Gussie Mae Stein

Gussie Mae (Syler) Stein passed away on July 12, 2024. Gussie was born January 15,1936 to Clement (Clem) Syler and Bertha (Ottie) Syler in Muldoon, Texas. Gussie was one of six children and two half-siblings.

Gussie grew up on the family farm located between Muldoon and Cistern. On the Syler farm, Gussie enjoyed all animals with a special love for horses. She worked hard to help her parents and siblings managing the day-to-day cattle and farming operations. 

She attended elementary school in Cistern, Texas and attended Flatonia High School where she served as sophomore class secretary in 1953. After high school graduation in 1955, she worked a brief time at San Antonio Savings Association.

Gussie married Hugo H. Stein Jr. of Flatonia on December 18, 1955. Upon Hugo’s graduation from Texas A&M University, they moved to Fort Worth Texas and started their family. They had four children, Rodney, Robert, Richard and Virginia. From 1956 -1962, Hugo and Gussie lived in Fort Worth, Abilene, San Deigo, Denver and finally settled in San Antonio (Hollywood Park) where they have resided for the last 62 years. Their children, Rodney and Robert were born in Fort Worth, Richard was born in Abilene and Virginia was born in San Antonio. Gussie’s special love for infants provided an opportunity to work at La Petite Academy from 1980 to 1996. She was fortunate to provide grandma’s special infant day care for two of her grandchildren. Along with their interest in the farm, Hugo and Gussie enjoyed traveling with stops in Europe, Germany, Russia, Finland, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.

Gussie was involved with the Altar Society for over two decades with St. Mark Catholic church and was active with her local Bunco group for the last thirty plus years. When she stopped driving, lifelong friends would pick her up for the monthly get together so she could continue the long-standing tradition. Along with lifetime friends Ervan and Jeantte Zouzalik, Hugo and Gussie started a tradition attending fall Aggie Football games in the mid-eighties that lasted over thirty years. 

Gussie is survived by her husband Hugo and their children and spouses: Rodney Stein, Robert Stein, Richard Stein and spouse Susie, Virginia Lee and spouse Greg Lee, grandchildren Ashley Guillen, Amber Stein, Reagan Stein, Hailey Stein, Grace Lee and great grandchildren Dillon, Dalton, Augustine, Alijah, Ariel, Emma, Iris, sister-in-law Lavern Syler, nephew Harrell Rightmer and wife Billie Jean, Ira Syler Jr. and wife Judy, Richard Carlson and wife Charlotte, nieces Carloyn Cleveland and husband Lenny, Cheryl Barnes and husband Jack.

Gussie is preceded in death by her parents Clem and Ottie Syler, brothers Thomas Syler, James Syler, Robert Syler, Joe Syler, sister Evelyn Carlson, half-sister Lois Rightmer and half-bother Ira Syler and other beloved in-laws and family.

Gussie was the kind and gentle soul for our family. Family and friends were blessed by her genuine heartfelt and caring touch. She made all feel loved.

A visitation for Gussie will be on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia. An online memorial is located at www.smithfuneraltx.com. 

The Funeral Mass Celebrating the Life of Gussie Stein will be Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia followed by grave side service at Sacred Heart Cemetery. 

Gussie had a special place in her heart for the Historical Pitman Cemetery located in Muldoon, Texas. Memorial contributions can be mailed to Pitman Cemetery C/O Barbara Wetjen 4430 Jeddo Rd, Waelder, Texas 78959.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia.