Mary Hanzelka

Mary Lou Hanzelka, 89, of Broaddus, TX died on March 23, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 31, 2023 at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 31, 2023 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Broaddus Cemetery in Broaddus, TX.

Mary was born on December 30, 1933 in Broaddus, TX to Wootie Thomas and Marie Gertrude Beard Green.

Mom was a strong, determined woman. She graduated from high school early and moved from Broaddus to Houston and began working in the real estate business. She was young and lived with family until she could get out on her own. She worked in that field until retirement and enjoyed much success, primarily due to her dedication and persistence.

After settling in Houston, Mary Lou met the love of her life, John Hanzelka, and they were married on December 3, 1955. Mary Lou and Johnny made their home in Houston where they raised their two children, Kathy and Steve.

Following Johnny’s untimely death in 1995, Mary Lou retired and moved to rural Washington County. She developed an interest in gardening and especially loved her roses. The family visited her regularly and were frequently treated to Mary Lou’s renowned fried chicken. She also loved sports, particularly basketball and baseball. Her favorite teams were the Houston Rockets and Astros, and she really enjoyed Aggie football.

Mary Lou was a life-long follower of Jesus Christ and a dedicated member of the Church of Christ. She passed peacefully into eternity on March 23, 2023. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve Hanzelka and wife Kelly of Cypress, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Kerbow and husband Gary Kerbow of Richmond, TX; grandchildren, Amy Kerbow Tobin, Allen Kerbow, Ryan Kerbow, Johnny Hanzelka, and James Hanzelka; great-grandchildren, Jack Hanzelka, Jett Hanzelka, Jace Hanzelka, Jackson Tobin, Kaitlyn Tobin, Evelyn Tobin, and Harper Kerbow.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Wootie and Marie Green; husband, John Hanzelka; brother, Thomas Green; and sisters, Muriel Carter and Nelda Cunningham.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Steve Hanzelka, Johnny Hanzelka, James Hanzelka, Gary Kerbow, Allen Kerbow, and Ryan Kerbow.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.