Kathleen Haverland Afflerbach

Kathleen (Haverland) Afflerbach, 92, of Ballinger passed away Monday, March 15, 2010 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

Kathleen was born April 21, 1917 in Rowena, Texas to Felix and Cecilia (Gerngross) Haverland. On December 26, 1939 she married Chester Afflerbach who preceded her in death in 1997. She was a lifelong resident of the Ballinger-Rowena area. Kathleen graduated from Hardin Simmons University with a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of the Cowgirls and Choral Club. She was a teacher in the Cross Roads, Olfen, and Ballinger School systems for 32 years. A caring and devoted teacher, she taught most of those years in first grade and is fondly remembered by hundreds of grateful students. She was a member of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church and served as an officer of the Altar Society.

She was an endearing and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose family came first. She will always be remembered for her patience, caring ways, and pleasant disposition.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Una Mae Haverland; husband, Chester; a sister, Lullein Nixon; and son, Charles.

Mrs. Afflerbach is survived by her daughters, Dina Stewart of Austin, Sharon Diana and husband, Matt, of Boerne, and Eileen Knight of Grapevine; grandchildren, Justin Afflerbach of La Vernia, Neal Afflerbach of San Marcos, and Parker Knight of Grapevine. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren, Alana and Autumn Afflerbach.

Rosary will be recited Friday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger with Rev. Hugh Wade officiating. Burial will follow in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or a favorite Catholic charity.