Funeral services for Flora Sophia Hibbler Merten, 97, of Bellville, were
held Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 3 p.m. from Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel in
Bellville with the Rev. Carl Williamson and the Rev. Steve Olsen
co-officiating. Interment was at the Oak Knoll Cemetery in Bellville.
Pallbearers serving were Lester Brast, Jr., Fred Landolt, Donald Merten, Ray
Merten, Lee Persky and Paul Vasquez. Honorary pallbearers were Leon Brast,
Jerry Dender, Leroy Grebe, Milton Machemehl, Marion Ruggles, Dwain Spaugh
and Woodrow Woehst.
Born in Peters, Texas, Flora was the daughter of John Hibbler and Mina
(Hacker) Hibbler. Flora was the oldest of five children. She grew up on the
family farm and attended the Peters schools. She moved to Houston to work in
a shirt factory.
On Jan. 16, 1934, Flora was united in marriage with Chester L. Merten and
made their home in Austin County.
Flora was cafeteria manager for many years at the O'Bryant Elementary
School. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Bellville, and a member
of the T.E.L. Sunday school class. She was also a member of the Austin
County Retired Teachers Association. Flora enjoyed gardening, flowers,
sewing, and making homemade candy, jellies, cakes and pies.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Flora Sophia Hibbler Merten passed way Thursday, May 24,2007 in Bellville.
She is survived by her son: Floyd Merten and wife Ann of Bellville,
grandchildren: Ray Merten, Donna Reyes and husband Hector, Lois Vasquez and
husband Paul, great-grandchildren: Kayla Vasquez, Ashley Vasquez and Matthew
Reyes, all of Bellville.
Flora was preceded in death by her husband: Chester Merten in 1979, son:
Roy, in 1952, her parents: John and Mina Hibbler, her brothers: Rudolph
Hibbler and Arnold Hibbler and her sisters: Agnes Brast and Minnie Hibbler.
In lieu of usual remembrances, friends who wish may make memorial gifts to
First Baptist Church, 504 E. Strauss St., Bellville, TX 77418.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapels in
Bellville.

Posted by Joy Neely