Bernice Gladys Basward

Funeral services for Bernice Basward, 89 of Paige, Texas, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings with Pastor Yuri Carralero officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgeway Cemetery in Paige, Texas. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday February 2, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The family will be present for visitation Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Bernice was born on January 3, 1937, in Lee County, Texas to Ewald Albrecht and Alma (Schroeder) Albrecht. She had many careers through the years. Bernice started with the family business with her first husband, at Travis State School then moved on to Butler Brick in Elgin, Durrenberger Flowers and finally J&L Catering. She was instrumental in forming the Paige V.F.D., a longtime member of Paige Sons of Hermann Lodge, and Paige Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. Bernice enjoyed gardening and made beautiful floral arrangements. She also made homemade noodles to sell and give to her family, canning various vegetables, fruits, and jellies. Bernice was appreciated for her delicious baked bread, coffee cakes and pies. Her family fondly remembered her cutting their hair, crocheting and sewing clothes. Bernice enjoyed playing the Mandolin, Guitar and Fiddle with her sister Gertrude, cousins and friends.

Bernice passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at her home in Paige, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ewald Albrecht and Alma Schroeder; first husband, Charlie "Kinkle" Kmoch; second husband, Jim Basward; son in laws, Rodger Smith and Johnny Jones.

Bernice is survived by her children, Dianne Smith of Paige, Sandy and husband Jim Botkin of Paige, Kenny and wife Shelia Kmoch of Loebau, Pam Jones and her fiancée Randy Smith of Rochelle; grandchildren, Chad and wife Gwen Smith, Heather and husband Aaron Ferrall, Brandi and husband Dane Young, Brigette Burttschell, Ethan and wife Ciera Kmoch, Kember and husband Tyler McCoy, Amanda and husband Jon Hart, Jared and wife Lindsey Albrecht; great-grandchildren; Cameron Stone, Megan Berberich and companion Jordan Bartlett, Tyler Stone, Cade Young and Braden Young, Kash Kmoch, Callie Kmoch, Colt Kmoch, Landry McCoy, Laiken McCoy, Lane McCoy, Grayson Hart, Raynee Hart, Saydee Hart, Kylie Albrecht, Wyatt Albrecht, Madilyn Albrecht, Paige Burttschell, Cassidy Burttschell, Kaitlyn Smith, Chelsey Smith, Chad Smith II, and Hannah Smith; great-great-grandchild, Atlas Bartlett; two sisters, Gertude Eschberger and LaVerne Mattiza, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers, Chad Smith, Aaron Ferrall, Dane Young, Ethan Kmoch, Tyler McCoy, Jon Hart and Jared Albrecht.

Memorials may be made to Paige Methodist Church or to the charity of one's choice.