Betty Kowalik

Betty Lou Hooks Kowalik, the wife of George Leon Kowalik and an accomplished leader in her community and family, passed away on June 30, 2024, at the age of 77 in Panna Maria, Texas.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver James Hooks and Levina Marie Vanek Hooks, to whom she was born on July 13, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas. Oliver's commitment to the United States Air Force took the family to many locations in Texas, but they eventually settled in Hobson. Betty graduated Salutatorian in 1964 from Falls City High School, where she was the captain of the cheerleading team, and where she met the love of her life, a football player named George Kowalik.
Very much in love, George and Betty were married on January 29, 1966, a relationship that would thrive for 58 plus years. During that time, they were blessed with three daughters, Dana Lynn Kowalik Yaklin married to Terry Yaklin, Ann Michelle Kowalik Donaldson married to Michael Donaldson, and Tiffany Marie Kowalik Parrott married to Matthew Parrott.
In 1987 Betty graduated Suma Cum Laude from St. Edward's University, with a degree in Business Administration. Throughout her career her no-nonsense professionalism, dedication to excellence, and reputation for honesty led to multiple leadership roles, including Director of Finance in various districts. Betty also joyfully served as a teacher of Catechism classes at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mary Catholic Church in Panna Maria, guiding young people in their early spiritual lives.
While Betty's lineage was primarily Czech and English, she fully embraced the Kowalik family's Polish heritage, playing a key role in the planning and development of the Polish Heritage Center, and dedicating countless hours to ensure its continued success once completed. She was also instrumental in establishing a historical marker through the preservation and restoration of the historic homes located on the Kowalik farm.
More importantly, Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Without dispute, family was her most important accomplishment. Summer "Grandma Camps" were a highlight each year for the grandchildren that she's survived by, Dustin Yaklin (Savannah), Lauren Yaklin Sanders (Austin), Hailey Donaldson Hart (Raymond), Hana Donaldson, Heidi Donaldson Sloane (Robert), Jackson Parrott, and Logan Parrott. They consisted of scavenger hunts, arts, crafts, and memory making of the most wholesome nature. Betty was a continuous champion for family relationships, organizing beach trips and gatherings on the farm or at the Frio River. Betty is also survived by her siblings, James Hooks (Connie), Diana Harris (Robert), Karen Martin (Jeff) and numerous nieces and nephews. The newest loves of her life were her great-grandchildren, Adaline Sanders and Amelia Sloane.
Betty was a devout follower of Jesus Christ, and her faith never wavered throughout her 13-year battle with cancer. It's to him she would give all the glory to for the blessings in her life.
All services will be held at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mary Catholic Church in Panna Maria, Texas. The visitation will be held Friday, July 5, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The rosary to follow at 7:30 PM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 6, at 10:00 AM, with burial to follow at the Panna Maria Cemetery. Reception will follow. Flowers can be ordered by phone at Vivian's Victorian Country by calling (830) 780-3300. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Polish Heritage Center via their website, www.polishheritagecentertx.org.