Barbara Ann Ottmer Lange

Barbara Ann (Ottmer) Lange was born on August 29, 1940, in the Bellville General Hospital to Emil G. and Etta Mae (Frank) Ottmer.  She was baptized on November 14, 1940, and confirmed her faith on April 11, 1954, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Bellville.  She attended Bellville schools and graduated from BHS in 1958.  She attended Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, supporting them as a cheerleader.

On August 21, 1960, she married Robert J. (Bobby) Lange at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellville where they remained life-long, active members.  They made their first home in Huntsville, Texas.  Later, they returned home to open Lange’s Food Market and subsequently, Lange’s #2.  She enjoyed working part-time at the stores and prided herself in being in charge of ordering all the candy.  Her sweet tooth remained all her life.  She enjoyed visiting with customers and took in all the employees of the stores as her family.

She and Bobby were blessed with two sons, Gregg in 1961 and Glenn in 1969.  Shortly before Glenn’s birth, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and this began many years of treatments and surgeries in her fight to remain comfortable and independent.  It was Bobby’s resolve to go far and wide to get the best care for her.

She was a member of the Bellville Ladies Golf Association and the Bluebonnet Society.  She and Bobby enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, especially when they included a show with Wayne Newton, her favorite performer.  She once caught a scarf thrown by Elvis Presley at a performance.  They enjoyed trips to L'auberge in Louisiana.  She was an excellent cook.  She loved watching the Texas Longhorns and Astros on television and spent time reading and playing solitaire and various other games. However, her ultimate enjoyment was attending all of the events of the grandchildren and traveling to as many as possible.

She left this earthly life on what would have been her 62nd anniversary to Bobby, who preceded her in death in June of 2021.  Also, preceding her were her parents, Emil G. and Etta Mae Ottmer, in-laws, C. R. (Bob) and Edna Ruth Lange, sister-in-law, Sandra Luhn, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her sons, Gregg (wife, Sharon) and Glenn (wife, Stacey), her four grandchildren, Merritt Manuel (husband, Christopher) of Austin, Marci Morales (husband, Tyler) of Leander, Colby Lange, and Carly Lange of Bellville, and her two great-grandchildren, Hallie and Micah Manuel of Austin.  She is also survived by her only sibling, Frances (husband, Harvey), sister-in-law, Carolyn Golan (husband, Roy), brother-in-law, Robert Luhn (wife, Vernice), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family is very grateful for the watchful and helpful neighbors on Hacienda Street, Vicenta (Maury) Vasquez, friend and helper, Nora Sosa of First Texas Home Health, and caregivers of Life Changes Home Care.  Our special thanks to long-time family friend and neighbor, Don Bosse, MD, and his staff for years of very attentive care and concern.  She was blessed by so many in the community who cared for her.

She has been cremated, and her ashes will be interred with those of Bobby in the Oak Knoll Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested that memorials be given to:

St. John Lutheran Church
520 North Holland
Bellville, Texas 77418

Or to the charity of your choice