Obituaries

Gretchen June (Wendt) Dunkerley passed away peacefully at home, December 4, 2025 after a 12-year battle with cancer. She spent her final days at home, surrounded by her beloved family and dogs. She was a devoted wife, former elementary school teacher, and mother of four children. Gretchen June (Wendt) Dunkerley was born August 25, 1964 at Hollywood Hospital in Hollywood, California to Michael Eric and Carol Jean Wendt. Gretchen grew up in many places including Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Missouri where she attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and studied to become a nurse. It was there she met her future husband, G. Patrick Dunkerley.

Dr. James Wayne Novak, DDS, 73, passed away December 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born and raised in Ennis, Texas and grew up in a close-knit and supportive Czech community.

Coary Lynn Bruton, born September 18, 1960, passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 65. He was the son of Bobbie “Jo” Beets and Billy Ray Bruton, and the brother of Ray Alan Bruton, all of whom he now joins in heaven. Coary grew up in Palmer, TX, and graduated from Palmer High School, where he made lifelong friends and great memories. One of his proudest moments was playing on the Palmer All Tournament Baseball Team that won the 1979 state championship — a story he never minded telling again.

Samuel “Sambo” Reyes May 27, 1976 – November 30, 2025, Samuel “Sambo” Reyes, age 49, of Rosser Texas, passed away on November 30, 2025. Sam was a devoted family man whose love for others knew no bounds. He placed everyone before himself, living a life defined by kindness, laughter, and an unwavering work ethic. Known for his goofy personality and generous heart, Sam was the person everyone could count on, especially when something needed fixing. If it was broken, Sam could fix it.

Coary Lynn Bruton, born September 18, 1960, passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 65.

The Honorable Gene Knize, 83, of Ennis, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025. A lifelong resident of Ellis County, Gene was born in Ennis in 1942 to Wesley F. Knize and Ethelina Haskovec Knize. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved aunt, Carolyn Haskovec. Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Evelyn Patak Knize; his daughter Sheryl Miears and her husband Steve Miears of Southlake; his son Michael Knize and his wife Michelle Knize of Dallas, and his son Dr. Mark Knize of Dallas. He is also lovingly remembered by his five grandchildren — Jake, Drew, Kate, Caroline, and Abbey — who affectionately knew him as “Grandjudge.”

Willie “Pete” Gearl Petruy passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, in Ennis, TX. He was 93. Born in Ennis on April 8th, 1932, he was the youngest child of John Petruy and Christine Skopik Petruy. In 1951, he joined the US Navy and served for 30 years, spending much of that time serving on submarines. After his retirement, he briefly tried his hand as a rancher before returning to work as a civilian for the Department of the Navy.

Edward Johannes Kvale passed away Nov. 2, 2025 in Enns, TX. He is survived by his sister, Anna May Lonnevik; daughter, Kathy Colvin; son John Kvale; 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He built things that lasted and lived with humor, kindness and a loving spirit.

We praise God for the life, love, and friendship of an extraordinary man. Stephen Edward Nash was born to Nelson Edward Nash, Jr., and Helen “Lucille” Bullard Nash on Oct. 24, 1954, in Ennis, TX. Steve went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 27, 2025, at age 71. Steve was raised in a Christian home and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at age 9. He lived his life as a committed Christian.

Steavy Slovak Jakubik, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most. Born to Steavy Holy Slovak and John J. Slovak on December 12, 1937, in Ennis, Texas, Steavy grew up with a spirit as bold and bright as her laughter. In 1956, she married the love of her life, Alfred Jakubik, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, family, and faith. Steavy was the proud mother of Renee and Freddy, “Granny Steavy” to her four granddaughters, and “Gaga” to her seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.