Mary Zientek

April 24, 1932 - January 14, 2022

Mary Rodgers Zientek of Rochelle passed away Friday, January 14, 2022 at the age of 89 at her family home. Mary was born on April 24, 1932 in McCulloch County, Texas to John Leslie Rodgers and Eva Lee (Anderson) Rodgers. Mary lived her life according to a principle of love and care for others. She deeply loved her family, and was steadfast, supportive, pragmatic, nurturing, and kind-an anchor in difficult times and a warm embrace at the end of a long road. Mary grew up on the family farm where her parents, grandparents, and siblings shared a modest home. Between school days in Rochelle and the responsibilities of farm life, she loved to explore the countryside with her siblings, learning about the wild birds and plants that shared the land. After graduating from Rochelle High School, she left home for Houston, where she worked and met her future husband, Ike. Ike loved to dance and they met at a dance hall. She would always laugh as she told this story, since she felt as though she couldn't dance at all, and so knew he must have really loved her. They were married in 1952 and had four children and later, six grandchildren. As her family grew and went in different directions, Mary was a devoted support to everyone as they followed their own paths, and was always ready to welcome them home with a warm embrace or caring phone call. She loved each of them uniquely and encouraged them to find happiness in their lives. Her actions, priorities, and love shaped her children and grandchildren into who they are and will continue to guide them now and in future generations. She lived the lesson that home is not just a place, but also the love and care we have for each other. Mary found beauty in life's many joys, from a warm mug of coffee in the morning sunshine to the full table at a family dinner. She was a quick thinker and problem solver, a decision maker and organizer, a wealth of information about the history of the family and the county. She was a person of grace and dignity, a matriarch and caregiver for others, and a wonderful example to those who knew her. She is deeply missed by her family, who will carry on her love and care for each other and their communities. Mary is preceded in death by her siblings Annie Miller, Edna Mueller, Hazel Dillon, Lola Stephenson, John Rodgers, and Maggie Taylor, and by her husband Ike Zientek and her son Mark Zientek. Mary is survived by her children Michael Zientek (Sara), Donna Wolfrom (Mike), Lisa Zientek, and daughter-in-law Liana Zientek, and by her grandchildren Laura Zientek, John Zientek, Eva Milne (Jimmy), Jessica Barrett, Dmitriy Zientek, and Polina Zientek. The funeral service will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brady, Texas, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, with graveside following at the Rochelle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of San Angelo. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Brady. Please view Ms. Zientek's online memorial at www.heritagefuneralhomes.com.