Stella Dechert Eickenloff, age 91, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2008 at the Live Oak Nursing Home after an eight year battle with cancer. She was born October 8, 1917 to John and Frieda Dechert who were long time farmers and ranchers in Kendall County. Stella married Arthur Eickenloff on October 6, 1937. She was preceded in death by Arthur on September 8, 2008.

Stella was a person who had many talents and there was nothing she couldn’t do. She spent almost 71 years with Arthur helping him run a large ranch most of their years. She was the “Boss.” Stella had many interests. She loved to cook, work in the garden, paint, do for others, and to be around family and friends.

She grew up cooking for ranch hands and later for family and friends. She especially enjoyed holidays with all her family present. She was a lifetime member of the Blanco Methodist Church and a member of the Yucca Garden Club for many years. She loved to work in the garden and flower beds. Her vegetables and flower arrangements were enjoyed by many. She started painting when she was 50 years old. Her grandest artistic accomplishment adorns a long wall in the Gem of the Hills Community Center in Blanco. She loved nature and anything outside. She spent many hours helping Arthur with the ranch work. She will be dearly missed by all her loving family and many friends.

Stella is survived by daughter Jeanie Weir and husband Tommy of Deer Park, Texas; Sons Jimmy Eickenloff and wife Shirley of San Antonio, Texas; Ricky Eickenloff and wife Pam of Blanco, Texas. Five grandchildren: Dusty Eickenloff of Blanco, TX; Rhett Eickenloff and wife Jessica of Arlington, TX; Joel Weir of Friendswood; Leslie Holland and husband Scott of Deer Park, TX; Brent Eickenloff of Phoenix, AZ. Six great grandchildren; Grant Eickenloff, Scotty Holland, Kristin Holland, Brandon Weir and Carson and Cooper Eickenloff and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation was held Sunday, October 19 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Services were held on Monday, October 20 at Crofts Funeral Home in Blanco at 2:00pm. The burial followed at the Beck-Kuebel Cemetery in Lindendale.