YOAKUM: Beatrice L. Opela, 80, went to be with our Lord on October 5, 2026. She was born February 20, 1946, in Shiner to Paul Pekar, Jr. and Mary (Molnoskey) Pekar.
Beatrice “Bea” was married to Bob Opela, the love of her life, for 52 years prior to his passing. She was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of KJZT and Catholic Life. Prior to her retirement, Beatrice worked as a checker at HEB for 40 years. She loved people and took pride in her work and the customers that she served. Her co-workers became her life-long friends. She enjoyed those full day domino get-togethers with her sisters and brothers and sister-in law Angie. She loved life and the outdoors. Fishing trips to Port O’Conner were at the top of her favorites. She also loved working in her yard while tending to her flowers and plants. Their beauty always brought her joy and satisfaction. She absolutely had a green thumb!!!! But her greatest smiles came with the times spent with her family. She had a heart and love like no other! Always ready and prepared to serve her family meals and treats. She had a strong faith and trust in God. You would find her up in the early morning hours, starting her day off right with prayer and praising God, for he was the center of her heart. She will always be the rock and inspiration of our family and will be greatly missed.
Beatrice is survived by daughters: Cheryl (Joseph) Machicek of Hillje, Lynette (Darrell) Vyvjala and Tiffany (Greg) Janda of Schulenburg; Nine grandchildren: Kirsten (Jacoby) Bussell, Shayla (Desmond) Pulliam, Blaine (Shelby) Machicek and Daylon Machicek. Kade, Brandt (Allison), Layne Vyvjala and Jayse and Aubryn Janda.; ten great grandchildren: Adi, Khay, Yachad and Ezekiel Pulliam, Gemma, Jovie and Livvy Bussell and Callen and Bailey Machicek and her new addition to come baby Vyvjala; sisters: MaryAnn Marek, Agnes Darilek, and Pauline Kloesel and sister-in-law Angie Pekar; brothers: Norbert (Theresa) Pekar, Paul Pekar, and Henry Pekar.
Preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Benjamin, and infant sister, Rosalie; brothers: Adolph Pekar, Raymond Pekar, brothers-in-law Herbert Marek, Frankie Darilek and Elton Kloesel and sisters-in-law Joyce Pekar and Laverne Pekar.
Funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Blaine Machicek, Daylon Machicek, Jacoby Bussell, Desmond Pulliam, Kade, Brandt, Layne Vyvjala and Jayse Janda.
Honorary Pallbearers: Granddaughters and Great-grandchildren
Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church.