Erma Marcelline Propes

Erma Marcelline Propes, 94, known fondly as "Marci" to family and friends, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on March 5, 2023, with her daughter and son-in-law at her bedside.  Born in Whiting, Indiana near Chicago on September 14, 1928, to Henry and Geneva Askins, she grew up in nearby Dyer, Indiana.

She married the love of her life, Robert Lee Propes, on October 18, 1947.  He was an auto salesman, who at age 28 became the owner of his own auto dealership.  So, in 1954 Marci and Bob moved to Spencer, Indiana where they would live for 34 years.

Marci would devote her life there to raising two children, Victoria and Roger, being a devoted wife, mother, and frequently, a caregiver to those who were ill or in dire need of help.  Marci also served the Lord through being active in her Church and in her community, sharing her faith and God's Love with others.

After 34 years in Spencer, Indiana Marci and Bob retired in 1988, to the South Florida town of Clewiston, on Lake Okeechobee, where Bob could pursue his passion for bass fishing year-round.  Meanwhile, Marci once again plunged into small-town life as a devoted wife, homemaker, and caregiver.  Marci and Bob celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary eight months before Bob passed away and went home to the Lord.

In 2013, after 25 years in Florida, Marci relocated again, this time to Lampasas, Texas, where she could live near and bless the lives of her daughter Victoria and son-in-law, Dale.  In those last ten years here in Lampasas, Marci shared her kindness with virtually all she met, and cultivated a large circle of friends.

Marci lived a very full life, and just a few of her notable experiences include: going Ballroom dancing in Chicago as a teenager, often with her best friend, to the big band musicians and orchestras of that era; riding a motorcycle with Bob and their middle aged "gang"; learning to fly and frequently piloting a small airplane for several years; and, at age 91, riding a hot air balloon some 2000 feet above Albuquerque, N.M. while visiting her son, Roger.  She also loved Bridge with her friends and was an avid player.

Marcelline was a lifelong tireless church worker, caregiver, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  A devout Christian and Bible scholar, active in Sunday School, and Bible Study, Marci helped lead numerous people to Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; her parents, Henry and Geneva Askins; Naomi Askins, who adopted Marci and Bob late in life out of love; her brother, Sam Askins (Heidi); a grandson, Ryan Propes; and a great-grandson, Owen Propes.

She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Summitt (Dale) both of Lampasas County; a son, Roger Propes (Suzanne) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; granddaughter, Rachel Jackson; great-granddaughter, Bailey Jackson, both of Fort Worth, Texas; two nieces, Conny Johnson (Jimmy) of Tampa, Florida, and Karen Shafner (Mark) of Nampa, Idaho.

Many people, too numerous to count, both family and friends, will sorely miss Marci.  Numerous also, are the family members and friends who wholeheartedly agree, that the life of Marci Propes was a life well lived.  She was truly a Lady.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted by her family on June 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with a meal to follow, at Lampasas Methodist Church, in Lampasas, Texas.  Please come prepared to share an inspirational or humorous story about Marci, and please, wear bright, cheerful colors.