“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Lillie B. Martinka, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.
Her birth was attended by Dr. R.D. Zepp, MD, in La Salle, Texas, Jackson County. She was born on February 5, 1942 to Joe P. and Albina M. Andrle Kucera. She was baptized into the Catholic faith on February 8, 1942 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inez, Texas. Lillie graduated from Industrial High School in 1960.
She was raised to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life. Lillie was brought up in La Salle, Texas along with an older sister, Rosalie, two older brothers, Zeke and August and one younger brother, Marvin. Growing up, she was content to entertain herself. She took part in playing softball and was a member of the 4-H Club. In her spare time, she liked to read, garden, sew and cook. Lillie's memorable achievements included gardening and cooking with her mom. In high school, Lillie was a member of the Future Homemakers of America and 4-H club.
She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated in 1960 from Industrial High School in Vanderbilt, Texas. Her favorite class in high school was English. She enjoyed learning from all the teachers in high school. In addition to graduating from high school, Lillie played in the band and learned how to play the clarinet.
Those who were privileged to know her well, learned that she was a solid, good friend. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. While growing up, some of her best friends were Beatrice Zacek, Agnes Zacek and Margaret Anders. Later in life, she became friends with Bonnie Doerr, Gail Williams, Anna Garcia and many others.
Love cannot be defined but must be experienced. She married the love of her life, Edward P. Martinka on June 24, 1961 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in LaSalle, Texas. She was totally committed to Edward and the life that they built together. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. In this way, she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track her three children’s schedule. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Danelle, Cody, Brandon, Bethany, Brody, and Jackson, and nine great grandchildren.
Lillie enjoyed wearing many hats! She stayed very busy while her children were growing up, serving as a teacher’s aide at Our Lady of Victory School for many years; team Mom for her son’s baseball team; teaching food and nutrition with 4-H. She was also an Avon Lady for 35 years; a fabric specialist at JoAnne's Fabric; as well as being a wonderful homemaker and the best babysitter ever! Lillie babysat many children through the years, including her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was lovingly referred to as “Maw Maw”. Lillie also enjoyed a game of “42”, playing bunco, going dancing with her husband, and working in her flowerbeds where she grew the most beautiful azaleas and other flowers. Most of all, Lillie enjoyed spending time with her family with whom she devoted her life to.
In high school, Lillie played basketball, volleyball and tennis. Lillie stayed active playing volleyball at the DuPont Clubhouse in the late 80’s-early 90’s, playing racquetball with her husband, playing softball, doing aerobics at the YMCA with Pam and Connie, or walking in the mall in the mornings. She was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were all the sports her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were involved with, as well as watching sporting events at Our Lady of Victory School. She also enjoyed watching college volleyball and softball games with Edward on T.V.
Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church for 19 years, after moving to Victoria, she was a faithful member of Our Lady of Victory Cathedral for 61 years. Throughout her later years, Lillie was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Altar Society. She assisted with the funeral meals for families of deceased church members and their families.
Lillie and Edward enjoyed many trips to Ruidoso, New Mexico to house sit for the Williams family. They also enjoyed many trips to Coushatta with her youngest brother Marvin and her sister-in-law Diane. Lillie was always ready to gamble. We liked to tease her about that. She enjoyed many shopping trips with her daughters, especially to the outlet malls in San Marcos. She loved shopping too! She was quite the shopper, always spotting a good deal! She enjoyed shopping at the Victoria Mall too, with her sister-in-law Margie and Margie’s sister Rose. That shopping trip usually ended with eating lunch at Casa Ole. There was a family trip to Durango, Colorado in which the family celebrated Ed and Lillie’s 50th Anniversary. That was an awesome trip! The entire family rode the train from Durango to Silverton and back again. A good time was had by all! Ed and Lillie accompanied Dan and Pam to Montana, Nashville, TN. and Kentucky seeing the sights. That was a wonderful trip as well!
Lillie and Ed both loved country music so much! They attended many concerts, including Jim Ed Brown, Lori Morgan, Conway Twitty, Little Jimmie Dickens, Willie Nelson, T.G. Sheppard, and twice, the Bellamy Brothers. They also went to see George Strait numerous times with the family, the last time being in Las Vegas, Nevada. That was a trip to remember. They also traveled twice to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Lillie knew the words to so many Country songs, we loved to hear her sing along. How we all miss that sweet voice!
She also enjoyed fishing with Edward at the beginning of their marriage, and then later on with the kids, and then going with Butch and Anna. She enjoyed camping with her family as well. She loved to pick dewberries when they were in season. Ed and Lillie spent many evenings after Ed got off work driving through Riverside Park, counting all the deer that they could find. Lillie loved to cook and bake throughout the years. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all had their favorite things that she made from scratch and with much love. That is one of the many things that we sure do miss about her. Lillie’s Thanksgiving dressing was so good, she made it from memory for many years. Her daughter, Pam asked her for the recipe many years ago. Lillie stated that she would have to think about it for a while since she did not have it written down anywhere. So glad she shared that recipe, and many others.
In her retirement years, she found much pleasure living in Victoria, Texas and enjoying time with family & many friends. She enjoyed her walks, dancing with her husband, playing bunco, dominoes – “42” was her favorite. Lillie always enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports & activities. She was active in the church community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.
She is survived by her husband of sixty-one years, Edward “Ed” P. Martinka; daughters, Pamela Reeves (Dan) and Connie Boedeker (Lloyd); son, Michael Martinka (Stacee); grandchildren, Danelle Heinold (Sheldon), Cody Reeves (Jennifer), Brandon and Bethany Boedeker, Brody Gamber, and Jackson Martinka. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, McKenzie Martinez, Blaine, DeLainey, and Emmalynn Heinold; Jovie, Joliene, and Conley Reeves; and Cameron and Caysen Rodriguez. She is also survived by her siblings, August (Margie) Kucera, and Zephrin “Zeke” Kucera; and extended family, Eugene “Gene” (Nancy) Martinka, Shirley (Larry) Reeder, and Paula (John) Banks, Diane Kucera, Sandra Genoway, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Lillie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Rosalie Strelec; brother, Marvin Kucera; brother-in-law, Albert Strelec; sister-in-law, Nancy Kucera; niece, Debra Nichols; nephew, Lee Nichols; great-nephew, Bryant Nichols; brother-in-law, Virgil James Martinka; nephew, Troy Strelec; and in-laws, Paul and Martha Martinka.
Visitation was held at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023. A Rosary followed the visitation at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. Interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception followed for family and friends at the Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Hall. Pallbearers included Dan Reeves, Cody Reeves, Lloyd Boedeker, Brandon Boedeker, Brody Gamber, Jackson Martinka, Sheldon Heinold, and Blaine Heinold. Honorary pallbearers were Eugene “Gene” Martinka, John Gehrke, Butch Martinez, Ramon Lozano, Kevin Runge, David Brogger, Dr. Maria Velasco, Clark Charbula, and all her Great-Grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked to please make donations in memory of Lillie Martinka to Hospice of South Texas; Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Maintenance Fund; Our Lady of Victory Cathedral T.V. Ministry; or Promise Pointe, 8550 Hwy. 59 South Victoria, Texas 77905. The family would like to give a special Thank You to all of Lillie’s caregivers, Hospice of South Texas, and Dr. Maria Velasco. We also appreciate and thank all participants who assisted with our Lillie’s funeral services.
Our beautiful angel on Earth, Lillie Bessie Martinka, passed away from this life on Thursday, April 20, 2023. She dedicated her life to her family and for that we will all be forever grateful. We all miss her gracious and beautiful smile, and those hugs. She made us all feel so loved and special! She is missed beyond words!
