Charlene Ann Ainsley

On June 4, 2025, Charlene went to her heavenly home to be with Jesus. Born in New Braunfels, TX October 29, 1936, to Charles and Agnes Mergele, the youngest daughter of three, and a 5th generation of Pete Mergele who came to New Braunfels in 1845. At the age of 37 she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her favorite scripture is Isaiah 40:31.
In February of 1956 she met Kenneth Ainsley from Pennsylvania, who was in the Air Force and stationed at Gary Air Force Base in San Marcos. They met at Gruene Hall and were married on July 21, 1956. They spent 67 years together and were blessed with two children, Kim and Ken.
After Ken’s retirement from SWRI, together they volunteered at a Christian Conference Center in Hollister, MO for 2-3 weeks at a time from 1996 to 2005. Charlene was also a Red Cross volunteer at McKenna Hospital and volunteered at numerous activities at her church. She loved sewing, crafts, gardening, and watching sports. She was especially proud watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and activities. She loved reading and studying the Bible and memorizing scriptures like Psalms 139, 91, and 23. Charlene loved traveling to visit friends and relatives in PA, MI, and MO, and lots of fun trips along the way taking time to enjoy all that God had created.
Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Ken, parents Charles and Agnes Mergele, sisters Irene Schneider, and Lorene Goertz. Survived by daughter Kimberly Arguellez (Amado), son Kenneth Ainsley II (Stacie), grandson Austin Arguellez, granddaughters Tusha (Arguellez) Dempsey (Chris), Lauren Ainsley, Paige Ainsley, two great grandchildren Grayson and Anson Dempsey, niece Deanna Schneider and nephew Larry Schneider.
Funeral services are at Lux Funeral Home in New Braunfels. Visitation at Lux on June 26th from 5-7 pm. Graveside service open to all on June 27th at 10 a.m. at Fort Sam (Shelter #1) followed by a reception and celebration of life at First Baptist Church in New Braunfels from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.