Cedarvale  - Bay City Cemetery

Photos courtesy of Betty Crosby
 

Alphonsus Xavier Seerden

Alphonsus “Cap” Seerden

Alphonsus “Cap” Seerden, 80 of Bay City died Wednesday, March 6, 1996 at the Citizens Medical Center in Victoria.

He was born Dec. 17, 1915 in Wadsworth, Matagorda County, Texas to parents, John Joseph and Mattie Mae Ryman Seerden. He was a rancher and farmer all of his life in the county. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bay City, a member of the Matagorda County Independent Cattlemen’s Association, and a member of the Brazoria County Cattlemen’s Association.

Survivors are wife, Margret Gilmore Seerden, Bay City; Son, Ron Seerden, Victoria, Adopted daughters Nancy Jennings of Dallas, and Linda LeTulle, Matagorda, Step daughter, Theresa Brady of Galveston; Sisters: Leona Hale Franzina, Bay City, and Eugenia Morgan of Missouri City; Grandchildren, Heath and Daron Seerden, Victoria; Margaret Brinkley, Fairfield, Calif., Martha Brady, Denver, Colorado; Great grandchildren, Katie and Elizabeth Brinkley.

Funeral service will be Saturday, March 9, 10 a. m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Toland officiating.

There will be a prayer service Friday, March 8 at 7 p. m. at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at the Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers are Clyde Ashcraft, Jack Cole, Isedro Valdez, James Carroll, John Wycoff, and John Elliott. Honorary pallbearers are Ralph Thompson, John Dickerson, Hubert Johnson, Frank Lewis, Robert Holland, and Scott Dickerson.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church for the stained glass window or to the Bay City Public Library.

Services under the direction of Dick R. Elkins of Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, March 8, 1996
 

George R. Short

George Short
(December 15, 1913 - October 24, 2005)

George Short, 92, of Austin, Texas passed away October 24, 2005. He was born December 15, 1913 in Grand Island, NE to Arthur Verne and Bess Robertson Short. He was a retired Chemical Engineer with Phillips/Conoco in Old Ocean and a member of the Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Glendine Thompson Short. He is survived by two daughters, Deborah Cobb of Austin and Ruth Short of Palo Alto, CA; a son, Douglas Short of Austin; two step-sons, Mike Wade of Bay City and Pat Wade of Emporia, KS; three grandchildren, Glen Cobb of Houston, Stephen Cobb of Katy and Tammy Hann of Bay City; four step-grandchildren, Kathy McVey of Friendswood, Scott Martin of Houston, Kelly Wade of Emporia, KS, and Keith Wade of Wichita, KS; two great grandchildren and one great- great grandchild.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City with Rev. Kevin Young officiating. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Glendine Thompson Wade Short

Glendine Short, 91, of Bay City, died March 7, 2005 at the Matagorda House Healthcare Center.

She was born December 4, 1913, in Canyon, Texas, to the late Pat and Winnie Anderson Thompson.

She was a life-long resident of Bay City and a very active member of the First United Methodist Church.

She also was a former member of the Order of the Easter Star, Bay City Lodge No. 380, and of the Chatauqua Club.

Survivors include: husband, George R. Short of Austin, Texas; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Judi Wade of Bay City, and Pat and Diane Wade of Emporia, Kansas; three step-children, Ruth Ann Short of Palo Alto, California, Deborah Cobb of Austin, and Doug Short of Austin; sister-in-law, Wanda Thompson of Austin, Texas; six grandchildren, Kathryn McVey and husband Kent of Friendswood, Texas, Kelly Wade and wife Dalia of Emporia, Kansas, Keith Wade of Wichita, Kansas, Steve Cobb of Nacogdoches, Texas, Glenn Cobb of Webster, Texas, and Scott Martin and wife Aimee of Houston, Texas; two great- grandchildren, Michael and Matthew McVey of Friendswood, Texas.

