Valeria Mikeska Bartay

Valeria Lucille Bartay, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,

and community member, peacefully departed this life on November 21, 2025, in Brenham, Texas. Born on September 23, 1931, in Bellville, Texas, Valeria was the beloved daughter of Jerry J. and Edna Klump Mikeska. Throughout her life, she exhibited a beautiful and

contagious smile that reflected the caring heart she shared with all who crossed her path.

Valeria's journey began at Oak Hill School, where she attended from the first through seventh grades, continuing her education at Bellville High School, graduating as a member of the Class of 1949. Her commitment to her community resonated through her career, which saw her actively involved in various local businesses, including Dealrite

Creamery, the City of Bellville, Cameron General Store, Miracle-Gro in Geneva, New York, and more prominently as a co-owner of Montgomery Ward and as a key figure at the Austin County State Bank and Funn Travel.

Family was everything to Valeria. She is survived by her children: James Ray Bartay (Patricia “Ticia”), David Vernon Bartay (Margaret “Peggy”), and Ronald Alan Bartay (Lea), sister, Vernice Mikeska Krumrey Luhn, and sister-in-law Bee Mikeska Machac, along with her adoring grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Bethany Christine Bartay

Priest, Megan Michelle Bartay, Brian James Bartay (Amy), Cody John Hicks, Brett David Bartay (Rebecca), Jackson Palmer Bartay, Savannah Lea Bartay (fiancé: Levi Hansen), and Travis Vernon Bartay. Additionally, her love extended to her great-grandchildren, Brody Hicks, Wesley Hicks, Gemma Priest, Cannon Priest, Anneliese Bartay, Emmeline Bartay, and Bowen Bartay, each of whom she treasured dearly, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Known as the “Mikeska Sisters”, Valeria and Vernice, her sister and best friend, shared cherished moments throughout their lives. Together, they created a bond that was both strong and nurturing.

Valeria was predeceased by her husband, Vernon Ray “Poochie” Bartay, and their daughter Nancy Diane Bartay. Losing her parents, Jerry and Edna Mikeska, and brother Olvin James Mikeska, along with in-laws, Roland and Alvina Liska Bartay, sister-in-law, Irene Bartay Dietz, brother-in-law, Ralston Krumrey, brother-in-law, Robert Luhn, niece, Sandy Dietz Lake, nephew, Chuck Dietz, nephew-in-law, Don Young, nephew, Jerry Wayne Krumrey, shaped her heartfelt approach to life.

Valeria was known for her kindness, often giving selflessly to her community through organizations like the Cancer Angels, VFW Auxiliary, and the Bellville Fire Department Auxiliary. Her dedication extended to teaching Sunday School at the Methodist Church, helping during flood relief efforts, and providing compassionate support by driving cancer patients to treatments, all actions that demonstrated her enduring spirit of service.

A passionate sports fan, Valeria reveled in the excitement of Bellville sports, the Houston Astros, Rockets, Texans, and college teams like the Aggies and Longhorns, proudly cheering on her teams well into her late 80s. Her presence at sporting events in Bellville and Brenham became legendary, marking the memories of family and friends alike.

The memory of her radiant smile and the warmth of her heart will forever remain in the lives she touched.

The memory of her radiant smile and the warmth of her heart will forever remain in the lives she touched.

Pallbearers are Brian Bartay, Brett Bartay, Jackson Bartay, Travis Bartay, Levi Hansen, Todd Morris, Jason Krumery, and Zach Rogers.

Honorary Pallbearers are Bethany Bartay Priest, Megan Bartay, Rebecca Bartay, Amy Bartay, Savannah Bartay, Cody Hicks, Susie Krumrey Young, Renee Krumrey Cooper, Mark Mikeska, Lorrie Mikeska Morris, Courtney Krumrey Avila, Nicole Rogers, Amanda Cooper Foux, Gabrielle Krumrey Dobecka, Jake Cooper, Rachel Cooper Morin, Kim Lake Henley, Darrell Lake, Cancer of Angels of Bellville, and Women's Auxiliary of the VFW and BVFD.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to:

Bellville Methodist Church, PO Box 188, Bellville, TX 77418

American Cancer Society, PO Box 670, Hagerstown, MD 21741

A charity of your choice