Lillie Mae Kucera

Lillie Mae Krause Kucera aka” Shorty”, age 89, of Wharton, Texas passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026. She was born on May 13, 1936.

Lillie Mae was a proud Wharton native and attended Wharton schools, where she was actively involved in volleyball and basketball—early signs of the energy and determination that defined her life. On April 9, 1969, she married the love of her life, Herbert Kucera, and together they built a life rooted in family, faith and community.

She worked for Wharton Bank and Security Bank before retiring from Entex, where she made many lifelong friends. Her warmth, humor, and no-nonsense attitude left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with.

Lillie Mae was deeply devoted to her family and community. She proudly coached her daughter’s softball team and was honored as Super Coach in 1984, a title she wore with pride. A lifelong member of Holy Family Catholic Church, she was active in the Holy Family Altar Society and lived her faith through service and friendship.

She was also a beloved member of the Red Hat Society, known as the Doo Dah Dames, where her fun-loving and spirited personality truly shined. Lillie Mae—Shorty to all who knew her—was feisty, independent and always ready to go, never one to sit still for long.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Elenora Krause; her husband, Herbert Kucera; her sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Marvin Janicek; her niece, Pamela Jones; and her brother-in-law, Herman Kucera.

She is survived by her cantankerous old cat; her daughter, Stacy Kucera and spouse, Susan Edwards; her sister, Carline Kucera, her cousin, Clara Heintschel; her lifelong best friend, Lupe Mata, and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

The family extends a special thanks to Gloria Torres and family for their compassion, kindness, and loving care.

Lillie Mae “Shorty” will be remembered for her fierce spirit, loyal heart, and the joy she brought into the lives of all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church starting at 10:00 a.m. A Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. by Eleonor Schunka. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Father Sam Appiasi officiating. A Rite of Committal and Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are John Turner, Steve Torres, Timothy Stavinoha, Dennis Stavinoha, and Tom Jones. Honorary pallbearer is Ryan Jones.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfunertalhome.com.