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LADEN Melba Allen Laden Wenzel passed away on April 14, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born in Titus County, Texas on April 13, 1924 to Thomas Allen and Viva Willson Allen. She grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Texas and married Charles Laden there on June 25, 1942. Melba and Charles settled into San Antonio after World War II. They established Laden Pools where she worked until she was 85 years old. Her enjoyment in knowing the customers is what kept her going to "the office" for so many years, and diminished her interest in a routine vacation or even retirement. Melba and Charles were also very committed to their church community at Riverside Baptist. When she wasn't working in the church nursery, she could often be seen cooking in the kitchen for an event. She had dear friends at Riverside, and it was a second home for the whole family. The Laden home often found groups of family and friends gathering there. Melba had the gift of hospitality and could always create a delicious meal for whoever showed up. She delighted in having her children and grandchildren gather at her table. After the death of her husband Charles, Melba had the privilege of spending her last twenty-five years married to Marlin Ray Wenzel. Ray was a loving husband and a dedicated caregiver in the last years of her life. Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Richard Laden; her parents, Thomas and Viva Allen; a brother, Earnest Allen; a sister, Nellie Sing; and many other family members and good friends. She is survived by her husband, Marlin Ray Wenzel; three children – Larry Laden and Stephanie of Austin, Texas, Rick Laden and Debbie of San Antonio, Texas and Fonda Laden Latham and Oden, of Tyler, Texas. Melba had five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. SERVICES Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 12:00pm at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Prentiss Ferrell officiating. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. Memorials can be made the American Diabetes Association. You may sign the on-line guestbook at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section. MISSION PARK NORTH 3401 CHERRY RIDGE SAN ANTONIO TX 78230 210 349-1414

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Melba Laden

April 13, 1924 - April 14, 2013