Mollie Maresh

Mollie Burnham Maresh, 76, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, surrounded by her family at her beloved home in Hunt, TX. after a tremendous fight with cancer. Her legacy is a life filled with service to others, the love of God and her family above all else. Known for her spirit, grace, beauty, smile, uplifting energy and determination, Mollie demonstrated these qualities until her last days.
Mollie was born on Nov. 10, 1940 in Temple, TX. to Natalie and David Burnham. She enjoyed a happy childhood in Houston with her family. She graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1958, where she was an officer in the Golden Gauchos and Senior Beauty Runner Up. Mollie attended Sullins College in Bristol, VA.
In 1959, Mollie married Franklin William Maresh, of Caldwell, TX. They began their life in Houston in 1961 after Frank completed undergraduate and graduate schools at the University of Texas at Austin. Together, they raised three children: Missy Maresh Rippy, Kimberly Maresh Petersen, and Michael William Maresh. Mollie and Frank were incredibly devoted to each other and enjoyed a beautiful 57 years of marriage. They both shared a strong commitment to their church and community and were very active in both.
While in Houston, Mollie served others in so many capacities, including President and Board Member of The Assistance League of Houston, Executive Board Member of Harris County Heritage Society, Board Member of The University of Texas College of Education, President and Board Member of Houston Chapter of The Texas Society of CPAs Women's Auxiliary, Chairman of Harris County Easter Seal Telethon and Board Member of Harris County Easter Seal Society, and was chosen as Delta Delta Delta National Initiate for Community Services. Mollie was selected by the Houston Post as one of the Outstanding Women of Houston.
In 1993, after Frank retired from KPMG, Mollie and Frank moved to ''Edgewater,'' their beautiful family home on the Guadalupe River in Hunt, TX. Mollie was in her element at Edgewater and Frank often called it ''Mollieworld.'' She loved preserving the historical nature of Edgewater to the original home structures that were built on the property in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her passion for gardening, coupled with the peaceful surroundings, made Edgewater into a beautiful showplace and continues to be the family's special gathering retreat. With all the galas and parties she chaired in Houston, Mollie was the ultimate hostess and always welcomed family, friends and charitable groups to her home.
Mollie's dedication to her community continued in Hunt. She served as Board Member of the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, President and Founding Board member of Texas Hill Country Homebuilders Association, and was on the Founding Board as the first President of the Sweet Potato Queens Chapter in Hunt. She combined her skill and love for art and home design to begin Texas Star Builders, LLC.
Greystone Preparatory School, which prepares candidates for nomination, appointment and success at one of the U.S. Federal Service Academies, was a special organization to Mollie. She served on the Auxiliary and hosted the annual Welcome Orientation Retreat at Edgewater for incoming freshmen. Magdalene House - Kerrville, a residential community helping women who have been victimized by trafficking, addiction and abuse was also an important organization to Mollie. Seeing the mark and impact this new effort is making for women had a special place in Mollie's heart.
Mollie was predeceased by her parents, Natalie McCarty Burnham and David Reed Burnham. She is survived by her husband, Franklin William Maresh; children, Missy Maresh Rippy and husband Lance Rippy, Kimberly Maresh Petersen and husband Kurt Randall Petersen, and Michael William Maresh and wife Lindsay Clinard Maresh; sisters, Barbara Burnham Buchman and husband Dr. Joe Buchman, Virginia Burnham Caperton and husband Mark Caperton, and Bonnie Burnham Jones and husband Jim Jones; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Maresh Schneider; grandchildren, Lauren Rippy Risinger and husband Rusty Risinger, Joshua Ryan Rippy, Reed Walker Petersen, William Ryan Maresh, Caroline Larkin Petersen, Mollie Candice Maresh, and Grant William Petersen; great grandchildren Lance Rip Risinger, Madilynn Mae Risinger and William Russell Risinger; seven nieces and nephews and eight great nieces and nephews.
Our family sincerely thanks Stephen Rowe for his continued partnership and caregiving. We are so grateful for his compassion, dedication and friendship.
A memorial service celebrating Mollie's life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church at 321 Thompson Drive in Kerrville, TX. Rev. Paul Harris, Pastor of Hunt United Methodist Church, will be presiding pastor and Rev. David Payne, Sr. Pastor of First United Methodist Church, will be hosting pastor. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to either:
Magdalene House - Kerrville, P.O. Box 295213, Kerrville, TX. 78029, or
Greystone Preparatory School, Inc., Maresh Scholarship, 2100 Memorial Dr., Kerrville, TX., 78028

Mollie was truly an amazing lady, full of life, generosity and passion. Above all else, she adored spending time with her family. She was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111

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