Rohde

Ouida (Steenken) Rohde of La Grange passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, in Austin.

Ouida, known affectionately by her family as “Tutsie,” was often praised for her strength and resolve, and lived to be 96 years of age. She was born on Oct. 2, 1924, in Winedale to Fritz and Hilda (Witte) Steenken.

She met the love of her life, Leslie Rohde in Warrenton in 1945. They married on Jan. 7, 1947, at Greenvine Church in Burton. Ouida and Leslie made their home in Houston where she worked at Montgomery Ward for more than 40 years.

Ouida was an avid baseball fan, always watching or listening to an Astros game as she worked on her many sewing projects. She was an excellent seamstress and also loved crafting handmade baby blankets for her family and friends. Ouida enjoyed baking and was known for her delicious “Nanny Cookies” that were always in high demand. She loved flowers and maintained an immaculate, awardwinning yard. She was so proud that her great-granddaughters inherited her green thumb and love of sewing. Ouida was also a fixture in the stands at her grandchildren’s football and softball games.

She is survived by one son, Roy Dale Rohde and wife, Rebecca of Houston; daughter Charlet Neidig and husband, Dale of Golden, Colo.; two grandchildren: Tyson Neidig; and Summer Swallow and husband, Tom; great-grandchildren: Kira Neidig, Derek Swallow, and Allison Swallow; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Ouida was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leslie Rohde; infant son, Val Gene Rohde; brother, Odie Steenken and wife, Patsy; two sisters: LaVerne Knittel and husband, Buddy; and Doris James and husband, Gregg; brothers and sisters-in-law: Elo Rohde and wife, Agnes; Edna Lange and husband, Alfred; Delwin Rohde and wife, Ellen; Marvin Rohde and Norma Wubbenhorst and husband, Lloyd.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Hospice Brazos Valley and staff at Monument Hill Nursing Home, especially Veronica and Carmen, whom Ouida adored.

Visitation was held on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will hold private services. Ouida will be laid to rest at the Florida Chapel Cemetery in Round Top, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter, as Ouida was an animal lover. Donations may be mailed to 240 Svoboda Lane, La Grange, TX 78945.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.