Kelly Rene (Strube) Matschek

Kelly Strube Matschek, 53, of Rowena, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, March 1, 2024. She clung to her faith until her last moments on earth before gaining her golden wings and entering heaven's gates.

She was born on Friday, August 28, 1970, to Daniel and Sherline (Michalewicz) Strube in San Angelo, Texas.  Kelly was raised in Wall, Texas on the Strube family farm. As the caboose of six siblings, she had the opportunity to watch her siblings as they journeyed into marriage and parenthood. She loved helping them raise their babies and formed special bonds with each of her nieces and nephews.

On August 17, 1991, Kelly married the love of her life, Bruce Matschek, in a ceremony in Wall, Texas. As a couple, they challenged each other daily and loved each other fiercely. They were the epitome of how a Christian marriage should be lived out. Kelly and Bruce planted roots in Rowena, Texas where they formed lifelong friendships including fishing trips, late-night Rowena Rebel Softball games, annual Hordes Creek Camping trips, and raising their families side-by-side.

As a mother, Kelly always pushed her kids in the most gentle, encouraging, yet stern way that allowed them to stay true to who they are as individuals. Even though she set high standards for each of her four children, she was also the first to offer a helping hand when needed and be their biggest cheerleader. She was exceptionally proud of all four of her children getting college degrees from Texas A&M University. Kelly’s pride and joy, however,  were her granddaughters. Nothing filled her cup more than being “Gramzy” to her “starting five basketball team.” Whether it was a present for even the smallest holiday, an activity or craft planned for a weekend get-together, or spoiling them with snacks and treats, Gramzy made every day fun for the girls and was willing to drop anything to help her kids raise them.

Kelly had a servant’s spirit and used it to dote on her family, her church, and her community.  If you had the blessing of knowing Kelly, you had the blessing of being on the receiving end of her servant's heart. Even in her final days, she was thinking and planning ways to help others. She had a fearless frame of mind and was known for her strength and selfless spirit. Despite a life of health challenges, she faced each day with a smile and refused to let circumstances keep her from making the most of her life. Not only a gift to her family, she bolstered an array of beautiful lifelong friendships that carried her through difficult times. Before Kelly became the Gramzy of all Gramzys, she was first GAK (Great Aunt Kelly) to many littles that cherished her deeply. She was a beautiful wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend who found joy in the tiny moments and loved fiercely.

Kelly is preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Sherline Strube and her father-in-law, Charles Matschek.

She is survived by her husband of over 30 years, Bruce, her children McKenzi Murray and husband Evan, Mason Matschek and wife Lindsay, Brylee Nieheus and husband Kelton, and Reid Matschek and wife Kortney. Kelly is also survived by her siblings Sherry Holubec and husband Dennis, Denise Latzel and husband Stanley, Roger Strube, Paula Frerich and husband John, and Pattye Furr and husband James.  She will also be dearly remembered by her mother-in-law, Helen Matschek.  Kelly will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Scottie Brooke Murray, Baker Jo Niehues, Mills Elizabeth Murray, Lylah Kate Matschek, Ada Beth Nieheus, and Baby Boy Niehues, as well as all other future babies hand-picked by their Gramzy in heaven. Kelly’s Godchildren will also miss her dearly: Justin Strube, Logan McCoy, Tyler Fuchs, Haley Braden, and Tanner Hartl.  Kelly is also survived by countless cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A rosary will be held for Kelly on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 6:30 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, Texas. Her Mass of Christian Burial will take place on the following day, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM also at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Ariel Lagunilla celebrating. Father Bhaskar and Father Joe will co-celebrate the mass. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Rome Boys in Kelly’s honor by clicking on the link here: Donate to the Rome Boys

The family wishes to thank their beloved nurse, Cristina Strube. We appreciate your servant's heart and how selflessly you took care of our family.