Joyce Neher

Joyce Patricia Neher “Pat, Ms. Pat or Mama Pat”, 93, lived in Kingsville most all her adult life with husband David and the community she loved.  She passed peacefully after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease on September 29, 2020 in Schertz, Texas.

Pat was born in Howard, Kansas on December 1, 1926 to George Wesley and Eugene Eleanor “Nell” Adams.  She  graduated from Kansas State with a degree in Home Economics.  This is where she met David Daniel Neher her soon to be husband.  Pat and David were married in Eureka, Kansas July 23, 1950. After completion of college and degrees in hand they ended up in Kingsville, Tx to start their married life.

Pat is survived by 3 children: daughter Prudence “Pru” Nell Guckian (Milann) of New Braunfels, sons George David Neher of Austin and Edwin Eugene Neher of New Braunfels and sister Prudence Anne Howell of Hallsville, Tx plus numerous extended family and a lifetime of friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and the love of her life David.

Pat always had a great smile with a twinkle in her blue eyes. She was devoted to her church, the Texas A&M University Kingsville Javelina’s (formerly Texas A&I), volunteering and community involvement. She felt it was important to stay active and to pay life’s blessings forward.  Always energetic, quick to volunteer and ready to go at a moment’s notice, she enthusiastically and selflessly contributed her time, money, and talents.  Mom had a zest for all people, she never met a stranger.  Her socializing and volunteering skills were pure artistry.  She was the ultimate partner to her many groups, clubs, and organizations.

She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, a 70-year member of Order of the Eastern Star serving twice as Worthy Matron of Kingsville Chapter #325, a Lions Club “Charlie’s Angel” award recipient, and anything King Ranch. She and David enjoyed working at the King Ranch Museum and giving Ranch tours.  They shared a love of history and were South Texas proud.  Pat and her friends shared weekly “stitch and bitch” sessions, Saturday quilt club, monthly supper clubs and the early mornings Sunshine Swimmers group.

Mom was an expert seamstress. She enjoyed crocheting or quilting while watching and listening to any sports game on TV, but especially her beloved K-State Wildcats.  She was known for making quilts on request for friends and family,  crocheting shawls for the Prayer Shawl ministry, and donating many of her craftworks to the Ronald McDonald House as well as numerous organizations for their fundraising purposes.  Her memory will live on through the many quilts and blankets she created and shared. Her generosity was boundless, her love unconditional.

She loved traveling the world, spontaneity, Javelina (Hoggie) football, animals and wildlife, sharing life’s experiences, and her children.  Pat’s aim was to live life, her motto was “do it now - while you can.” Per mom’s request, she will be cremated and her ashes along with husband David’s will be interred next to her parents in Eureka, Kansas. There will be no memorial service, but the family invites you to share your memories of Pat via her memorial page on the Schertz Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers a memorial may be given to the charity of your choice, The Parkinson’s Foundation or to one of Pat’s many passions: First United Methodist Church of Kingsville, Order of the Eastern Star or your local Lion’s Club.

A huge heart felt thank you to all staff at The Legacy at Forest Ridge in Schertz, mom’s home for the past 3 years… the love and care extended to her was above and beyond and greatly appreciated.  We would also like to thank Encompass Hospice for their compassion in moms care during these last months.

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