Mary Louise Moddrell Tolle

Mary Louise Moddrell Tolle was born on August 27, 1922 in Sullivan Co, Missouri and passed from this life to her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior, on December 6, 2024, in El Paso. She was united in marriage to Goza Tolle on June 15, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas where they lived for 29 years, moving to Abilene, Texas in 1975. As a military spouse she lived in Alaska (before it was a state), and Florida, always returning to San Antonio. She had resided with her daughter in El Paso since January 2019.

A celebration of her life will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas, on December 14, 2024, at 10:00 am with Dr. Robert Nickell officiating. Burial will follow in the Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery, 5701 Hwy 277 South. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the evening of December 13 at the same location.

Mary Louise, also known as Bebe, Aunt Bebe and Grandma, attended a one room schoolhouse in Owasco, Missouri from 1st through 8th grades and graduated from Green City High School in 1940. She came to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of 20. She had many gifts and talents which she used to serve Him. She was a talented pianist and organist, gifted seamstress, member of a ladies trio, creative baker, dedicated teacher of children, compassionate friend, patient mother, dedicated Christ follower. Her hobbies included embroidery, sewing, reading and keeping up with the latest medical news. She thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren, great grands and grand doggies.

In San Antonio she was employed as a medical secretary and medical transcriber by the San Antonio State Hospital and upon moving to Abilene, she transferred to the Abilene State School. Mary Louise was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority at Hardin Simmons University.

She and Goza were active members of the Pruitt Avenue Baptist Church in San Antonio where she was first church pianist and then church organist. In Abilene they were active at Calvary Baptist Church.

As a member of Women’s Missionary Union, she always supported mission ministries and charitable organizations in her community to benefit those in need.

She is survived by her children, daughter, Kathleen Nickell (Bob) of El Paso, sons, Mark Tolle (Joan) of Colorado City, and Stuart Tolle (Sheron) of Hico. Also surviving are grandsons, Nathan Nickell of El Paso, Cody Tolle (Laurel) of Abilene and Evan Tolle of Dallas, granddaughters, Erin Nickell Fleming of El Paso, Ashley Tolle Massey (Dan) of Truckee, CA, Megan Tolle Woodard (Josh) of Abilene, Emily Tolle of Austin, and Libby Tolle of Los Angeles, CA. She leaves also seven great-grandsons, Grant, Gage, Garrett and Grayson Fleming, Hudson and Cooper Massey and Atticus Woodard and one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Woodard. Nine nieces and nephews also survive as well as several great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Goza, her parents, Lloyd and Winnie Moddrell, her brother, Donald and three sisters, Helen, Ruth and June and most of her contemporaries.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to: Abilene Baptist Association Social Ministries, 618 S Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79605; Hendrick Hospice, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79605; West Texas Rehab, 4601 Hartford St, Abilene, TX 79605 or New Day Healthcare (previously Good Samaritan Hospice), 7304 Good Samaritan Ct., Building 200 Suite A, El Paso, TX 79912.

The family is grateful for the compassionate, loving care administered by Osiris, Marisela, Petra, Alex, Claudia and Julian of Good Samaritan Hospice.