1930-2025
Marcella Antonia Holik Carpenter, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Ballinger, Texas.
She was the last of eight children born to Frank and Albina (Ripple) Holik on December 19, 1930, at the family farm in Gruenwall. Marcella attended schools in Gruenwall, Ballinger, and Wall before graduating from Eola as valedictorian.
Marcella married Aaron Hard Carpenter, Jr., on December 16, 1950, at the Lutheran church in San Angelo, Texas and were partners for 51 plus years. They farmed near Mereta and reared five children.
Marcella was an excellent cook, seamstress, and gardener. Many friends and family were gifted beautiful works of art, including crocheted afghans, caps, shawls, and family-name banners. Music was also a very important part of her life; she played the saxophone, accordion, piano, and organ.
Jr. and Marcella encouraged their children in all areas of 4-H, FFA, and FHA and the Baptist Churches they attended. They served as leaders in 4-H. After her children were grown, Marcella began another adventure in Paint Rock schools. She was a librarian, computer monitor, and classroom aide. Many students benefited from “Mrs. Carpenter’s” love and instruction. Education was very important in her home.
Marcella and Gladys Sturgill were the original members of the Foster Grandparent program in Veribest schools. Marcella even convinced Jr. to join the program. They were proud of every child’s successes. Nanny (Marcella) and PawPaw (Jr.) loved spoiling their grandchildren. Each grandchild knew he/she was special to these energetic grandparents.
Marcella and Jr. were fond of dances in Rowena, fishing trips to Brady and O.H. Ivie Lake. They also loved dominoes, cards, and Wahoo with family and friends.
After Jr. passed on June 8, 2002, Marcella moved to Rio Concho Manor (in 2004) where she made many new friends. She continued sharing her baked goods with neighbors and attended church at Business Men’s Bible Class. Marcella was well-loved by all who knew her and cherished her for her giving spirit and bright personality.
Marcella is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Aaron (Jr.) Carpenter, her parents, Frank and Albina Holik. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Frank Holik, Jr., Georgia Riemenschneider, Stanley Holik, Walter Holik, Libby Dusek, Albina Plagens, and Eddie Holik. Also preceding her are her son-in-law Steven Killam, her granddaughter Melissa Midwell, and several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her beloved children, Martha Killam, Aaron Carpenter III, Cynthia French (Glyn), Charlotte Dusek (Darwin), and Timothy Carpenter (Cindy). Marcella will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren J.J. Killam (Teri), Jessica Killam (Abel), Duane Killam (Brianne), Stefanie Martinez (Drew), LaCretia Caye Carpenter, Cody Don Carpenter, Justin Jones, Elizabeth Carpenter, Cole Carpenter (Stephanie), Brooke Botts (Troy Jr.), Kevin Dusek (Carly), Tracey Hoag (Zackery), Casey Steeves (Paul), Ashley Carpenter, and Kinsey Taylor (Alonzo). Great-grandchildren include Addisyn Killam, Karter Killam, Lexi Killam, Sierra Killam, Teela Killam, Dalton Fischer, Marley Martinez, Jameson Martinez, Carli Ann Carpenter, Cayci Jo Carpenter, Cody Ty Carpenter, Jackson McClesky, Karson Villanueva (Jake), Troy Botts III, Zachary Dusek, Lex Dusek, Morgan Dusek, Mitchell Hoag, Logan Hoag, Lauran Steeves (Nathan Ferguson), Mattias Steeves (Taylor), Waylon Carpenter, Slayton Carpenter, Adalynn Taylor, and Karter Taylor, and great-great grandchildren William Villanueva, Aurora Steeves, and Asher Steeves
A visitation for Marcella will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. Her funeral service will be held the following day, Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10:00 am, also at Lange Funeral Home, with Brother Cameron Strange officiating. Internment will follow at Rowena Evergreen Cemetery. Marcella’s family appreciates all the prayers and condolences from everyone.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice in Marcella’s honor.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Central Texas Nursing Home and Hospice of Ballinger for their tender love and care of Marcella.
