Ina Kathleen “Kathy” Vahalik

Ina Kathleen “Kathy” Vahalik, 69, of Yoakum, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at her home in Yoakum. 

Kathy was born on Oct. 1, 1953 in San Antonio to Freddie Chapman and Lester Dodson.

Kathy received an Associate’s Degree of Science in Nursing as well as a Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nursing. She worked at Yoakum Community Hospital from December 1999 to February 2005 where she served as an LVN, RN and Charge Nurse. She then worked for Accolade Hospice Care from 2004 until she retired in 2014.

On July 9, 1970 she married Edmund R. Vahalik.  

Kathy owned her own business, Kathy’s Custom Drapes. She was also owner and manager of Shiner Automatic Transmission. 

She had a passion for gardening, being a homemaker and helping on the farm/ranch. Her greatest love was her two boys, Johnny and Jerry, as well as all her grandchildren. She was a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, dog mom, nurse, Christian and now Angel.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 52 years, Edmund Vahalik of Yoakum; two sons, Johnny Vahalik and wife, Michelle of San Antonio; Jerry Vahalik of Yoakum; grandchildren, Nick, Brittany, Katelin, Tommy, Lauren, Mia and Hannah; brothers, Mike Dodson and Jody Dodson, sisters, Sandra Rankin, and Tanya Ussery. She also leaves behind her two beloved puppies, Oreo and Rascal.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Tommy Dodson and Ronnie Dodson.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. and Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Thiele Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 2 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. 

Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to  Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, Yoakum.