Milady Gelner Kovar

Milady Gelner Kovar, age 99, passed away at her home in Cameron surrounded by her small family on April 20, 2018.

Milady was born on Jan. 28, 1919, in Milam County to Frank and Frances Vybiral Gelner. She lived most of her life in Cameron where she graduated from Yoe High School.

Milady married Joe Kovar on Dec. 1, 1941, who at the time was in the Army serving our nation. This army life gave Milady the opportunity to live in Florida, New York and other ocean front states. But when Joe had to leave for Kiska, one of the Aleutian Islands, Milady came back to Cameron to wait for his return. 

In 1947 they started their family when daughter, Sandra, was born and in 1948 a second daughter, Jo Ann, blessed them.

Milady lived her life with great energy, joy and strength. She showed her love and patience in her care of Sandra who had polio as a baby.

Milady’s home was the one everyone wanted to come to. They came knowing there would be great meals, pies, cakes or kolaches. In between caring and cooking, she found time to quilt, and make the girls’ dresses. She maintained a large garden, which fed the family and half the neighborhood. There was canning to be done as all the housewives of her generation took on each day.

Later in life, Milady and JoAnn found a love of antiques and for 20 years the pair could be found at antique auctions. Milady loved plants and flowers and could grow most anything out of cuttings. It was her love and nourishment that made both her flowers and her family grow.

Milady was preceded in death by Joe, her husband of 73 years, and daughter, Sandra; as well as brothers, Frank Gelner, Alfred Gelner and her sister Agnes Camp.  She is survived by her daughter, JoAnn and son-in-law Leon Zalesky.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 23, at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home and her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the funeral home with Rev. Dimitrij Colankin officiating. Interment will follow at St. Monica’s Cemetery

The family’s heartfelt thanks go to so many wonderful and caring people at Cameron Rehab, Little River Hospital and Standards Home Health and Hospice.  Also, God bless the communion ministers for their love and prayers.

Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home of Cameron is in charge of arrangements.