Anita Annie Schaefer

Anita Annie Schaefer passed away peacefully at her home on August 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Anita was born on July 6, 1930, in Moulton, Texas, to Valentine Kozelsky and Annie Kubicek Kozelsky. On February 14, 1950, she married Roy August Schaefer at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wall, Texas. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on love, faith, and family. Throughout her 96 years, Anita lived a full and meaningful life and was cherished as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her loving spirit and beautiful smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Anita found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved fishing, gardening, cooking, traveling, gambling, playing games, and spending time with those she loved. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s ball games and rodeos. Anita loved playing dominoes and Left Right Center. She was also a proud member of the “42 Club,” which began in 1942, as well as the Western Dance Club. Her family will always remember her cherished 9:00 p.m. ice cream tradition and her famous saying, “might as well.”

Anita was a devoted and hardworking wife who supported her husband in many ways, including bringing him snacks while he worked long days plowing the fields. No stranger to hard work herself, she spent many hours stomping cotton in the cotton trailer. Anita later worked for several years at Christy, a children’s clothing store, before retiring from the BYOB Water Store after many years of dedicated service.

Anita’s faith was an important part of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ballinger, Texas, and was very active in the Altar Society. She will be remembered for her devotion to her faith and family, her strong work ethic, and the many special memories she created with those around her.

Anita was the last living Kozelsky sibling. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roy August Schaefer; her parents, Valentine and Annie Kozelsky; her brothers, Joe, Henry, and Julius Kozelsky; and her sisters, Gertrude Heinrich, Henrietta Franke, Georgie Mae Pohl, Irene Braden, and Virginia Mary Klepac.

Anita is survived by her children: Sharon Lange (Pat); Beverly Poehls (Wayne); Dorothy Farmer (Jack); Rosie Denton (Kerwin); Roy Junior Schaefer; Mary Sturm (Fred); Daniel Schaefer (Kimberly); and Michelle Turnbow (Bret).

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Stephanie Weishuhn (Brady); Aaron Poehls; Ginger Stewart (Stephen); Krystal Ussery (Mike); Brandy Lloyd (Cory); Ashley Denton; Josh Schaefer; Brian Sturm; Chris Sturm; Baylie Shriver (Brian); Lane Schaefer; Dylan Hartsfield; Bretney Turnbow; and Ben Turnbow

Her great-grandchildren include Gage Weishuhn; Renly Weishuhn; Jackson Stewart; Jordan Stewart; Hunter Ussery; David Ussery; Wyatt Ussery; Maggie Ussery; Dryden Virden (Tayln); Rainen Virden; Wyatt Lloyd; Star Willborn; Caden Sturm; Cori Sturm; and Waycie Shriver. She is also survived by her great-great-grandchild, Tilden Virden.

Anita’s legacy will live on through the generations of family she loved so dearly, and her memory will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Anita’s devoted caregivers, Maria Trevino and Misty Fichte , for their loving care and companionship over several years. They also express their sincere thanks to the staff of Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Ballinger Home Health, Hospice of Ballinger, and Dr. Karen Rightmire for the kindness and compassionate care shown to our Mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Ballinger, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice.

Services are currently pending and will be updated as soon as times and dates are available.