"Jackie was a very good friend in high school. A real trooper. Could really flirt with blinking beautiful eyes. Lewis Leifeste, Kerrrville, Texas"
In loving memory of
Jacqueline Rochelle Garza
November 9, 1935 - June 19, 2017
With heavy hearts the family of Jacqueline (Jackie) Garza announces the passing of their wife, mother, and grandmother on June 19, 2017. She was dearly loved by all who knew her.
Jackie was born in Ellinger, TX to Lambert and Ellen Kubena on November 9, 1935. Always an avid student she graduated top 10% of her class from La Grange High School and continued on to obtain her Bachelors And Masters degrees. On June 18, 1955 Jackie married the love of her life, Walter Garza.
For 36 years, Jackie devoted her time and talents to teaching in Texas and California. She enriched the lives of her students as a teacher, administrator, and Director of Curriculum.
Upon retirement, Jackie and Walt returned to Austin. Never one to be bored or idle, Jackie spent her time and skills working with many community groups. As a member of Onion Creek Country Club she spent many hours on the golf course and at the bridge table. She belonged to Bethany Lutheran Church for over 25 years and volunteered with various groups including Stephen Ministry & Gift Bible Study; the highlight of the Christmas season was her wonderfully and beautifully decorated themed Christmas trees.
Jackie is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 62 years Walter; two daughters, Shelley ONeil of Kyle, TX and Carole Wolf and husband Keith of Acworth, GA; five grandchildren, Gregory Wolf and wife Courtney of Chelsea, AL, Christine Wolf of Atlanta, GA, Catherine ONeil of Austin, TX, Andrew ONeil and Patrick ONeil of Kyle, TX; brother, Tom Kubena of Ellinger, Texas.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, Texas.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W. Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78749.
Interment to follow at La Grange City Cemetery, La Grange, Fayette County, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church.
Tributes
"We love you Jackie. Oh! And you too Walt. Peaceful Blessings to you and your family. Richard Sigmon"
"Hi Jackie - You beat me - congratulations to you - I enjoyed being BSF friends with you - when I get there, we'll make some cinnamon rolls. I'm sure I won't have to stop by the store before I come. Love you, Emily Barron"
"Jackie and Walt are my twin sister and my godparents. I have wonderful young memories of them. We moved away when we were young but have pictures to remember. My parents always kept us up on how Jackie and Walt were so I always felt a connection even though we were separate. Walt, prayers of compassion, love and peace for you and your family. May God surround you all the peace and love that He always promises. Lois (Leverkuhn) Moss"
"She took time after my auto accident to come visit me in the trauma unit. Jacqueline, you were one in a million - a very special person, and will always have a special place in our hearts."
"I just had a very nice visit with her when she came to visit my mom in the hospital last month. What a sweet lady!"
"She was the organizer of the Kubena Reunion a few tears ago. She was proud of her family and heritage. She was full of life and far too young spirited to leave us. Our family will miss her.. Don Mendel"
"We are out of town and cannot be there but are sending our love to all the Garza family. Jackie was a truly remarkable lady whom we loved and admired. May the assurance of her resurrection and precious memories give you peace until you see her again. Bill and Diane Rohrman"
"Sending prayers of love and support to Walt and his family. Walt and Jackie are my God-parents. I have early life memories of their love and kindness to me and my twin sister. Please know that I will keep you all in my prayers as you support and care for each other. May the assurance of God's love and faithfulness be with you now and always. Lynn (Leverkuhn) Gehrke"
"We will always remember her smiling face . A beautiful lady and a wonderful friend. Jackie was a very happy person and I have such wonderful memories of conversations with her about Walt and her girls. RIP Jackie..."