Mary Geneva Munselle Baltes, of Natalia, passed away on February 2, 2021 in San Antonio at the age of 89 years. She was born December 27, 1931 in Edna, Texas to Lawrence Munselle and Agnes Lopez Munselle.

As one of four daughters growing up in the early to mid-1900's, she came from humble beginnings. Her father worked for the railroad, her mother a housewife and her home was an old rail car for part of her youth. A country girl at heart, she had a passion for family, nature and animals.

Mary loved and supported her husband, her children, and spoiled her grandchildren and pets. A self-educated woman, she had a sharp wit, a very outgoing personality, and enjoyed sharing nature's miracles with her grand kids. She was also known to be quite the prankster. She loved to joke, to laugh, to dance, and to indulge in the occasional beer or a cup of coffee with friends.

She had a strong work ethic and did not shy from complex or manual tasks. A staunch patriot, she enthusiastically supported the careers of her daughter and son, becoming lovingly known as "Colonel Mom". Her lifetime achievements as a wife, a mother, a leader, a mentor, and a friend warrant the posthumous designation to "General Mom". We have lost a beautiful soul…she is loved deeply and will be greatly missed by those close to her.

Survivors include her children, Richard Baltes of Natalia and Suzette Barshay of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Daniel Baltes, Matthew Baltes and Zachary Barshay; sisters, Minnie Belohlavek of Castroville and Leona Wallace of Floresville.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Agnes Munselle; husband, Walter Baltes; sister, Dorothy Cooper; and an infant brother.

Public Visitation will be Monday, February 15, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Devine Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, Texas.

Please Note ; the number of people allowed in funeral home is limited. Face coverings are required and social distancing shall be practiced.

Donations may be made in Mary's memory to Devine Area Hospice Thrift Shop located at 216 S. Teel Dr. Devine, Texas 78016.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com