Christine Kocian Vanek

Christine (Kocian) Vanek, age 94, of West, passed away early Sunday morning, March 20, 2011 at St. Catherine's Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel by Angeline Sykora, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Mrs. Vanek was born July 27, 1916 in Penelope, the daughter of Vince and Frances (Pavlas) Kocian. She attended the Cottonwood School near Hubbard. On October 11, 1937 she was united in marriage to Frank L. Vanek in Penelope. He preceded her in death on September 12, 1976. Christine was a homemaker and a seamstress, working for Lorch Manufacturing Company in West for over 20 years. Prior to that, while living in Lockney, she and her husband Frank owned and operated a fast food restaurant for several years called the Dixie Hamburger Drive-In. From many miles around, people came to this favorite spot. Christine was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church of the Assumption. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court No. 829 and the K.J.Z.T. Society No. 11. Christine enjoyed canning, tending her flowers and gardening. She especially loved spending time with her family. Christine is also preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Chris Kazda; a brother, Charlie Kocian; and two sisters, Regina Holacka and Delma Hutyra. Survivors include two daughters, Patsy C'de Baca and husband Frankie and Maxine Kazda and fianc Eugene Maroul both of West; two sons, Allen Vanek and wife Stephanie "Tappy" and Steve Vanek and fiance Ann Campbell, all of West; a sister, Frances Beseda of West; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Jimmy Holacka, Gary Beseda, James Kocian, Daryl Kazda, Gary Kazda, Greg C'de Baca, and Zachary Vanek. Honorary pallbearers are Trisha Vanek, Ashlee MacGibbon, Krystal Vanek, Janet Adams, Diane Sullivan, and Michelle Graham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or St. Mary's School Building Fund.