Ethel Horak

Ethel Horak, 95, of Needville, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Ethel was born on April 8, 1929, to Rosie and Joe Pyka in Wallis, TX. Her family eventually settled in West Columbia, where she attended high school. She met Jerry Horak while he was refereeing one of her volleyball games, and their courtship began with weekly bus rides between the two towns. After her graduation, they were married on May 17, 1948, at St. Cyril & Methodius Church in Damon. After moving to Needville, Ethel worked for Lamar CISD for 22 years. Once retired, traveling became her most loved hobby. They drove to Alaska, pulling the camper and stopping at every park along the way. She also enjoyed several dream vacations with friends including Hawaii, Germany, and Rome. Ethel, better known to many as “Meme”, appreciated the simple things in life. She loved camping at Lake Somerville with her family, domino games and dance parties with friends, gardening, and playing games with her grandchildren. Meme’s spirit will live on in each of us. As she brightened each room on earth, heaven is surely brighter with her presence. Ethel is preceded in death by husband of 57 years, Jerry Horak; parents, Joe Pyka and Rosie Pyka Genzer; son-in-law, Alan Newell; and son-in-law, Randal McGuire. She is survived by daughter, Cynthia Newell; daughter, Vicki Fuchs and husband Bobby; daughter, Terry McGuire; grandchildren, Jeff and Amy Newell, Kyle Newell, Bryan Fuchs and Danny Spradlin, Patrick and Sidney Fuchs, Katie McGuire, Michael and Keely McGuire, Staci and Trey Wilson; great-grandchildren, Skyler and Connor Newell, Stormy and Kirby Fuchs, Holli and Maci Wilson, and Beckett McGuire. Pallbearers are Jeff Newell, Kyle Newell, Bryan Fuchs, Patrick Fuchs, Katie McGuire, Michael McGuire and Staci Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Amy Newell, Danny Spradlin, Sidney Fuchs, Keely McGuire and Trey Wilson. Visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Needville at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16th. Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., with services to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Jude or to St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

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Ethel Horak

April 8, 1929 - December 12, 2024