Leona Marie Najvar, 87, of Hallettsville, TX died at her home on June 14, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Rabb Switch, TX she was the daughter of the late Frank and Rosie Vasek. Her son, Bobby, predeceased her in 1976.

Leona attended Rabb Switch School but was unable to complete her high school education as a young woman because the school only went to the 7th grade. Before she married, she worked in San Antonio and attended business school. As a mother of three, she returned to school and earned her GED in 1974. With her beloved husband, Paul, she worked to establish Paul's Supply Auto Parts in1958. Paul and Leona would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 20. Leona loved to dance, speak and sing Czech songs, and travel with a full-hearted, adventurous attitude. She was proud of her gardening skills and grew just about anything. Her love for animals and playing dominoes were a constant throughout her life.  She took a many family fishing trips and continued the tradition with her grandsons.

She was a member of the American Business Women's Association, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters of Americas, Lavaca County Czech Heritage Society, Hermann Sons Fraternal Organization, Hallettsville Garden Club, and Hallettsville Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary. She also volunteered with the Cancer Road to Recovery Drivers and a founding member of Lavaca Medical Center "Pink Ladies." Leona was a lifetime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish.

In addition to her husband, Paul Najvar of Hallettsville, TX, Leona is survived by her son, Paul Najvar Jr. and his wife, Mary Beth of Hallettsville; daughter, Lori Najvar and her husband, Glen Chappell of Austin, TX; and much loved grandsons, Drew, Mitch and Bryce.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Friday, June 17, 2011, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Thursday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Thursday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Drew Najvar, Bryce Najvar, Mitchell Najvar, Glen Chappell, Tramer Woytek, and Anthony Corte. Memorials (In Lieu of Flowers): Hospice of South Texas, 404 North Texana, Hallettsville, TX 77964; or the Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center (www.czechtexas.org). Interment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, with reception at the Sacred Heart Family Center.

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