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Melba Dell Miller Boldt, 84, passed from this world early Sunday morning. She was preceded in death by her husband Herbert G. Boldt. She is survived by three children, Richard, of Austin, and Cheryl and Robin, both of San Antonio. Melba was born in Birgminham, AL on May 25, 1923. Melba was the first born child of Dueale Hart Miller who married Alma Adelle Vollrath of Floresville while stationed at Fort Sam Houston. Eleven months later she was joined by a sister, Lillian, who was nick-named Sita and preceded Melba in death. The young family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where Dueale died in an industrial steel mill accident when Melba was age two and half. Alma attempted to survive in Birmingham but soon realized she needed her extended family in San Antonio. She did housework in hotels trying to support her family but was slain leaving Melba age 10 and Lillian orphans. An aunt and uncle gave them a home to share with their one son during the lean times of the depression. Melba has always been strong and independent, being known to catch the bus by herself to walk even further to get to go to church and Sunday school as young as eight years old. Melba love of the Lord and attending church never wavered. As the Depression worsened Melba had to drop out of school to earn a living even though she always loved to learn. Her most glamorous job was to promote a new beverage called Dr. Pepper, as Peggy Pepper in the new soft drinks sales campaign. A Dr. Pepper executive took her to Austin to meet some state officials. She recalled that when she met the Land Commissioner, he spoke: Peggy Pepper. I cant believe it, Peggy Pepper here in my office. Around that time she began attending Zion Lutheran Church on Cincinnati Avenue where she met the love of her life, Herbert Boldt. He was trained as a mechanic by his uncle the youngest in the group working at Kelly Field as a civilian supervisor, responsible for the unit output during World War II. The two married in 1942 and soon started their family with Richard Dueale in 1943 and Cheryl Anntoinette in 1946, with Robin Denise arriving a bit later in 1955. When the war ended Herbert built an auto garage at Fredericksburg and Huebner Road, adjacent to his blacksmith father, Richard W. Boldt. Melba worked as a bookkeeper, parts runner, PR representative for Boldts Garage as well being a home maker and involved in school, church and community activities. The couple worked in tandem until the corner property was sold in the mid-80s. They both had developed a passion for Texas Longhorn sports and traveled to many of the Longhorns sporting events. Unfortunately, Herbert passed on only a year into retirement but Melba kept living life to the fullest and enjoying her love of sports. Melba lived her life helping and caring for others. She adapted to living alone and further enjoying life to the fullest with a host of friends and traveling when possible. Melba loved to laugh, loved to tell stories and jokes, and was always available to lend a helping hand, an open heart, or a shoulder to lean on for countless loved ones. Melba loved life and loved all of the relationships in her large circle of endeared extended family. Melba had and lived a wonderful life. A celebration of Melba life will take place at Oxford United Methodist on Huebner Rd on Thursday, Dec. 6th. A fellowship will take place starting at 5:00 p.m. at the churchs DeKing Center, followed by a celebration memorial service at 7:00 p.m. in the churchs sanctuary. Melba requested, along with her family that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Oxford United Methodist building fund at 9655 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78240 or The Boldt Memorial Scholarship, c/o U of Texas Exes 2110 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX 78712.

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Melba D. Boldt

May 25, 1923 - December 2, 2007