Bernadette Hykel

Bernadette Marie "Bernice" Hykel, age 90, of Elm Mott, passed away early Saturday morning, March 15, 2025 at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco.

A rosary will be recited 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Bernice was born March 18, 1934, in Bynum, the daughter of Joe and Emilie (Urbanovsky) Ondrej. She attended school in Penelope, graduating from Penelope High School in 1951. On July 9, 1955, she was united in marriage to William "Bill" Hykel, with whom she shared a deep and loving partnership until his passing on January 12, 2013. Together, they nurtured a family steeped in love and laughter, a connection that will forever live on in the hearts of her family. A devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellmead, Bernice also participated actively with the KJZT St. Ludmilla Society #11. Her professional journey included roles as a homemaker, a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell, a seamstress for Lorch Manufacturing, and a cook for the Connally Independent School District. However, it was in her home, where she gathered her family each Saturday night for lovingly prepared meals, that she found her truest joy. Bernice also found happiness in sewing, playing bingo and cards, enjoying the thrills of the casino, dancing to her favorite country music, listening to the ballads of Engelbert Humperdinck, and tending to her flowers and garden. Being outdoors brought her joy, whether she was mowing the lawn or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Bernice is also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Joe Ondrey; a sister, Georgia Davis; grandson, Brandon Ashley; great-grandson, Chase McCarty; and a daughter-in-law, Vickie (Moore) Hykel.

Survivors include her children, Matthew Hykel, of Waco, William "Bill" Hykel and wife Jeanne, of Alvarado, Kenneth Hykel and wife Cindy, of Lacy Lakeview, Glenn Hykel and wife Teresa, of West, and Vicki McMullen and husband Mike of Nashville, TN; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers are Devan Pollard, Tyler McCarty, Brayden Henry, Jeremy Hykel, Stuart McMullen and Cody Ochoa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department, St. Vincent de Paul or St. Mary's Cemetery Association.