Karen Ruth Zavesky, 67, of Hallettsville, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 10, 2024.  She was born on January 10, 1957, to Joseph and Faye Marie Robinson Vavrusa of Dayton, Texas.  She was a graduate of Hallettsville High School where she met the love of her life, Ricky Zavesky.  The two married on July 2, 1977, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville and together they had three children; Wendy, Clay and Kim.

While raising their children was Karen's passion, she managed to work part time and obtain her Bachelor's degree in Education from Victoria College.  She first taught at St. Anthony's Catholic School in Columbus and then later at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hallettsville for nearly 15 years.  After retirement, she continued to substitute teach for many years and even had her grandchildren in some of her classes.

Faith and family were cornerstones of Karen's everyday life.  A believer of the philosophy that a little of everything is fine in moderation, her diligence and determination to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle were a daily focus.  She loved traveling with her family, to close destinations like Rockport and the Frio River as well as longer stays in Wyoming and Hawaii.  No matter where, she enjoyed going on long walks, shopping, and journaling, she was also known for her famous Poppy Seed Cake.

Karen enjoyed and thrived in an environment surrounded by family.  Her weekly visits with her mother, sisters and brothers were treasured occasions.  A faithful follower of Christ, her belief in the healing power of God kept her strong minded and willed through every step of her battle with cancer.  Truly blessed by the comfort of knowing her path was lit by the light of her savior, she showed confidence and awareness in her final days.  The awareness to help her family through the steps that she knew would follow and the confidence to leave the heavy lifting to God.

Karen is survived by:  her husband of 47 years, her mother, daughter Wendy Vacek (Lance), son Clayton Zavesky (Krysta) of Hallettsville and daughter Kimberly Rose (Ryan) of Weimar; seven grandchildren, Slade, Mason & Kallie Vacek, Colt & Canyon Zavesky and Emma & Jase Rose; brothers, Gary Vavrusa of Hallettsville and Mark Vavrusa of Cuero; and sisters, Alva Buzek and Patricia Honish both of Hallettsville.

Karen was preceded in death by her father.

The family wishes to thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, kind words, support and love during the loss of our sweet mother, Karen.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."   Numbers 6: 24-26

Funeral Mass Service: will be Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10 am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville with Visitation starting at 9 am. Pallbearers: Lance Vacek, Ryan Rose, Russell Zavesky, Slade Vacek, Mason Vacek, Colt Zavesky, Canyon Zavesky and Jase Rose. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic School or Hospice of South Texas.