As the sun rose and kissed the Texas Gulf Coast on April 29, 2019, a loving wife, mother and friend Janice Koudelka, awoke in the loving embrace of Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Eugene Koudelka. Daughter Patti Ragsdale and husband Robert. Grandchildren Chad Henderson and wife Lindsey, and Cole Ragsdale. Daughter Pam Smith and husband Brian. Grandchildren Chase Geffert, Christen Lane and husband Bobby. Sister Lila Fortenberry and husband Jack, sister-in-law Cil Thomas, a dear cousin Aline Holtzman, numerous nieces, nephews and special friends Rob and Sherri Geffert, and Clark Gray. She is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Jessie Thomas; brothers Willie Earl and James Thomas, and best friend Mitsue Gray.

Mom was born, married and lived her life in Bay City.   She helped raise her grandchildren and was so very proud of them. They were blessed to have her in, and be a part of their daily lives growing up. Our beautiful Mom taught us to not only love but to live a life that we could be proud of, to work hard, smile often, and cherish every moment with family and friends. She had such a huge and caring heart, loved gardening in her flower beds, shopping, anything pink and gambling in Coushatta where she was always lucky.

She made the world a better place and we will miss her deeply!

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00pm Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home . A rosary will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Thursday, May 2 ^, 2019 at 9:30am, followed by mass at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers are Cole Ragsdale, Bobby Lane, Brian Smith, Robert Ragsdale, Rob Geffert and Bob King.