Bernice Beene

Bernice Pustejovsky Beene, age 82, of Abbott, passed away Tuesday morning, December 14, 2021 at Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco. A rosary will be recited 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, followed by visitation until 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 20, 2021 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Brijil Lawrence as celebrant, assisted by Deacon Terry Timmons. Burial will follow at Fatima Cemetery near Abbott. Bernice was born January 25, 1939 in Abbott, to the late Emil and Bessie (Pavlicek) Pustejovsky. She was a 1957 graduate of Abbott High School and attended 4-C Business College. On August 25, 1962 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Beene in Abbott. Kenneth preceded her in death on January 8, 2020. Bernice was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She was also a member of KJZT Society #104, the Abbott PTA, and the Ladies' Birthday Club with her sisters and friends. Bernice worked as a key punch operator for American Income Life Insurance for several years and volunteered at West Rest Haven. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, embroidering, remodeling, playing bingo, buying lotto tickets, traveling, and going to the "boats" in Shreveport. She loved socializing and spending time with her husband and friends at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Bernice was always by Kenneth's side for his Ag teachers group, many Go Texan events, and all of their Knights of Columbus events. Her health declined very early in life. She suffered more than anyone should, but she was always a quick wit, and most of all a caring, loving and supportive wife and mother. Survivors include her daughter, Donna Kay Ritchie and husband Alan Sr. of Waxahachie; her son, Kevin Beene of Abbott; grandchildren, Lauren Ritchie, Alan Ritchie Jr. and wife Erica Herbst, Hannah Keeler and husband Garrett, Luke Ritchie and Karissa Burgess, and Abigail Ritchie; great-grandson, Stellan; brothers, Eugene Pustejovsky and wife Kathleen and Emil Pustejovsky Jr. and wife Frances; sisters, Lillian Filer and husband Matthew, Agnes Marak, and Theresa Jaska; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Alan Ritchie Jr., Luke Ritchie, Garrett Keeler, Ronnie Marak, Phil Pustejovsky, Doug Pustejovsky, Ray Jaska, and Joe Jaska. Honorary pallbearers are her nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scholarship Fund for Kenneth and Bernice Beene, c/o Abbott Ag Boosters, Post Office Box 37, Abbott, Texas 76621, or to the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank her caregivers, Sharon Willis and Margaret Hrabal for their loving care and compassion given to Bernice after Kenneth's passing.