Leona “Lee” Rothe, 101, of Bryan, passed away Saturday morning, October 22, 2011, at her residence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Monsignor John A. McCaffrey officiating. Entombment will follow at Msgr. Gleissner Mausoleum at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Bryan. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan, with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.

Lee was born December 9, 1909, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Joseph Hampton Abbott and Lillian Perry Abbott. She dearly loved South Carolina but dutifully followed her soldier husband when he returned to his home state of Texas at the end of World War II. Although she lived in many different Texas cities over the years as her husband pursued his career, she never lost her love of her home state. She was a true Southern Belle with a gentle South Carolina accent that was never blunted by the 65 plus years she spent in Texas.

She dedicated her life to caring for and nurturing her family and was a dear friend to all who came to know her. Lee was a remarkable lady and maintained a sharp mind and keen wit right up to the end of her life. She has been a residence of the Bryan area since 1966 and was a devoted member to St. Joseph Catholic Church. She loved to sew, and she was an active member in the Christian Womens Club.

Lee was preceded in death by her husband Joseph H. Rothe; sons, Joseph M. Rothe and Bob Humphries; sister, Natalie Preston; and her parents.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Jim Chiles, grandson Jeffrey Chiles and great granddaughter Kaylee Ann Chiles, all of Bryan; daughter-in-law, Dee Ann Schneider and her husband Elmer, grandson Kristopher Rothe and granddaughter Courtney Rothe, granddaughter Kati Dockery and husband D.J., and great granddaughter Kaitlyn Dockery, all of Bryan.

For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice.