Ernestine Kaluza

Ernestine Josephine Kaluza, age 100, of Robinson, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, February 19, 2025 at Ridgecrest Retirement Center in Waco.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Monday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 25, 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 in West.

Ernestine was born March 14, 1924, in Tours, the cherished daughter of John and Mary (Seith) Uptmore. While growing up she cultivated a deep love for her community and faith. She was united in marriage to her lifelong companion, Rudolph "Rudy" Kaluza, on October 22, 1946. Their partnership was a testament to love and devotion, lasting until Rudy's passing on June 18, 2018. A dedicated seamstress, Ernestine made her mark at Wolf Manufacturing Company in Waco. She then started a family as a stay home mom being very proud of raising all six of her daughters before going back into the workforce. After raising her family, she worked as a cook at St. Mary's Catholic School in Waco, where her nurturing spirit earned her accolades for her dedicated service. She was a devoted member of St. Mary's Church of the Assumption, finding joy and community among her fellow parishioners. Ernestine's life was rich with simple pleasures. She reveled in playing bingo, cooking family meals, dancing, singing, and soaking in the beautiful sounds of Christian and country music, with a particular fondness for Ernest Tubb. Her passion for riding through the countryside and sharing laughter and love with family and friends was the hallmark of her life.

Ernestine is also preceded in death by parents; brothers, Alvin, Johnnie, Virgil, and August Uptmore; sisters, Josephine Curry, Catherine Recek, Wilhelmina Black, and Ruby Vrba; a grandson, Bradley Eckenrode; and sons-in-law, Ricky Herod and Roy Lowrey.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters, Peggy Lowrey of Crawford, Kathy Herod of Robinson, Sandra Reddig and husband Jim of Elm Mott, Cynthia Kaluza and husband Steve Fincher of Waco, Brenda Kaluza of Waco, and Rebecca Jackson and husband Nick of Beverly Hills; her grandchildren, Keith Lowrey and Pam DeRoon, Brent Lowrey and wife Amy, Chris Eckenrode and wife Misty, Jason Eckenrode and wife Crystal, Kristen Blancett, Kera Silver and husband Larren, Alyssa VanVleet and husband Dale, Monika Fincher, Jimmy Hassell, Bryan Holt and wife Antonia, Natisha Holt, Marcus Kaluza, Joe Gonzalez and wife Renee, Eric Gonzalez and wife Desiree, and Nickolas Jackson; 37 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Keith Lowrey, Brent Lowrey, Chris Eckenrode, Jason Eckenrode, Jimmy Hassell, Bryan Holt, Marcus Kaluza, Joe Gonzalez, Eric Gonzalez, and Nickolas Jackson.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ridgecrest Nursing Home, longtime roommate Nettie Dacus and Halcyon Hospice Care for their loving care and dedication in bringing comfort to our mom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.