She was preceded in death by: her first husband, Louis E. Wade; brother, J. Neils Thompson; and grandson, Kent Wade.

Funeral service will be at 4 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Pauline Harvey officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening.

Pallbearers will be: her grandsons, Kent McVey, Scott Martin, Kelly Wade, Keith Wade, Glenn Cobb and Steve Cobb.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.

The family of Mrs. Short would like to thank the staff of the Legacy for all their support, care, and love shown to us during our mother’s illness.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Bay City Tribune, March 9, 2005
 

James Lee Sliva          Robert "Bobby" Sliva           La Verne Sliva

James Lee Sliva     La Verne Sliva     Robert Sliva
Funeral Rites Held Today for Children Fatally Burned Here

Funeral services for the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester J. Sliva who were burned to death Monday afternoon were held this morning at 10 o’clock at the Holy Cross Catholic Church.

The children were Jimmy, 3 years old; Bobby, 2 years old; and La Vene, 5 months old. The children were burned when a fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed their home about one mile past the city limits on the West Columbia highway.

Officiating at the services were Father C. J. Martin of Bay City, Father John Collins of Rosenberg, and Father Bily of Blessing.

Father Collins delivered the sermon, and Father Martin sang High Mass, assisted by the children’s choir.

Tom Ottis of Wadsworth sang “Ave Maria,” accompanied by his wife.

Burial was held following the services at Cedarvale Cemetery under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Kenneth Boutie, Lee Polk, Johnnie Polk, George Knebel, Bill Fehmel, James Stavinoha, Jimmie Rother, Johnnie Kovar, Michael Tucker, Lee Edward Baca, Billie Ottis, David Krystnik, and George Manna.

The Daily Tribune, November 1, 1950

Infants Were Children Of Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Sliva

Three small children were burned to death early this afternoon when a fire broke out and ravaged their home.

The children—two boys and a baby girl—were the sons and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester J. Sliva. Mr. Sliva is a rice farmer.

The home was located about a mile past the city limits on the West Columbia highway.

The dead were:
Jimmy, 3 years old.
Bobby, 2 years old.
La Verne, 5 months old.

No one was able to give information on how the fire broke out.

Mrs. Sliva, grief-stricken, was brought to a Bay City clinic.

According to the story pieced together, Mrs. Sliva had left the house to make a phone call. The front door apparently locking as she went out.

When the fire was discovered, several persons attempted to break the door down. When entrance was finally made, the entire home was ablaze.

Volunteer firemen and a Taylor Brothers ambulance answered the call at about 1:39 this afternoon.

It was reported that the children were all asleep when Mrs. Sliva left to make the phone call.

When the bodies of the children were found, the baby girl was in the front room and the two small boys were in the kitchen near the sink.

When the fire subsided, firemen grimly searched through the embers for the boy’s bodies. The girl’s body was found shortly after firemen arrived.

Several persons—hopefully—looked for the boys outside, in the backyard, hoping that perhaps they had escaped and were hiding. Then, at 2:05 o’clock, the firemen located the bodies of the boys.

Every piece of fire equipment was sent out on the call.

The house, a four-room frame building, was completely destroyed.

The Daily Tribune, October 31, 1949
 

Sylvester J. Sliva          Bernice E. Sliva

Bernice Erlene Sliva
November 10, 1923 - February 11, 2016

Bernice Erlene Sliva, 92, of Bay City, Texas, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016.

She was born November 10, 1923, in Wharton, Texas, to the late Adolph and Christina Shoppa. She married Sylvester Sliva, July 7, 1942, and spent their honeymoon in Wharton, Texas at the Tee Pee Motel. Like many young married women, Bernice’s husband went off to fight in World War II. Meanwhile back in Wharton, Bernice was keeping busy working at the Manhattan Restaurant. After three years, Sylvester returned home from the war and they started their family. Their marriage was blessed with six children, James Lee, Bobby, LaVern, Diana, Joey and Carol.

