Merleen Knebel Stolle

Eunice Merleen Rice, lovingly known as Merleen, passed away on May 29, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Maxwell, Texas, on April 22, 1938, to Homer Carl Rice Sr. and Eunice Rice. Merleen brought light, laughter, and a touch of sass to everyone lucky enough to know her.

At the age of two, she moved with her family to Smithville, Texas, where her father began work as section foreman for the KATY railroad. Growing up in a lively home with four siblings—Homer Carl Jr., Marjorie, Lonnie, and Norma Jean. Merleen embraced small-town life. She proudly graduated from Smithville High School in 1957, where she was a cheerleader and a shining spirit.

In 1961, Merleen married Danny Knebel and made their home in Angleton, Texas. The following year, her pride and joy arrived—her son Ken. Merleen balanced motherhood and a 28-year career as a school food service manager, beginning in 1968. She was known not just for keeping kids fed, but for keeping them smiling.

After Danny’s passing in 1996, Merleen returned to her beloved Smithville, where she worked at the local bank and later at All Faiths Funeral Home. Retirement didn’t slow her down—it brought a beautiful surprise. She reconnected with Erwin Stolle, a high school sweetheart she hadn’t seen in 55 years. They rekindled their romance and were married in 2013. Merleen then moved to Austin, where they spent their golden years dancing the Polka, dining at Matt’s El Rancho, and soaking up every moment with family.

Merleen is survived by her loving husband of 12 years, Erwin Charles Stolle; her devoted son Ken Karl Knebel, who made her life complete; and her cherished daughter-in-law Lisa Polk Knebel, who became her close companion and provided her with loving support in recent years.

She also leaves behind three grandchildren and their spouses—Lucy and Marc Leas, Braden and Kathleen Knebel, and Nathan Knebel and Cynthia De La Pena—who were the absolute light of her life. She played a big role in raising them, and loved every minute of it. Her seven great-grandchildren—Kaity and her wife Joy, Kyndall, Wade, Charlie, Colten, Ellie, Evangelyna, and Maren—were her treasures, each one holding a special place in her heart.

Her four Step daughters and their husbands whom made her feel so welcomed into the Stolle family—Jackie and Doug Wilkins, Jeanine and Pat Garrett, Joanna and Andy Robbins, and Judy and Mike Lehnhardt.

Merleen was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Eunice Rice; her brothers Lonnie Lee Rice and Homer Carl Rice Jr.; her sisters Marjorie Duran and Norma Jean Flemming, and grandson-in-law Johnny Mullins.

Merleen lived a life full of love, laughter, and dance. She made friends wherever she went, could light up any room with her humor, and never missed a good polka dance. She’ll be deeply missed but joyfully remembered.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Marrs Jones Funeral Home.

The Service will be on Thursday, June 5, 2025 - the place of service is currently pending.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Smithville, Texas.