With gratitude in their hearts for her precious time on Earth, the family of Lope Lines announces her passing on August 20.

Lope was born in Eagle Pass on October 3, 1927, to Peter and Anna Camarinos, who had immigrated from Greece. She was affectionately called pontiki, meaning little mouse, by her uncle Pete, who had to accompany her to grade school, or she’d run back home. When asked about it, she would laugh and say that she didn’t understand the teachers because she only spoke Greek and would rather play with her friends near the bridge in Eagle Pass. She loved to tell stories about her happy childhood growing up in Eagle Pass with her three sisters, the late Joan Janes, Eugenia (Nicha) Juve, and Julia Kimmel.

Lope married her husband, the late Guss Lines, on January 20, 1946, at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in San Antonio. As were the oldworld ways, their marriage was somewhat arranged. Guss Lines (Lines being a shortened version of his original last name, Linopolis) was also Greek and lived in nearby Alpine. Thus, their families introduced the two, and the rest is history. Together, they built a life and created a loving home in Alpine, where they raised their family of three girls.

Many will remember Lope and Guss at their restaurant on the west side of town known as George’s Drive-In, named after Guss’s uncle and adoptive father. Lope would work late into the night, laughing with her friends who stayed late to keep her company. She recalls serving the cast of the movie Giant, who would drive in from Marfa to eat their famous fried chicken and burgers. She also met Elvis Presley. Not knowing who he was, she’d laugh when she would tell how she questioned him when he asked to use their phone, fearing he would charge a long-distance call to the restaurant. She laughed easily, and that spirit followed her throughout her lifetime, always laughing with her children and grandchildren in the years to follow. Her grandchildren will say she was like a teenager at heart, preferring the company of the young and taking a sincere interest in their lives and adventures. Years after closing their restaurant, Lope worked at Kiddy Bank, a daycare at the Methodist Church in Alpine. She cared for countless children during that time, remembering each and every one of them and following them throughout their lives to see how they were doing. In later years, she cared for many children in her home.

One of Lope’s greatest joys came from her role as a grandmother to whom she was known as Nanny. She adored her grandchildren, who brought her immense happiness throughout her life. Lope was known to want to keep her family close by, being openly displeased if anyone moved away from Alpine. She believed in the family unit and wanted everyone to meet for dinner at Sara’s house every night. She also enjoyed her afternoon cruises around town. People would laugh at the thousands of miles on her car that never even left the city limits of Alpine. If she wasn’t going for a drive, she was sitting on her front porch on the green metal swing that so many generations of friends and family know well, watching cars go by and waiting for someone to stop by and visit her and Guss.

Lope lived in Alpine for most of her life but was a Greek woman through and through. She enjoyed get-togethers with friends and would happily offer to “bring the beans” to any party. Everyone loved her beans. Her advice was always that everyone was welcome at dinner: “We’ll just put more water in the soup.” She remembered everyone’s name, story, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams. She treated so many as her own children and grandchildren.

She was a member of Alpine’s St. James Episcopal Church for many years and later St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. She will be remembered for her generosity. On any given afternoon, she could be seen driving around town delivering groceries to people, always looking for a way to help.

Lope is survived by her daughters Sara Bow Gluck of Alpine, Ginny Fuquay of Odessa, and Georgie Wilson of Alpine; her grandchildren Chris Henderson of Austin, Kathleen Burnett of Brownwood, Jacque Bow Rousselow of Alpine, Kenny and Ruthann Johnson of Allen, Jennifer Powell of Midland, Kristin Coggins and Mikel and Blake Talley, all of Alpine, and several greatgrandchildren.

Lope’s legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in peace and her memory be eternal. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Alpine, 203 N. 4th Street.