KOTRLA
Myrtle A . Kotrla, of Columbus, passed away Sept. 17 in Columbus. She was born Sept. 9, 1922 to Arnold and Teckla Kansteiner in Mentz, the oldest of three daughters.
She helped on her parent’s farm, worked as a waitress and enjoyed sewing and learning to quilt from her mother.
Myrtle married Alfred Kotrla, Sr. Oct. 14, 1941. They lived in Corpus Christi until war broke out and Alfred was drafted into the United States Army. During that time, she returned to her parent’s farm. When Alfred returned home, they moved to Rock Island, and then about 1950 they moved to Columbus.
Myrtle was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. She was also a member of St. Anthony Altar Society, serving as an officer and on other committees, a member of the Catholic Daughters for over 25 years and the Legion of Mary. She was nominated for the Outstanding Older Texan Award and Volunteer of the Year in Colorado County.
Myrtle worked in the public school cafeteria several years before the priest asked her to start up and manage the Catholic School cafeteria. This was a great challenge for her, since she had no business experience. With no internet in the 1950s, Myrtle hunted down pots, pans, plates, flatware, and cooking utensils, found a source for government supplies and where to get commodities. Every Saturday she planned her menus for the next week.
She used the flour to make hamburger buns, rolls, etc. When students, who are now adults, would see Myrtle, they would tell her, “Mrs. Kotrla I still remember your rolls.” She continued to work in the cafeteria for many years with only one other lady to help her.
She was a member of The American Legion Auxiliary No. 383 and held the office of president for 10 years. She was also a member of the TNT quilters; worked bingo for nursing home residents and made quilted lap robes, bibs, and wheelchair bags. They also made quilts for auction for Columbus Fire Department and St. Anthony Catholic Church. She enjoyed quilting and made many beautiful quilts. She continued to quilt until about age 92.
She is survived by her oldest son, Alfred Kotrla, Jr. and his wife Betty; her daughter, Shirley Matthews, and youngest son Jimmie Kotrla and his wife Donna. Myrtle was blessed with seven grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren, and three greatgreat grandsons.
Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Teckla Kansteiner, husband Alfred Kotrla, Sr. and her sisters Gladys Holen and Dorothy George.
Serving as pallbearers were Steve Kotrla, Mark Kotrola, Cody Kotrla, Caden Kotrla, Bob Kotrla and Paul Weber.
Visitation was Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Henneke Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Parish prayer service and Catholic Daughter rosary began at 7 p.m. Funeral service was Thursday, Sept.19 at 2 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home, with burial following at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St. Anthony Catholic Church, P.O. Box 669, Columbus, Texas 78934 or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be given to the family at www.hennekefuneralhome.com