Gina Valis

Roberta Regina Wagner Valis “as we all know as Gina”, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. 
Gina was born on June 21, 1957, in Shiner, to Dr. Robert and Marthe Valenta Wagner. She attended St. Ludmila’s Academy, and later, Shiner High School, where she graduated in 1975. 
Though small in stature, Gina was known for her athletic prowess, and fiery, fierce competitiveness, where she earned numerous accolades in tennis, softball, track, golf, and as a proud member of the state runner-up basketball team in 1974. 
To capture her essence and well-rounded athleticism on the court, the Gina Wagner Competition Award was founded, later known as the Hustle award, which continues to exist in some form today.
Although Gina was offered athletic scholarships after high school, she was eager to begin her studies to become a physical therapist. 
She continued her education at St. Edward’s University, Southwest Texas State University and the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she received her degree in Physical Therapy in 1981.  
She began her career at Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center in Bryan, then later practiced at Ottine Warm Springs, Yoakum Community Hospital, and Yoakum Home Health, where she devoted her professional life to providing compassionate care to her patients. 
Gina went beyond the expected oath of a PT ensuring her patients were cared for outside of the requirements of insurance or other restrictions. 
Gina possessed an innate God-given talent to connect on a personal level and changed the lives of so many people throughout her career. Many of her patients became lifelong friends.
Gina married her high school sweetheart, Don Valis, on October 3, 1981. Together they raised three children- Garrett, Haley and Jessica- whom she tirelessly supported in all their endeavors. 
She generously gave her time back to the church and school by working the picnic auctions and was a devoted member of the St. Paul Booster Club. 
She found great joy in traveling, cooking, Broadway musicals, hosting family gatherings, true crime documentaries and spending time in her beloved Rockport, fishing and relishing God’s beautiful sunsets. 
Most of all, “Gigi’s” passion was spending time with her nine precious grandchildren; Harper, Ava, and Asher Valis; Luke, Hattie and Colt Spann; and Francesca, Olivia and Madeline Shimek.
Gina is survived by her loving husband, Don Valis; children, Garrett (Angela) Valis of Huntsville; Haley (Ryan) Spann and Jessica (Scott) Shimek, all of Shiner; and her beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Lisa (Don) Bunting, Duff (Angie) Wagner, and Kelly (Mark) Sengelmann, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 at Shiner Funeral Home, with a Vigil following at 7 pm. 
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 4 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, with the Rev. Michael Rother serving as celebrant. 
Honorary pallbearers are Jason Butler, Randy Herman, Scott Bunting, Drew Bunting, Shea Sengelmann and Eric Sengelmann. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Paul High School Booster Club or the Shiner Public Library. 
Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.shinerfuneralhome.com. 
Services are under the care and direction of Shiner Funeral Home.