Mary Eloise Loika

Mary Eloise “Wezi” Loika of San Angelo, Texas passed away Friday, July 11, 2014 at Senior Care Health and Rehabilitation of San Angelo.

She was born April 9, 1928 into a well-known Ballinger business family. Her parents were James Ellis and Sadie Eloise (Boggess) Dankworth, who owned and operated Dankworth Packing Company. The family were members of the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger, and one of Wezi’s prized possessions was a plaque she received as a child for perfect attendance at Sunday School. She attended college in San Marcus for a time.

In 1948 she married Gilbert Loika who preceded her in death in 1990. Also preceding her in death were her parents, and her brothers, J. B. Dankworth and Milton Dankworth, a twin.

Mary was loving and kind, a sweet-spirited, selfless person who was always thinking of others. As a homemaker, she devoted herself to her family and took special joy in her grandchildren. She loved the Lord and enjoyed her church, Glen Meadows Baptist, where she was an active, faithful member. Her giving ways and servant spirit continued during her time at the nursing center where she and her roommate acted as self-appointed activity directors, visiting those who were sick or lonely. Wezi blessed many lives.

Mary is survived by three sons, Jim Loika and wife, Emily, of Odessa; Larry Loika and wife, Flo, of San Angelo; and Randy Loika of Keller; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Dankworth of Ballinger; and grandchildren, Aaron Loika of San Angelo, Kimberly Burrus and husband Deen of Owasso, Oklahoma, Alexandra Loika of Keller, Erica Loika of Lubbock, Jennifer Hinds and husband Marvin of Austin, Amy Chavarria and husband Robert, Travis Thielepape and wife Brittney all of Odessa; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, July 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, July 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger officiated by Ellen King, Interim Hospice chaplain.