In Memoriam

BRILEY STREY

Briley is a member of Lodge 258, Seguin and a graduate of Marion High School. She is the daughter of Kurt and Barbara Strey and the granddaughter of Melvin Strey, Joy Strey, Marc Land and the late Bonnie Land.

Briley’s honors include New Berlin 4-H President, Marion High School Junior Class President, Marion High School Senior Class President, National Honors Society President, Marion JV Volleyball MVP (Sophomore year), Star Award Marion FFA, and Farmer Award - Marion FFA.

Briley plans on attending Texas Lutheran University (TLU) to pursue a degree in Sonography or Forensic Science as well obtain an insurance license and real estate license.

In Memory of Alan Hroza

Alan David Hroza, 70, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, in Ennis, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones.

Alan was born in Waxahachie on May 28, 1951, to Louis J. and Edith (Jaresh) Hroza, Jr. Alan grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School in 1969. He attended Navarro College and received an as- Alan Hroza sociate’s degree in electrical engineering. While at Navarro, he met Reta Hancock. Realizing she was the love of his life, he married her on March 6, 1971. Alan and Reta made Ennis their home.

Alan worked for Larkin Company and ATCO, and he retired in 2015. He was a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church; SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis; KJT; and Central High Fire. Alan was so proud of each member of his family and enjoyed spending time with all of them. He enjoyed motorcycles, spending time on the farm, and tractors and cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Edith Hroza, Jr.

Alan leaves behind his loving family including his wife of 50 years, Reta Hroza; son Brandon Hroza and wife Heather; daughter Stephanie Davenport and husband Jonathan; grandchildren Benjamin, Katelyn, Gabriel, Campbell, Lauryn, Tucker, Hunter, and Garrett; and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation was Thursday, October 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis.

Liturgy outside of mass was on Friday, October 8 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Father Agustin Fuertes as celebrant. Entombment followed in the St. Joseph Mausoleum under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. Betty Macalik Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—

In Memory of Era Lee Richards

Era Lee Richards came into this world on September 6, 1923, and joined her heavenly family on June 13, 2021, at the age of 97 years. Our most beloved family member - an incredible woman who touched the heart of everyone she met. She was our hero who showed us what strength, persever- Era Richards ance, and unconditional love meant. She was the epitome of grace, kindness, and generosity.

Era was blessed with children Melva, Carolyn, and Kenneth. She is survived by daughters Melva Hunter and Carolyn Higginbotham; grandchildren Dee Banks, Deanna Dempsey and husband Tommy, Darrell Banks and fiancé Eva, Chris Schatte and wife Brandi Dawn, Sandy Babb and husband Doug, James Stevenson and wife Angie, Brian Richards and wife Michelle; great-grandchildren Brandi Leigh Brown-Arny and husband Lance, Corey Campbell and wife Heather, Kevin Fernandes and fiancée Haley, Kerri McNeese and husband Jason, Zachary Fernandes and wife Amber Jo, Trey, Call and Capp Schatte, Jessica Hart, Krystal Jones, Shawn Jones and wife Rachael, Emily and Eric Stevenson, and Valerie Richards; greatgreat-grandchildren Valyn Brown, Kayleigh, Lileigh and Marleigh Campbell, Magdalynn and Charlie McNeese, Ian Hartt-Sampson, Caylee and Trentin Sampson, Vivian and Wyatt Jones, Dylan and Jordan Jones; and greatgreat-great-grandchild Ava Lee Gordon; extended family members James Jones, Doug and Mary Glover, Toni Lowe, Billy Long, Colin Sampson, Sam Forbes; and many wonderful life-long friends who meant so much to Era.

Era leaves this world to join many of her loved ones. She was preceded in death by husband Orlando Lee in 1981 when she was only 58 years old. She has missed him every day since. We take

comfort in knowing she is smiling and joyful to be spending the rest of eternity with her beloved husband. She was also preceded in death by beloved son Kenneth Lee Richards; daughter-in-law Betty Jo Richards; parents Willie Lee Hardeman and Cora Corley Reagan; sisters Evelyn Baker and Elsie Ray Case; precious grandchildren Sherry Lynn Jones, Donna Renee Campbell, Kenneth Lee Richards, Jr.; and greatgranddaughters Valerie Ann Hyde and Kayleigh Ann Campbell. What a reunion they are having in heaven.

Era was 14 when a charming, tall and very handsome boy from a nearby town would walk eight miles round trip to her house to play dominoes. His journey took him to Houston. Her journey eventually also took her to Houston. They reconnected and were married on October 21, 1939. They welcomed children Melva Ann, Carolyn Gayle, and Kenneth Lee. The family loved camping, fishing, and having family and friend gatherings including many, many of the game “42” parties. Grandkids have wonderful memories of a man-made roller coaster, swimming pool, zip line and many parties that included fish fries, volleyball, and dancing at their grandparents’ house.

