her husband's religious lives strengthened, Anita played active roles in both the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus and the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Jerome's Catholic Church where her husband was a Deacon. Being a talented seamstress, she made her husband's vestments, decorated altar cloths, and made baptismal bibs for infants. Anita sewed almost everything she wore, sometimes in an afternoon to wear at an occasion that night! For many years as her four daughters lived under her roof, Anita sewed almost all of her daughters' clothing, including prom dresses and wedding gowns. About ten years ago, she asked God to promise her that she would live long enough to create a hand-sewn quilt for each of her six children, made from the scraps from the clothing she had sewn for each child. A little over two years ago, she reached her goal. These quilts are testimony to the life she lived and will serve as reminders, to all, of her talent, thriftiness, determination, and love. Throughout the years, Anita was known for her fried chicken, her special Thanksgiving dressing, and mouth-watering cinnamon rolls! She rarely missed her beloved bunco night, playing in the same club for nearly 50 years, loving to win and loving her club members as well. A dream was fulfilled for Anita in the late 1990's when she and her beloved husband built their final home under "The Oak Tree" toward the back of their 23-acre farm. There she created her vibrant, English garden, complete with eighty-four rose bushes, many she called by name! Her flowers and roses were her pride and joy! Anita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brothers: James, Jack, Billy, and W.C. Vasbinder; and beloved daughter-in-law, Marilyn Pattison Champagne. She is survived by her children: Yvette Crumbliss Jim, Conny Pfeifer Don, Joe Champagne fiancé Nancy, Roxye Spencer Gerald, Dawn Camp Marc, Brooks Champagne Cindy; grandchildren include Stevie Crumbliss, Lance Crumbliss, Dana Crumbliss, Ross Pfeifer, Rob Pfeifer, Holly Kelberlau, Jennifer Moses, Chad Spencer, Josh Spencer, Jacob Spencer, Cody Camp, Carly Tanner, Christopher Champagne, and Michaela Cantu; 25 great-grandchildren with another due in February; and one great-great-grandson. The family wants to express our most sincere appreciation to three earthly angels who enriched Mother's life over the last two years. Becky, Helen, and Gabby, we are forever grateful for your loving attention to our mother's every need. Also, thanks so much to Cruz, mother's faithful and hard working gardener who kept her precious flowers and yard so beautiful. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2015, from 5 to 9 pm with a 7:00 rosary at Dellcrest Funeral Home. Funeral services will continue Thursday, October 29, 2015, at St. Jerome's Catholic Church at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Cover Cemetery.

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Mary Anita Champagne

April 6, 1921 - October 25, 2015