A devout Catholic, Bernice had a regular presence at Holy Cross Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Holy Cross Altar Society. Bernice’s family was her pride and joy. She made sure Diana, Joey, and Carol went to Holy Cross Catholic School for their religious education. Bernice worked for Bay City I.S.D. in the food service for 10 years and at the cafeteria for Holy Cross Catholic School for eight years, with her very best friend, Theresa Lyle, which you never saw one without the other! Bernice would cook fresh vegetables and delicious kolaches for the nuns at Holy Cross Catholic Church for many years. She was especially known for her famous poppy seed cake, which was auctioned off at the Holy Cross Fall Festival every year. She had the kindest heart anyone could have.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sylvester Sliva of 57 years; her children, James Lee, Bobby, and LaVern; sisters, Nollie Socha, Loraine Anders and Betty Ann Shindler; and brothers, George Shoppa, and Adolph Shoppa Jr.

She is survived by: her sister, Shirley Swinford and husband Ronnie; her brother, Lloyd Shoppa and wife Betty Jean; daughters, Diana Osborne and husband Skipper, and Carol Biezenski and husband Eddie; son, Joey Sliva and wife Nancy; grandchildren, Brandon Osborne and wife Jamie, Stacey Richards and husband Jess, Stuart Sliva and wife Jennifer, and Stefanie Armatta and husband Steven; great-grandchildren, Drake, Carter, and Myatt Richards, Marlie and Steelie Armatta, Mason, Morgan, Cole and Sophie Sliva, Greyson Campbell, Trinity, McKenzie and Emily Osborne, and Brittany Biezenski. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be George Harrison, Brandon Osborne, Chris Shoppa, Jimmy Shoppa, Ronnie Shoppa, Edward Socha, Paul Sliva and Stuart Sliva.

The Sliva Family would like to express sincere thanks to Matagorda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the special care Bernice received.

The family will receive visitors at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, on Sunday, February 14, 2016, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the Rosary starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Monday, February 15, 2016, at 10 a.m., with Fr. Greg Korenek officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery on Golden Avenue in Bay City, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Cross Catholic School Foundation, 2001 Katy Avenue, Bay City, Texas 77414.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City Texas (979) 245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, February 14, 2016

Sylvester James Sliva

Funeral services for Sylvester James Sliva, 82, of Bay City, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will be at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

A rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2000 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Mr. Sliva died Jan. 27, 2000, at Matagorda House. He was born April 7, 1917 in Wallis, Texas to the late Emil and Annie Pisklak Sliva.

He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a resident of Bay City the past 66 years, member of Matagorda County Farmers Co-Op, and a retired rice farmer. He was voted Matagorda County farmer of the year in 1960.

Mr. Sliva was a Veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army, 70th Tank Batallion as a Technical Sergeant. During WWII, he served in Algeria, French Morocco, Sicily, Tunisia, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and the Ardennes. He received the following decorations: Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, EAME Campaign Medal with eight bronze stars and the Croix de Guerre from the French Government.

Survivors include: wife, Bernice Shoppa Sliva of Bay City; two daughters and sons-in-law, Diana and Skipper Osborne, Carol Ann and Eddie Biezenski; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Nancy Sliva, all of Bay City; sisters, Marie Robinson of Hope, Ark., Carmel Harrison and Ann Webber, both of Bay City; Kitty King of Lake Charles, La., and Florence Saha of Angleton; brothers, Gilbert and Frank Sliva, both of Bay City; grandchildren, Brandon and Stacey Osborne, Brittany Biezenski, Stuart Sliva and wife Jennifer, and Stefanie Armatta and husband Steven, great grandchildren, Mason and Morgan Sliva of El Paso, Texas; and aunt, Tillie Brast of Wallis, Texas.

He was preceded in death by: daughter, LaVerne, sons, James Lee and Robert "Bobby" Sliva and by brother, Ben Sliva.

