Martha Lander

Martha Lander, age 85, of West, passed away Wednesday morning, March 10, 2010 at her residence. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mrs. Lander was born on May 7, 1924 in West, the daughter of Pete and Millie (Nors) Kocian. She attended the Alligator School near Cottonwood. On November 8, 1949, she was united in marriage to Herman H. Lander in West. He preceded her in death on March 10, 2002. Martha was a homemaker and a seamstress for Lorch Manufacturing in West and Wolf Manufacturing in Waco. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, tending to her flowers, quilting, and dancing. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Martha was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. She was also a member of K.J.Z.T. Society No. 11. Her parents; a brother, William Kocian; and a sister, Albina Pavelka also preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Grellhesl and husband Johnny of West a son, Larry Lander and wife Shelley of Dallas; four grandchildren, Melanie Grellhesl and special friend Neal, Kristel Louis and husband Adam, Zachary Evans, and Kaitlin Lander; a great grandson on the way, Samuel Louis; two sisters, Lillie Laubert and husband Alvin and Sophie Bazant, both of West; four sisters-in-law, Marie Bates and husband Scotty, Irene Janke, Grace Lander, and Pat Lander, all of Waco; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Richard Laubert, Gary Bates, Rudolph Pavelka, Frankie Pavelka, Elwood Lander, and Raymond Bazant. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund, Providence Hospice, or the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Providence Hospice for their loving care and support to our family.