Isabel Idella Malina Pfeil

Funeral Services are under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home in Shiner, Texas and will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 18, 2013 at Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Shiner, Texas with Reverend Elaine Gomulka officiating. Interment will follow at the Shiner Cemetery in Shiner, Texas. The family will be at Buffington Funeral Home to greet friends and guests from 6:00 ~ 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Pallbearers are Eric Behrends, Gary Valis, Angel Toro, Larry Haas, Eugene Machacek, Rodney Spann, Rudy Janik, and Les Weaver as Honorary Pallbearer.

Isabel was born on August 9, 1921 in Shiner, Texas. She was the daughter of Raymond and Rose (Mikesh) Malina. Isabel was always proud of the many ways she helped her father as a young girl. She helped by shucking corn and stomping sauerkraut. Isabel and her brother also helped clean floors and wash glasses at their dad's saloon on Main St. Isabel married Edwin Pfeil on October 8, 1940. Early in their marriage while the kids were still young, she stayed home with the kids and worked on the farm alongside Edwin. They would do the milking, plowing, picking cotton, hauling hay or butchering an animal for food. They would take livestock to the auction, and whatever else farm life demanded of them. Isabel loved her garden and she had a green thumb when it came to raising that vine ripened tomato, fresh green beans and squash, new potatoes freshly dug that morning, or corn just pulled from the field. Isabel was always giving fresh vegetables from her garden to family and friends. Isabel believed that "Home-grown" was best ----- and she proved it with every vegetable she gave to someone.

When her children were older, she worked for Shiner ISD in the school cafeteria, and later she worked at Kasper Wire Works. She served as a leader for the Shiner Home Demonstration Club for a number of years, enjoying the local meetings as well as the state conventions. She supported the Girl Scouts by serving as a Brownie Leader, and also the PTA throughout many school years. You could always count on Isabel for a helping hand, whether it was helping with meals for weddings, cookies for the bake sale, or any community event.

Isabel's faith and family sustained her throughout her lifetime. She was active in the schools, church and community. She always placed great emphasis on education even though she was only able to complete the 6th grade. She insisted that her children were to have the opportunity to attend college. Isabel encouraged her children in their school activities, and rarely missed a football or basketball game, because she was their most ardent supporter. She always insisted that you are never to old to learn something new.

After the kids were grown and had families of their own, she helped and encouraged the grandchildren to appreciate farm life as well. Although the kids went in different directions, they still had that love of country, thanks to grandma and grandpa.

After Edwin passed away in 2003, and Isabel's health began to fail in 2005, she moved to Midland, Texas to be with her daughter. During this time, she would recall and tell many stories about her youth and marriage, as well as lending her own perspective to a written family history that will be preserved for future generations. With a little help and encouragement, she shared some of her collection of favorite recipes with family and friends, and for this we are all grateful.

Isabel is survived by one daughter, Sharon Behrends and her husband, Carey of Midland, Texas; one daughter-in-law,Doris Pfeil of Houston, Texas; one step-daughter, Laverne Valis and her husband, Johnnie of Shiner, Texas; six grandchildren,Amy Behrends of Jacksonville, Florida; Eric Behrends and his wife, Rebecca of Midland, Texas; Karen Pfeil Ross and her husband, John of San Antonio, Texas; Carol Stokes of Katy, Texas; Debra Toro and her husband, Angel of Flower Mound, Texas; Gary Valis and his wife, Paulette of Flatonia, Texas; twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond (1963) and Rose (1970) Malina; Edwin Pfeil (2003), her husband of 63 years; one son, Richard Pfeil (2012); two sisters, Angeline Haas (2009), Idella Malina (1926); and one brother, Ray Malina (2001).

The family request memorials to: Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church / P.O. Box 26 / Shiner, Texas 77984, or a Hospice of your choice.

To join the family in celebrating Isabel's life, Please go to: www.buffingtonfuneralhomeshiner.com