Leona Ruth Dannels Mondrik of Blessing, Texas was granted her angel wings on March 19, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born November 27, 1942, in Palacios to Ted and Pauline Dannels and grew up near Pheasant Switch between Blessing and Palacios. She graduated from Tidehaven High School in 1961 and then attended Wharton County Junior College to pursue her degree in nursing. She worked as an LVN at Wagner General Hospital in Palacios for many years. She later pursued her RN degree and graduated from Victoria School of Nursing and then went to work for Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City where she also retired.

She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Palacios where she married her late husband of 56 years. They also celebrated their 25th and 50th wedding anniversary in that very same church.  Their children were all Baptized and Confirmed there as well.

Leona was very talented; decorating wedding cakes, sewing, and making church banners and beautiful handmade beaded Chrismons that have been used on the Our Redeemer Christmas tree for many years.  She even mastered making kolache's and strudels for her husband's love of desserts from his Czech heritage. She was a wonderful grandmother and loved taking her grandchildren on many adventures.

She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and God-son David Dannels. Also, granddaughter Vera Rickaway and great granddaughters Bailey and Katlin who blessed her with countless visits during her stay at Matagorda Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She is preceded in death by her husband: Frank Mondrik; parents: Theodore and Pauline Laslie Dannels; and her only sibling: Delbert Glen Dannels and his wife Ann.

Leona is survived by her daughter: Ellaine Cunningham (Dave); Sons: Frank John Mondrik Jr. and Michael Mondrik; Grandchildren: Randi Rickaway (MJ), Cole Rickaway (Vera), Danielle Mondrik, Jeremy Mondrik, Michael Mondrik Jr., and Alan Mondrik (Julia); Great grandchildren: Bailey, Katlin and Wade Rickaway and Lupine Mondrik. She had many nieces, great nieces, nephews, and great nephews on both her side of the family as well as her late husband's side of the family.

The family will receive visitors from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Monday, March 24, 2025, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Palacios with the Celebration of Life following at 2:00 PM.  Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Pallbearers will be her: son Mike Mondrik, grandson Michael Mondrik Jr., grandson Alan Mondrik, nephews David Dannels, David Mondrik and Chuck Olsovsky.  Honorary pallbearers will be: Syl Hajovsky Jr., Dennis Dannels, and honorary grandson Trey Longoria.

A reception will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran church after the burial service.

In lieu of flowers, Leona wished for donations to be made in her memory to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church - P.O. Box 943, Palacios, TX 77465 or Hawley Cemetery Association PO Box 343 Blessing, TX 77419

Condolences maybe share with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613