Florine Schmeltekopf Welch, 88, of Sabine Pass passed away on August 15, 2015 at Bridges of Hope in Groves, TX.
She was born on December 1, 1926 to Henry and Annie Hill Schmeltekopf in Kyle, Texas.  She was the second born following behind the birth of her twin sister, Dorine, who preceded her in death.  She graduated from Kyle High School and attended Southwest Texas, now Texas State University.
Florine came to Sabine Pass in 1946 with her twin sister to teach at Sabine Pass School.  It was there on the front steps of the school where she met the love of her life Jimmy.  They enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage before his death on February 1, 2003.  Florine spent 36 years in the Sabine Pass School system.  She retired as the Tax Assessor of the School District in 1986.  She was a faithful member of Sabine Pass United Methodist Church for 68 years.
Florine’s passion was to cook and entertain for family and friends.  Even though she was German she could cook a mean gumbo.  She was best known though for her famous “Fresh Apple Cake.”
Her husband, James “Jimmy” Welch, her parents Henry and Annie Schmeltekopf, her twin sister Dorine Losh, her brother Lawrence Schmeltekopf and her in-laws Louis and Fannie Welch preceded Florine in death.
Her daughter, Cheryl Welch Snider and her husband Carl of Sabine Pass, her granddaughter Carla Snider Jamroz of Magnolia and her grandson, Christopher James Snider of Sabine Pass, survive her.  She is also survived by five great grandchildren, Madyson Jamroz and Matthew Jamroz of Magnolia, Azlyn Grant- Brackin and Caleb Snider of Beaumont, Bentley Snider of Nederland, her brother Calvin and wife Peggy Schmeltekopf of San Marcos, her sister Juliann Magdalena and husband Joe of Harlingen and many nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved so very dearly.
Funeral services will be held at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves on Wednesday, August 19 2015 at 2:00 p.m.  Rev. Kitty Key will officiate assisted by Dr. Brant Graham.  Visitation for family and friends will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18 2015 at Clayton Thompson.  Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park beside her beloved Jimmy.
Pallbearers will be Mark Schmeltekopf, Clay Schmeltekopf, Gordon Magdalena, Christopher Snider, Reggie Rosetta and James Higgins.  Honorary pallbearers are: Matthew Jamroz, Caleb Snider and Bentley Snider.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Ileana and Tim Bridges for the wonderful care that they provided for “Mam Maw”, both physical and spiritual, these last few months of her life and sincere thanks to Phenrung Lewis for her care and dedication to Mam Maw for so many nights in the hospital.  You were all such a blessing from Heaven and we love you so much.
Memorial Contributions can be sent to Sabine Pass U.M.C., P.O. Box 367 Sabine Pass, TX. 77655 in Florine’s memory.