EDITH LABAY

Edith Koudela Labay Mrs. Edith Koudela Labay, age 91 of Wharton died Thursday, June 14, 2012, at a long term care facility following an extended illness. She was born on March 8, 1921, in Hilje a daughter of the late Joseph and Julia Reck Koudela. Mrs. Labay was a life-long resident of Wharton County, living in Newgulf most of her life. She married William Joseph Labay on October 27, 1941 in El Campo. He preceded her in death on January 19, 1981. In 1993, she moved to Wharton. She was active at Holy Family Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Holy Family Quilters, the Catholic Daughters, the KJZT, and the Altar Society. Edith was also very active in the American Legion Auxiliary and in the Girl Scouts as a troop leader. She even worked part time in the Newgulf Library. Edith was devoted to her family, friends, church and community. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerome Koudela. A Rosary was held at 7:00 pm Sunday evening at the chapel of the Wharton Funeral Home and a Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 am Monday, June 18, 2012, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton with Father Albert Yankey officiating. Burial followed in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in El Campo. Survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Whitaker of Arlington, son Anthony Labay and wife, Barbara of High Springs, Florida, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, sister, Lorena Taylor of Wharton, and brothers, J.C. Koudela and wife, Isabelle, and Raymond Koudela and wife, Ann all of El Campo. Pallbearers were Ted Taylor, Gary Taylor, Paul Koudela, Michael Koudela, Jason Koudela, and Eugene Koudela Memorials can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, Texas 77488. Funeral services were under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home.