Gladys Elizabeth (Kubecka) "Kubecka" Kristof

Gladys Elizabeth (Kubecka) Kristof, a cherished wife and mother, passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 88, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 19, 1936, in La Grange, Gladys lived a life marked by love, kindness, and unwavering catholic faith.

Gladys was a beacon of light in the lives of those she touched. She was the beloved wife of Thomas (Tom) Kristof, with whom she shared a beautiful and enduring partnership. She raised five children who were the center of her world: Judy Radcliff, Lorenz (Twinkie) Von Minden (Raechel), Linda Green, Nancy Lednicky (Jesse) of La Grange and Larry Von Minden of Elgin.

She is also survived by two sisters; Virginia Bennett of Alvin TX and Bernice Velasquez of Red Bluff California; brother-in-law Eugene Kristof of Austin; sister-in-law Joyce Faldyn (Allen) of La Grange and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Bessie Kubecka; brother, Alfred Kubecka Jr. and grandparents, Joe and Albina Kovar.

For over 25 years, Gladys served her community as an Avon Representative, a role in which she exemplified her natural ability to connect with people and brighten their day with a friendly conversation and a smile. She had a large clientele which earned her many prestigious awards. Her commitment to her work was paralleled by her devotion to her Catholic faith. Gladys found great solace and joy in her religion, which guided her through life's trails and triumphs. She was a member of Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Plum (where she was baptized and confirmed). She was also a member of the Plum Altar Society.

A woman of many passions, Gladys had a profound appreciation for the great outdoors. Her garden was a testament of her patience and nurturing touch, with every plant and flower blooming under her attentive care. She also found peace and excitement in deer hunting, and fishing at the coast or along serene lakes and rivers. These activities brought her closer to nature's beauty and were cherished moments spent with Tom.

She took pride in everything she did, whether it was cooking, sewing, or maintaining cleanliness in the home. You could perform a white glove test and never see a spec of dust. Her children will attest that she was a wonderful cook and was well known for baking the best cornbread dressing, pecan icebox cookies and lemon rolls.

She was a living example of faith in action, always ready to offer a word of encouragement. Her legacy is one of love and generosity, as she always put others before herself.

Those who knew Gladys will remember her as the epitome of a faith-filled life. Her loving and kind nature was apparent in every interaction, and her presence was a comfort to those around her. Gladys's strength and grace were especially inspiring during her battle with cancer, where she faced each day with hope and dignity.

As we say goodbye to Gladys, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she has left this earthly realm, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us, just as the blooming flowers in her garden greet the sun each morning. Her memory will live on as a blessing to us all.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Koenig Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations. Family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Holy Rosary to follow from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

A private Christian Mass will be held for Gladys' relatives and immediate family members on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Plum. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church Cemetery Fund would be appreciated.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W Pearl St, La Grange, TX.