On December 4th, the Matriarch of the Quentel family, having lovingly completed her journey here on earth, peacefully left us to tend the gardens in Heaven.
Ursula Margerite Siedel was born on December 7, 1928 and is the daughter of Eugene and Frieda Siedel. Raised in Germany, Ursula moved to the United States in 1955 as a young woman to escape war torn Europe. She married Wilhelm Frederick Quentel and over the next 60+ years Ursula lovingly devoted all her attention and time in raising her only child, her son Manfred. As Manfred grew and developed his own dreams, Ursula was always there, right beside him, ready to give whatever it took to ensure his ambitions and dreams were realized. Her selfless example of service and dedication to her son and her customers will never be forgotten. If Ursula was your friend, neighbor, mother or grandmother, you were treated to something special and we all believe we are better people for knowing her.
In life, while raising her family in Huffman, Texas, Ursula spent many years working in the horticultural business, eventually starting her own nursery. As you might imagine, she quickly became the local expert on what to plant and how to care for it, generously giving her time and advice to anyone that asked.
Ursula did quietly dream of being a grandmother, and her dream took flight in 2007 when Manfred married Daira Holloway. Finally, and sooner than later, Ursula would get her grandkids! Manfred and Daira went on to raise 4 children and Ursula's delight in becoming a grandmother was clear for all to see. She cherished the time with her grandkids and her son's extended family attending every school event, kids party, softball practice, game and holiday get together. No holiday or family event was complete without Ursula's generous gift of her attendance and her home cooked, secret recipes.
She never tired or complained and no family event or get-together was too much trouble for her to contribute and attend. She always brought something she made with love, making everyone feel like "their grandmother" was there.
Ursula is survived by her son Manfred Quentel and daughter-in-law Daira, grandchildren Darrell, Autumn, Hunter, Presley and great-grandchild Jaxson. She is preceded in death by her husband Wilhelm Quentel, and her sibling Horst Quentel.
Today we remember her love, the ways her eyes twinkled when she smiled, her devotion to her family, her holiday dishes and her jalapeno poppers. Here's a small toast to her favorite secret indulgence, a sip of Grand Mariner. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all that knew her.