Grace Smith

Grace J. (Petrus) Smith, 96, of Skidmore, Texas, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2019.

Grace was born November 12, 1922 in Skidmore to John Ferdinand and Justina (Hartman) Petrus. She was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Skidmore and retired from CenterPoint Energy after 28 years of service. Grace loved to travel and go dancing and will be missed by her dancing friends in Robstown, Texas and her best friend and travel partner, Janette Maulsbury. She also enjoyed gardening and maintaining rose bushes in her rose gardens. She remained active as long as she was able to do so.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Justina Petrus; three brothers, John J. “Son” Petrus, Ray F. “Bubba” Petrus and Edward A. “Baby” Petrus; and her oldest son, Jessie Ray Abernathy.

She is survived by her younger son, Robert D. Sugarek of Skidmore; four grandchildren, Julienne P. Sugarek and Trisha L. McDonald, both of Houston, and Steward Ray Abernathy and Alisa M. Abernathy, both of Longview; and several great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at Angelus Funeral Home Chapel. A rosary will be recited there that evening at 7 o’clock.

The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Angelus Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Thomas L. Goodwin officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Skidmore.

Pallbearers will be Rocky Stautzenberger, Ronald Petrus, John Petrus, Robert Woods, David Ross and John Humston.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Mortensen and George Baker.

Donations may be made in her memory to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or to the Skidmore Volunteer Fire Department.