Pallbearers will be Stuart, Steve and Paul Sliva, Brandon Osborne, Tommy Harrison, Kelly Webber, Mark King and Jimmy Shoppa.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Babik, Sam Mathis, Billy Denn, and all the members of the Matagorda County Farmers Co-Op. Memorials may be made to the Holy Cross School Foundation.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Friday, 28 Jan 2000
 

Robert Smart

Rites Planned for R. J. Smart

Robert J. Smart, 75, of Wadsworth, died early Wednesday evening in Matagorda General Hospital following an extended illness.

A Matagorda resident for 45 years, “Uncle Bob” was a member of the Matagorda Baptist Church and a veteran of World War I.

Survivors include 27 nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 4 p. m. today at Bay City Funeral Home, the Rev. Victor Connelley of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery.

The Daily Tribune, August 22, 1963
 

Cyrus West Smith           Thelma Carson Smith

C. W. Smith Succumbs; Rites Today

Cyrus West Smith, a grocer in Matagorda County from 1920 until his retirement in 1968, died of a heart attack Saturday afternoon.

Smith was born in Sargent, Tex. in 1899 and opened a grocery store in Gulf, Tex. (now known as Old Gulf) in 1920. In 1936 he went into the grocery business on the square in Bay City until his retirement and closing of the store in 1968. He and Mrs. Smith celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary a year ago.

Services were held this morning in the First United Methodist church where he was a member and active in the Wesley Bible Class. Interment was in the Cedarvale cemetery. The Rev. Wayland Elmore officiated.

Pallbearers were J. W. Ingram, J. K. Mattox, Ralph Bussell, Rex Teat, Morris Dombrow, John Cherry, Herschel Richardson, and W. R. Gordon. Honorary pallbearers were Carl E. Blass, Dr. Charles Shoultz, Dr. Lee Tuttle, Dr. L. L. D. Tuttle and all the members of the Wesley Bible Class.

The Daily Tribune, May 10, 1971

In Memorium

Our thoughts and prayers have been with Mrs. C. W. Smith this week in her hours of grief and loneliness in the death of her husband, Cyrus West Smith, this past weekend.

His many friends gathered in our sanctuary Monday morning to honor the memory of a friend and fellow member of this church. Although our hearts were grieved at the loss of a friend we met in a spirit of thanksgiving as we commended his spirit into the loving care of God. We rejoice at the Christian witness of this devoted Christian gentleman who has been a member of this church 37 years. Mr. Smith loved this church and has served it for many years on the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees. I recall that it was he that greeted me as I attended this church for the first time and made me to feel a welcomed guest and then his sincere, warm and friendly welcome as I united with this church. He served as usher for many years and had the ability to make all who worshipped here feel at home. This church has been blessed to have had the services of such a dedicated man who was respected throughout our community.

May God in his infinite compassion strengthen, sustain and uphold Thelma in his steadfast love.

Methodist Church Newsletter, May 14, 1971

Thelma Carson Smith

Funeral services for Thelma Carson Smith, 87, of Bay City will be held 11 a. m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church of Bay City with the Rev. W. E. Dugger Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City.

Mrs. Smith was born Aug. 16, 1900, in San Saba, Texas, to Frank and Emma Stennette Carson and died 7 p. m. July 31, 1988, at Autumn Hills Convalescent Home, Richmond, Texas.

Prior to her move to Turner Terrace Annex of Moody house in Galveston, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church since 1936, a member of the church choir for many years and an active member of The Gleaners Sunday School class. Continued failing health made it necessary for Mrs. Smith to be moved to a nursing facility in Richmond.

She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Beatrice Smith of Houston and Velma Berry of Houston; five nieces, Phoebe Penrose, Thelmarie Ward, Billy Gene Gundlach, Doris Wescott and Jacquelyn Paschall and by many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Cyrus West Smith.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, August 1, 1988