Viola Marie Rybak of Houston passed away on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 at the age of 89 years, 3 months.
A rosary in her honor, led by Jan Ripper and Lillian Hilscher, preceded a Mass officiated by Rev. Scott Hill, and funeral organized by Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Her body was interred beside her beloved husband George at High Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were sons-in-law Glenn Rhodes and Jim Schneider, grandson-in-law John Muennink, nephew Michael Winkler, nephew-in-law Burl Smith, and greatgrandson Parker Hoffman.
Viola was born at home in High Hill to parents Henry Winkler and Amalia Grohmann Winkler on Oct. 9, 1932, with the help of the local doctor, who arrived by horse and buggy. Her family was also assisted by neighbor and midwife, Mrs. Collie. Viola received Baptism and Confirmation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church High Hill.
In 1950, she married the love of her life, George Rybak, at St. Mary’s and was later blessed with two daughters. The extended family spent years in and around Schulenburg enjoying local picnics, church and community events, dances, and were frequent patrons of Lakeside and Palace of Sweets, run by George’s family.
Viola and her young family followed careers to Houston in the late 1950s where she worked at Krute’s Toy & Gift Shop in Highland Village, Gorman’s Toy Store in University Village, and worked in accounting for Union Texas Petroleum for 28 years. In addition to their jobs and raising their girls, Viola and George enjoyed renovating houses in Houston and Schulenburg. After George’s death, Viola continued to single-handedly maintain her home for the next 25 years and served her community as an officer in the Community Civics Club. In her platinum years, Viola and close friend Barbara Oliver never missed an opportunity to enjoy life.
Viola is preceded in death by her parents, Amalia in 1971 and Henry in 1984, her husband George in 1997, her sister Leona in 2017, brothers Lawrence in 1967, Warner in 1959, and infant brother Clarence in 1930.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Jim Schneider of Denton and Gail and Glenn Rhodes of Caldwell, granddaughter and grandson-in-law Jessica and John Muennink, great-grandsons Evan and Shane Muennink of Corpus Christi, granddaughter Jennifer Hoffman and great-grandson Parker Hoffman of Austin.
Viola lived a long, full life and will be deeply missed; her warm, loving personality will remain with her family always.