Frances Novak

Frances (Piksa) Novak, age 104, of West, formerly of Penelope, passed away late Tuesday evening, October 6, 2009 at West Rest Haven in West. A rosary will be recited and funeral services held 1:00 p.m. Friday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West, with Rev. B. George officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near Penelope. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mrs. Novak was born October 8, 1905 in West, the daughter of Vaclav and Anna (Marek) Piksa. She was raised in Penelope and attended the New Hope School. As a young woman, she raised Turkeys to eat grasshoppers in the nearby cotton fields. On September 4, 1945 she was united in marriage to John Novak in Penelope. He preceded her in death on November 3, 1975. Frances was a homemaker all of her life and also helped out Uncle John with the cows on the family farm. She was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church of the Nativity B.V.M. in Penelope. She was also a member of the K.J.Z.T. Society No. 35. Frances was lovingly known "Aunt Fannie" and enjoyed gardening and working with her hands. She especially loved spending time with her family. Her parents; two brothers, Frank Piksa and Adolph Marek; and four sisters, Mathilda Kocian, Anna Cook, Marie Truly, and Winnie Reedy; also preceded her in death. Survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Dan Andrle, Clyde Vrba, Thomas Pratka, Ike Pratka, Charlie Klanika, and Calvin Pratka. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Church of the Nativity Altar Society.