Barbara Jean Goertz, 91, of Rockne, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, generosity, and unconditional love.

Mom was born on March 22, 1935, to Alfred and Mary Goertz of Rockne, Texas. On January 4, 1955, she married the love of her life, Mark Goertz. Together, they shared 66 beautiful years of marriage and built a life centered around what mattered most to them: faith and family. Their greatest blessing was the ten children they raised and the generations of family that followed.

Mom often said she never had a job. Those who knew her would certainly disagree.
She spent her life doing one of the most important jobs there is-raising children, keeping a home, feeding an army, loving her family, and somehow making it all look effortless. She never complained and never wanted recognition. She patiently and wholeheartedly loved her children through every stage of their lives, offering a steady presence, a listening ear, a warm meal, and a love that never wavered. No matter how old her children became, they could always count on Mom to be Mom.

If you ever had the pleasure of sitting at mom's table, you knew you were in for something special. She was famous for her chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, chili, and icebox cheesecake. She could prepare a meal large enough to feed a small town and make it seem like no trouble at all. And if you happened to stop by, you weren't leaving hungry. It was more likely that you would be sent home with enough food for tomorrow too!

Mom never knew a stranger. Her home was always open, her heart even more so. She had a beautiful, welcoming spirit that made everyone in her presence feel like the most important person in the world. Whether you were family, a neighbor, a friend, or someone who simply showed up, mom made room for you. She gave generously, loved deeply, and never made a fuss about any of it.

A faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockne, mom's Catholic faith was an important part of her life. She could often be found at mass or praying the rosary, quietly lifting her family and others up in prayer. Her children and grandchildren knew that whenever something important was coming up, they could always count on Mom or Grandma to say a few extra prayers for them. Her faith was more than something she practiced; it was something she lived every day through her kindness, humility, generosity, and devotion to others. She taught by example that a life of service, faith, and love is a life well lived.

We will miss her beautiful heart, her quiet generosity, her patience, her laughter, and the comfort of knowing that no matter what, there was always a place for us at her table. We will miss the way she made everyone feel special and the countless ways she showed her love without ever needing to say a word. Most of all, we will miss simply having her here.

She is survived by her ten loving children: Monica Kadura, Michael Goertz (Kathy);
Jeffrey Goertz (Pat); Michelle Klaus (Russell); Bridget Wolf (Ronnie); Brian Goertz (Lisa; Paulette Goertz (Lester); Keith Goertz (Javier Espino); Eric Goertz (Jennie Justice); and Mark Randall Goertz. She also leaves behind 28 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, along with sisters-in-law Ruth Goertz, Marcella Muehr (Roger), and Bernadette Beck; brothers-in-law Elmer Goertz and William Goertz (Patsy); and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Mark; brother James Goertz; son-in-law Glenn Kadura; Tyler Saunders and many extended family members.

Services and Celebration of Life
Visitation will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. All services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Hall in Rockne, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing that Mom's love will continue to live on in every generation she leaves behind. We imagine her reunited with Dad, perhaps already preparing a feast for everyone who has gone before her.

Rest peacefully, Mom. Thank you for making a house a home, a meal a memory, and every person you met feel like family. We will love you always, and we will miss you more than words can ever express.