Obituaries

Maurice Van Roekel Dies At 85 Remembered By Family And Friends

In 1986, the Van Roekel family purchased a vineyard and built Maurice Car'rie Winery, starting their legacy in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

A portrait of Maurice and Budd Van Roekel once graced the tasting room of the Maurice Car'rie winery. (Photo taken in 2016).
A portrait of Maurice and Budd Van Roekel once graced the tasting room of the Maurice Car'rie winery. (Photo taken in 2016). (Photo Credit: Ashley Ludwig)

TEMECULA, CA — Maurice Carrie Van Roekel, 85, of Temecula, passed away on January 16, 2024. She resided at Chateau Harveston, where Maurice's cousin, Pamela Miller, and a team of very dedicated caregivers loved and cared for her, according to the Malvern Daily Record.

She was born in Malvern, Arkansas, on New Year's Day in 1939, to George and Lucille Crowe and was preceded in death by both parents, her husband, Budd Van Roekel, and her daughter, Cindi Car'rie Van Roekel.

"Maurice is survived by her Granddaughter, Sara Van Roekel; her sister Brenda Crowe (Don) Treadway of Bismarck, AR; her two children; Kris (Jennifer) Treadway, their two daughters, and two sons; ReDawnda (James) Walton and their three daughters and son. Sister, Mary Crow Collins (deceased), and her three children; Michael (Linda) Hall and two sons; Suzette Scalf and daughter; and Debra (Lee) Frakes and daughter. Also survived by Budd's children; Sandi (Tom) Terry and daughter, Summer (Jason) Scarlatielli; Gary (Cindy) Van Roekel, daughter, Heather, and Son, Cody Van Roekel, and one granddaughter and three grandsons.

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"She grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas and attended Lakeside School," according to the Record. "In 1955, her family moved to California, but she always kept in contact with her friends in Arkansas," according to the Report.

Maurice Car'rie Winery in Temecula Valley Wine Country, circa 2016. (Photo Credit: Ashley Ludwig)
"In 1962, she married Budd Van Roekel, owner of the 'Skate Ranch' Roller Skating Rink and President of the World International Skating Association, RSROA.

In 1986, the pair purchased a vineyard and built the Maurice Car'rie Winery, known for its windmill and sprawling estate. Later, they purchased an adjacent winery and vineyard, naming it Van Roekel Vineyards. After her husband's passing, she and their son, Gary Van Roekel, managed the vineyard properties until they were sold in 2019.

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The former Van Roekel Vineyard property was later sold and has been reinvented as Avensole Winery.

They became well known among Temecula Valley Wine Country visitors, bottling award-winning California wines. Fans will remember her Sour Dough Brie Bowl.

"To show their love for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they named special award-winning wines after them," the obituary reads.

Sara Bella, a White Cabernet Sauvignon, was named for Van Roekel's granddaughter. Photo Credit: Ashley Ludwig, 2016.
"Her family, their loyal employees, and the supportive community will miss her dearly! Cheers to Maurice for her success and for remembering her Arkansas roots."

The family planned to gather to celebrate Maurice's life in a private Memorial.


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