Odie Ruby Belicek

After only a few months of courtship, she married her husband, Alex Belicek, who preceded her in death 17 years ago. Also preceding her in death recently were her brother, Donald Rieger, and sister, Mae Malm.

Odie has been a caregiver and a hard worker. She helped on the farm when she was small and helped take care of her siblings. She took care of her parents and mother-in-law. She was called the “Chief” by the family and she was the glue that held them together. She was a marvelous hostess and always made her guests feel welcome and special.

She was her husband’s partner in in marriage as well as fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, cooking, and working in their multiple businesses. After the death of her husband Odie, not liking retirement, started doing demos and traveled to the surrounding towns. One day the manager of the Round Rock Wal-Mart asked her to come in and apply for a position in the deli department. He commented that her selling skills with her demos and her friendliness would work well in the deli. She went in, applied, and got the job. She loved her deli family and her job in that department.

Odie was well known for her cooking and canning abilities. She made her jellies and preserves from scratch. Her sweet rice was always welcome at any event. Her ice box cookies were so well loved that at the family reunion auction they sold for $50 a jar. At Thanksgiving and Christmas her dressing was loved by all. Everyone would make sure that they had some to take home. Her pickles and beets were a delicious addition to any meal.

Odie loved her family and friends. She attended the Taylor Brethren Church and belonged to the Christian sisters. She was never too busy to lend a helping hand when needed.

The apple of her eye was he grandson, Mathew Gillum, who named her nanny. So she became Nanny to all of Matt’s friends. She enjoyed coloring with Matt as a small child, going to ball games, and watching him rope on the farm.

Odie is survived by her daughters, Algerita Belicek Gillum and Gwen Belicek Spriggs (George); her grandson, Mathew Gillum; her brother, Reginald Rieger (Rosiella); her sister-in-law, Nita Rieger; numerous nieces and nephews; and her errand runner/partner in canning, Melvin Scott.

Services were held on Tuesday July 21, 2014 at Taylor City Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were Melvin Scott, Renee Scott, Leon Malm, Jason Rieger, Rory Rieger, Kelly Rieger, Kendal Rieger, Heath Rieger, Seth Rieger, Doug Oslich, Gary Oslich, Wally Kautz, Chad Farmer, and Clint Thomas.

Arrangements under the direction of Condra Funeral Home, Taylor, TX.