Elsie Elenora Holy Mascheck, 88, was born February 21, 1922, the fourth child of nine, born to Rosie (Galetka) Holy and John Holy. She was born at home, north of Hallettsville. Her early years were spent working on the family farm and helping with her younger siblings. In her late teens she left home to work as a waitress in eating establishments in the Hallettsville and Cuero area. She met the love of her life, John Docker Mascheck, and at the age of 37 they were united in marriage at the Vsetin Czech Moravian Brethren Church on December 8, 1959. For the next 15 years she was his partner in everything from ranching, to checkering gunstocks, to accompanying him and the George Machart Band on weekend dances. Johnny passed away January 8, 1974. After his death she cared for her mother-in-law, Sophie, on the family ranch for many years, where they spent many hours together working on jigsaw puzzles, teaching their dogs new tricks, crocheting and playing solitaire. She was active for many years in the Extension Homemakers Club and socializing at the Senior Citizens Center. She was a member of Vsetin CMB Church, Christian Sisters, and S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #4 In declining health, she spent the last three years as a resident at Hallettsville Rehab and Nursing Center, where she peacefully went to be with Johnny and her Lord on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Although Elsie and Johnny never had children of their own, they had many nieces and nephews that were a part of their life, and she was known as "Aunt Elsie" to all the friends of the nephews and nieces. She was known as the family historian, able to recite family birthdays, birth order, wedding dates, deaths and knew where everyone lived. She also was known for her quick wit and loved to tell stories. She loved life and loved to laugh and was fun to be around and was a generous and caring soul. She loved to work with her hands, crocheting fine doilies, tablecloths, afghans and quilting.

Elsie is survived by three younger sisters: Vicky Zak, of Hallettsville, Rose Marie Hutzler, of Brownsburg, Indiana and Mildred Webb of Bastrop and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elsie was preceded in death by husband, John D. Mascheck, parents, John and Rosie Holy, sisters; Linda Mikush and Josie Zaruba, brothers; Alfred Holy, Leonard Holy and Erwin Holy.

Thank you for being here today to celebrate Elsie's life with us. She will be missed.

Funeral Service: 10 am, Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Vsetin Czech Moravian Brethren Church. Visitation: 2 pm, Wednesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Prayer Service: 7 pm, Wednesday, at Vsetin Czech Moravian Brethren Church. Officiate: Rev. Dr. Mark Labaj. Pallbearers: Chad Mikush, Tyran Zak, Cameron Zak, Denton Zak, Blake Appelt, Randall Zaruba, and Kyle Prasek. Burial: Mascheck Family Cemetery. Memorials: Mascheck Family Cemetery Fund or Czech Moravian Brethren Church.