Shirley J. Macha Zahn

Shirley J. Macha Zahn, 82 of Wharton, quietly passed into the arms of the Lord on January 11, 2021.

She was born September 28, 1938 to the late Robert and Frances Zaruba Macha of Wharton.

She was raised in Magnet, Texas and graduated from Wharton High School in 1956 and worked as a nurses’ aide at Caney Valley Hospital until she had her first child.

She married her lifetime love, Arthur Zahn, Sr. on November 19, 1961.  They shared a life of happiness where she dedicated her life to him until his death in 2005.

She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.

She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters and Altar Society at Holy Family.  She also worked in the Creative Arts Department at the Wharton County Youth Fair for several years.

She enjoyed her trips to Graceland to remember Elvis as he was her “second love”.  She loved to read, take casino trips with family and Senior Friends to Louisiana.  She enjoyed making fig jelly to share with others and she loved her cattle which became her pets.

Her pride and joy were her grandchildren whom she babysat when they were little.  As they grew up, she attended their many activities whether it be sporting events, theater events, school award programs or them showing animals at the county fair.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Arthur Sr. and daughter Melissa Zahn.  As well as her parents, brothers Dennis Macha and Frances “Bubba” Macha.  Brother-in-laws Daniel Buenger, Alfred Zahn Sr., Walter Zahn, Willie Zahn and Johnnie Jedlicka.  Sister-in laws Alma Buenger, Lydia Zahn and Ruby Zahn.  Nephews Tommy Buenger and Steven Jedlicka.

She is survived by her children, Arthur Zahn Jr. & wife Donna, Nicole Orsak & husband Jeffrey.  Grandchildren Dustin Zahn & wife Lara, Sara Zahn and fiancé Hunter Munson, Britney Rowland and husband Matthew and Amber Orsak. Great- Grandson Mason Edward Zahn.

Her sisters Vivian Jedlicka and Geraldine Peter and husband Anton, along with several nieces and nephews that she cared for dearly.

To the end, her family and best friend, Catherine Harris, supported her with love at Houston Hospice.

The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Houston Hospice for the excellent care that they gave our mother during her last days.

Family and friends are invited to her visitation Thursday January 14th starting from 5-7 P.M.  Rosary will begin at 7:00 P.M. at Wharton Funeral Home 515 E. Boling Hwy.  Friends may also call on Friday morning after 9:00 A.M.  at Holy Family Church, Wharton.  Funeral mass to begin at 10:00 A.M.  Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Wharton.

Serving as pallbearers are Dustin Zahn, Hunter Munson, Richard Zahn, Ervin Zahn, Darrell Zahn and Jason Peter

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Houston Hospice or Holy Family Catholic Church.