Elizabeth Merta Kacal, 97, of Bay City entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 31, 2026. She was born in Taiton, Texas, on October 3, 1928, to Vaclav Merta and Ludmila Kotyza Merta who came to America from Czechoslovakia through the port of Galveston near the turn of the century. She was the third youngest of 14 children.

Raymond (Ray) Kacal “swept” Elizabeth off her feet on the dance floor, and they were married on June 20, 1950, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Taiton. They were blessed with 68 years of marriage, raising five children, dancing many polkas and waltzes, traveling three times to the Czech Republic and numerous states and being active parishioners of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City. Elizabeth was a member of the Holy Cross Altar Society and the Holy Cross Quilters Guild. She was also a member of various Czech organizations including the KJZT and KJT society.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and ‘Nanny’ who “looked well to the ways of her household” (Proverbs 31:27) She was a talented seamstress, and she enjoyed making delicious meals for her family using the many vegetables her husband’s garden produced.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Stephen; brothers, John Merta, Joe Merta, William Merta, James Merta, Jerome Merta, Robert Merta; sisters, Christine Merta Kulcak, Annie Merta Kulcak, Mary Merta McDonald, Rosalie Merta Smith, Agnes Merta McDonald Sandelovic and Bessie Merta.

She is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Melodie) Kacal of Bay City, and Ronnie (Cheryl) Kacal of Brazoria; daughters, Sandra (John) Reed of Houston and Diana (Edward) Gurecky of El Maton. Grandchildren are Kari (Mike) Smith, Allison Frazier, Rachel Reed, Matthew (Molly) Kacal, Lee (Amy) Gurecky, Adam (Candice) Gurecky, Brittany (Kyle) Hart, and Cory (Caitlin) Kacal; and fifteen great-grandchildren, Mariel Kacal, Maya Kacal, Macee Kacal, Miles Kacal, Townes Smith, Emma Gurecky, Bennett Gurecky, Faith Gurecky, Owen Gurecky, Amelia Gurecky, Abby Gurecky, Margaret Gurecky, Lydia Gurecky, Landon Hart, and Clara Hart. Elizabeth is also survived by brother Charles Merta and his wife Ella of El Campo. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 9:00am Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:30am. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00am with Father Stephen Vacek officiating. Burial services will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers will be Lee Gurecky, Adam Gurecky, Cory Kacal, Mike Smith, Ronnie Kacal, and Jeffrey Dziuk. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kyle Hart and Matthew Kacal.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Angels Hospice nurses and staff along with the nurses and staff at Avir.

Memorials may be made in her name to Holy Cross Catholic Church (2001 Katy Ave. Bay City, Texas 77414) or Angels Care Hospice (1605 7th St. Bay City, Texas 77414).

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net