Era received her bachelor’s degree at the age of 40 and continued her education receiving her master’s degree soon thereafter. She became a special education teacher in the Pasadena Independent School District where she created the district’s special education curriculum. She won many awards for her techniques and her students adored her.

Era and Orlando loved to dance. They were members of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston and Hermann Sons for many years. They taught their children and grandchildren how to waltz, polka, and two-step. Dancing was a rite of passage in the Richards’ household. After Orlando’s passing, Era continued her SPJST membership and service. She served in several capacities and held office in some. In 2008, Era moved from Houston to be around family.

There will never be anyone like Era. What a legacy - our Mom, Memaw, Granny, and friend. Her capacity to love is one of the attributes that is treasured by all who were lucky enough to be a part of her life. Her message to all of us is to simply love each other. We are thankful to have been a part of the journey of this incredibly beautiful soul. We will continue her love with our whole hearts and, as she wished, create a more loving planet. We will always share our precious memories, but not her pie. We will not share the chocolate pie! —SPJST—

In Memory of Joan Sue Goehring

Joan Sue Hannes Goehring peacefully went to be with her Jesus Thursday, September 30, 2021. Service was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 8 at Waldeck Lutheran Church in Ledbetter, Texas, with Pastor David Tinker officiating. Interment followed at Ledbetter Cemetery. Visitation began at 8 a.m. Thursday, October 7 with the family being present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Joan Sue was born February 5, 1934, to Albert and Ora Lee Hannes in Brenham. She was baptized April 6, 1934, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine and confirmed at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings. Joan married Lloyd Goehring November 27, 1951. They initially made their home in Houston where Joan worked as a bank bookkeeper and teller.

After moving back to Fayette County, Joan was very active in her community and took pride in all she did. She was a member of Waldeck Lutheran Church, St. Mark’s Hospital Auxiliary, and Ledbetter Homemakers Club. She served as treasurer of the Bell Settlement Cemetery Association, and she served as treasurer, vice president, and president of Fayette Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She took care of patient services and crusade for the American Cancer Society for 28 years. Joan also served as an officer with SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton; was trustee and treasurer for La Grange Garden Club; and served on the board of the Fayette County Fair for 18 years. Joan mostly enjoyed her flowers, sewing, cooking especially baking cookies with her five grandsons - and of course, spending time at the farm.

Joan will be missed for her love and kind words she was always so eager to share. But she will always be remembered by her handmade embroidered pillow cases that any newly married couple around this area received as their special wedding gift and her handmade flower doilies she would always add into any card she sent out to all her friends and family. Joan is survived by sons Glenn and Jane Goehring of Brenham and Ray and Cindy Goehring of Ledbetter; grandsons Lee and Stephanie Goehring of Oldenburg, Joshua and Miranda Goehring of Giddings, AJ and Janet Goehring of Ledbetter, Brady and Jennifer Goehring of Burnet, and Cody Goehring and Brett Willis of Collinsville; great-granddaughters Blayne Goehring of Burnet and Aubrey and Rylee Goehring of Ledbetter; sister-in-law Mary Lou Goehring of La Grange; step-grandsons Randy Fulton of Humble and Cory Fulton of Cypress; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great friends.Joan Sue Goehring She was preceded in death by husband Lloyd Goehring; parents; infant daughter; and infant granddaughter. Memorials may be made to Ledbetter Homemakers Club, Ledbetter Fire Department, or Waldeck Lutheran Church Memorial Guild. —SPJST—

In Memory of H. Alice Kovar

Hulda Alice (Newstrom) Kovar of Elgin, Texas, fell asleep in Jesus and entered eternal glory with God the Holy Trinity on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Visitation was held Saturday, September 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Interment followed at Taylor City Cemetery in Taylor. Pallbearers were Gary Wessinger, Michael Wessinger, Terry Starkton, Willis Skinner, Paul Mogonye, and Larry Axelson.

She was born on February 10, 1927, at 3:30 a.m. at Stromberg Hospital in Taylor. She was baptized into God’s Kingdom on May 23, 1937, at Methodist Episcopal Church in Austin. She confirmed her Christian faith on October 24, 1942, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beyersville. Her Confirmation verse was Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

She graduated from Taylor High School on May 25, 1945, and from Draughon’s Business College in San Antonio on February 8, 1946, where she studied bookkeeping and typing. She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Ervin Daniel Kovar on July 16, 1950, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor.

She was a member of SPJST Lodge 18, Elgin.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents David G. and Milda A. Newstrom; husband Ervin, who went before her into eternal life on October 15, 1993; and brother Eden Newstrom.

She is survived by sister Helen Ray Gustafson; son Willis Skinner; and nephews Gary Wessinger and Michael Wessinger.

Alice expressed her wish that memorials given in her name be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, 801 West 11th Street, Elgin, Texas 78621; SPJST Scholarship Fund, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503; or to the charity of one’s choice.

Though we mourn because of Alice’s death, we take comfort from the truth that she was saved for everlasting resurrected life by God’s grace, through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be glory forever! —SPJST— Alice Kovar