MaryEllen Gaubatz, 83, passed away on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026. The family will be holding a private memorial in the coming days and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Looking at her life, MaryEllen could be described in many ways: daughter, wife, mother, artist, volunteer, and more. She was driven by a love of her family, a creative urge to photograph and paint the beauty she saw in the world, and a strong Christian faith that let her persevere through whatever challenges she faced.

She was lucky enough to meet the love of her life, Daniel (Dan) Gaubatz, while she was a student at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas. Later, the two married in the Spring of 1961 and were by each other's side for 58 years.

MaryEllen carried her faith into everything she did whether it was raising three sons, volunteering, or working. It was that faith that eventually inspired her and gave her the strength to go back to school late in life and obtain her certification as a Church Business Administrator.

She was passionate about her role as a C.B.A. and her responsibilities to the church and Christ. The ability to be of service to the church and members in a single role was a fulfilling career which she greatly loved. Later, after many years of service to multiple churches, she retired to aid her husband as his health began to decline due to cancer.

During this time, she also pursued her life-long love of art and expressed her creativity. She regularly enjoyed painting in multiple mediums, but most especially watercolor. Likewise, she regularly quilted a variety of colorful blankets which she would give to friends and family, and some which won awards or recognition. These hobbies also led her to join art associations and quilter circles where she could share her passion with friends.

In April of 2019 when her husband passed, MaryEllen felt the immeasurable loss of her first love that had been at her side for 58 years. She also began to feel the weight of her years more keenly, but she never lost her enjoyment of life or the warmth and love she always had for friends and family. Though she could not attend social functions as frequently anymore, the friends she had made were never far from her mind and she missed them all dearly.

MaryEllen was preceded in death by her parents and husband Daniel (Dan). She is survived by her brothers John and C.B., and her three sons Daniel (Dan) Jr., Dennis, and Andrew.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the St. John's Lutheran Endowment Fund, Step Up organization (support.suwn.org) or other charity of choice.