Loretta Nedbalek

Loretta Josephine Macik Nedbalek passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025 at her care home in Magnolia, Texas after courageously facing multiple strokes. She was born to John Macik and Hermania “Minnie” (Hubenak) Macik on August 24, 1937 in Snook, Texas where she spent most of her life.

Loretta was one of twelve siblings, and together they had 38 children. During her childhood, she was affectionately nicknamed “Toncey,” and to her many nieces and nephews, she was known as “Aunt Toncey.” Her greatest joy in life was her family. To her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was “Mema.”

She cherished family gatherings filled with good homemade food and Czech music. Her love of cooking – whether in the kitchen or even in the deer stand – was matched only by her joy for baking and dancing to polka music. She loved Molly B, Big Joe Polka Show, Larry’s Country Diner, and Country’s Family Reunion. The Vrazel’s was her favorite Czech polka band.

On August 31, 1956, Loretta married Marvin F. Nedbalek (also from Snook) in Houston, Texas. The couple eventually returned to Snook to be closer to family and raise their three daughters, Wanda, Joyce, and Debbie. After Marvin passed at the age of 49, Loretta became a young widow. Eventually, she developed a friendship with Ray Maass of Snook. They had many things in common and nurtured their friendship for 35 years.

She adored her girls and instilled in them a deep love for the Lord. The family was active in the Snook Brethren Church, where Loretta was a member of the Christian Sisters. She and her daughters were all confirmed there, and it remained a pillar of her life. She eventually became a member at Hope Evangelical Free Church where she attended until her passing.

Loretta was deeply involved in her daughters’ lives and activities. Despite financial hardships at times, she always found a way to provide. A talented seamstress, she made countless cheerleading uniforms, sports travel outfits, and clothing for her girls and many others. She never missed a sporting event and was always their biggest cheerleader.

Known for her flamboyant and fabulous style, Loretta loved to dress up, accessorize, and sparkle—she never met a piece of bling she didn’t love.

Throughout her life, Loretta held many jobs, ultimately retiring from Texas A&M University, where she worked in the Veterinary College as a Lab Technician—a job she truly enjoyed.

She had a zest for life and a wide array of passions: fishing, deer hunting, gardening, horseback riding in her younger years, thrift store shopping especially Goodwill, dressing up as Santa Claus, spending time with loved ones, and, of course, indulging in crawfish and menudo.

Loretta was deeply loved by many in the Snook community and beyond and her faith, strength, and joyful spirit touched countless lives. Heaven has gained a hardworking, God-loving angel. She will be dearly missed.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at the private home of Senior Choice Living in Magnolia, Texas and to Choice Hospice for taking such wonderful care of her with the same love and compassion that we ourselves would have done.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Evangelical Free Church in College Station, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marvin, longtime friend Ray Maass and her brothers: Willie Macik, Franklin Macik, Rudolph Macik, Johnny Macik and her sisters: Elsie Ricicar, Sadie Sebesta, and Frances Sebesta.

She is survived by her daughters: Wanda Nedbalek Drazer (Jerry), Joyce Nedbalek Freeman (Mike), and Debbie Nedbalek Jones (Dennis). Sister, Billie Jean Horcica (Hubert), Brother, Leo Macik (Inez). She is also survived by grandchildren: Jennifer Russell (Austin), Michelle Kern (Chris), Rebecca Karl (Chase), Shawn Freeman (Erin), Katherine Elkins (Avery), Mat Bowen III(Elizabeth), Hilary Koerting (Kyle), Jen Crowley (Mark) and Allie Merchant (Sameer). Along with 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, Goddaughter, Teresa Macik Leschber and Godsons, Ronnie Horcica and Kenneth Macik, and numerous extended family.