Eva Hlavinka Batla (Mamaw)

Eva Hlavinka Batla “MaMaw” age 82, left this world to be with her Heavenly Father in her eternal home on August 27, 2024, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer. She fought her battle with cancer the same way she lived every day; with great strength, grace, and courage. Eva never once complained about “the storms” of life, only gave all the Glory to our Lord. Her positive outlook was contagious to everyone she met.. Eva was born March 5, 1942, in Bay City, Texas to Willie David and Victoria Hlavinka. As an only child, she grew up in East Bernard, Texas where she attended Holy Cross Catholic School and East Bernard High School. Eva had a very special lifelong friendship with her cousin, who she claimed as her baby sister, Carol Hlavinka Powitzky. These two were more like sisters. They shared many good times together, which Eva spoke about often. You could also find Eva on the phone chit-chatting (in Czech too sometimes) with several others who held a special place in Eva’s heart; Fred Macha, Jeanette Rejsek, Norbert Rosipal, and Pete Kucera. She looked forward to their calls and enjoyed reminiscing about the “good ole days”.

On October 24th,1959 Eva married Milton Batla (from Granger, TX) in East Bernard, Texas at Holy Cross Catholic Church. They were married for 34 years. Milton and Eva lived and raised their children Patrick Batla and Cindy Batla Bezdek in Pasadena, TX until Milton’s passing in February of 1994.

On August 1st, 2001 Eva retired after 21 years of outstanding service with JCPenney's. Eva’s passion for people shined bright during her time at Penneys, winning numerous awards such as Employee of the Month and Top Salesperson. Eva made many friends during that time. Some of her closest and dearest friends/coworkers were Doris Crawford, Annis Mantz, Cheryl Thacker, Mary Luna and Harvette Jass. Mary, Harvette, and Doris came to see her in her final days, which put a huge smile on her face as they all chatted about the “Penney’s” days.

After her retirement, she devoted the next chapter of her life to her grandchildren, Leslie and Blake Bezdek. Choir concerts, dance recitals, football and baseball games, birthday parties, and graduations. Any and all activities Mawaw was there supporting Leslie and Blake as their BIGGEST fan. Later in life as her health began to dwindle, she was unable to attend the activities as before, but always wanted to hear all about it and see pictures. She was so proud of all their accomplishments and the wonderful adults they have become. Blake and his “Mamaw” had a very special bond. Mamaw began caring for Blake when he was only 3 weeks old. Throughout the years they shared some memorable times, those that Blake will treasure in his heart forever. He was a very important part of her care throughout her battle. From taking her to chemotherapy and doctor’s appointments to having a scan; Blake was always there for his Mamaw. They loved to enjoy something to eat after appointments. Blake always let her pick or picked a place he knew she would enjoy. Blake loved his Mamaw dearly and never once did he complain about caring for her.

Eva loved our Lord. Mass, Rosary, listening to gospel music in her room; you could always find Eva praising and worshiping our Lord. Day after day, she would pray for all her family, friends, and even those who she did not know, but who one of us who asked her for a prayer request. Almost everyone who left the house received a blessing and prayer from her personally. A special thank you to Nancy Johnson, Father Khanh Ho, and Hoang Nguyen, Mary, and Decon David for seeing her weekly during her illness. She always looked forward to the time she could pray with them and receive the Holy Eucharist.

Eva was a proud member of the KJZT for over 75 years.

Eva, aka Mamaw, will be forever loved and missed by her daughter Cindy Bezdek and husband Marty Bezdek of Beach City Texas who she lived with for 28 years, and her grandchildren Blake and Leslie Bezdek who she absolutely adored.

She is also survived by her son Patrick Batla and wife Susan; granddaughters Adriane Marie Sadler, Angela Rose Kelley, and Ashley Bejarano; great-grandchildren Ella James Sadler, Emily Bejarano, Brian and Walter Nelson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law August Batla Jr. and Jennifer Batla; nephew Aaron Batla and wife Mandy; and niece Stephanie Batla Price and husband Jim.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband Milton Batla, parents Victoria Hlavinka and Willie David, grandparents Victoria and Martin Hlavinka, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5pm-8pm, Friday, August 30, 2024, with a rosary to begin at 6:30, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr, Baytown, Texas 77521. Eva will be laid to rest at 12 pm, Saturday, August 31, 2024. at Holy Cross/Brethren Cemetery, 151 Co Rd 348, Granger, TX, next to her husband Milton.

Pallbearers: Ladd Macha, Fred Macha, Wilfred Rejsek, Marty Bezdek, Blake Bezdek, August Batla Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers: John Powitzky, Herb Rosipal, Tommy Hlavinka, Keith Hlavinka, Pete Kucera, Norbert Rosipal.