It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jana Kay Bural, who went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the age of 68. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Born on Friday, March 14, 1958, at 8:27 p.m. in Fort Worth, Texas, Jana Kay Ellis was the third child of parents, Alston Ellis and Kathryn (Hicks) Ellis. She grew up the youngest of three children with older brothers, Rick and Randy. Her brother, Rick, gave her the nickname of “Gerdy Bird” because she was tall and thin. She started ninth grade at San Marcos Academy, where she attended through graduation in 1977 and made many lifelong friends. She went on to attend the Fort Worth School of Business, where she learned data entry, before starting her career at Pier One Imports.
One of Jana’s most beloved hobbies was bowling, where she met her husband, Billy Wayne Bural. The two began dating and married on Nov. 1, 1987. The two welcomed their only son, Nathaniel, to the world on May 16, 1988, and began their life in Alvarado, Texas, where they joined First Baptist Church. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized on January 26, 1992.
While raising Nathan and putting up with Bill, she worked several jobs in Alvarado, including Dairy Twin, Sonic, Grandy’s, and Chicken Express, where she worked the final 20-plus years of her career before finally retiring to do more bowling, fishing, and spending quality time with Bill. Across her career, she made many lifelong friends. She and Bill were happily married for nearly 39 years. She became a grandmother to Benjamin on February 21, 2018, and again to Brooklynn on January 6, 2021. There were few things in this life that brought her more joy than her grandchildren.
Jana is survived by her husband, Bill, of Alvarado; her son, Nate, and daughter-in-law, Jessica, of Stephenville; her beloved grandchildren, Benjamin and Brooklynn; Sister-in-law, Karen Ellis of Fulshear; her beloved niece Ashley Thomas (Mark) and daughters McKenna and Mady of Fulshear; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and family members.
Jana was preceded in death by her parents, Alston and Kathryn Ellis; and her brothers, Rick and Randy.
The family invites relatives and friends to her celebration of life on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Laurel Land Funeral Home Chapel of Chimes. A visitation will be held beginning at 1 p.m. with the service to follow at 2 p.m. A brief graveside service will immediately follow service at Laurel Land Memorial Park. A reception will also take place at Laurel Land. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this time. Jana’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Pallbearers will be Nate Bural, Jacob Rowe , Ryan Cherry, Jake Stevens, Dillon Scott , Tyler Monroe, and Logan Scott .
