Ann Eaker

Ann Hartwig Eaker, 82, of O’Donnell passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Ann was born on July 9, 1940, in Mercedes, Texas to Oscar Lewis Hartwig and Edith Frances Goodwin Hartwig.  She was raised in Weslaco; graduated from Weslaco High School and attended Texas A & I in Kingsville.  While in college, she met and married Kenneth Wayne Eaker in Weslaco on September 8, 1959.  They lived in La Pryor before moving to O’Donnell in 1965, where they farmed and started their family.  They attended Wells Baptist Church, and then became faithful members of First Baptist Church in O’Donnell.  She was the Director of Children’s programs, church secretary, served on the personnel and kitchen committees, young homemaker’s club, and was instrumental in the Food Pantry at church and for the community.  She was a certified organizer of the Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief program which provided aid following natural disasters.  She was a true farmer’s wife and mother supporting her husband and taking care of the household and children.  She will be remembered for her cooking of chicken fried steak and gravy, fried pies, and chocolate chip cookies, as well as her garden of fresh vegetables on the farm. Beyond her cooking skills, Ann “Grammy” enriched many lives with her servant’s heart, ever-present smile, unshaken patience, and sassy personality.  She enjoyed reading, spending time with family at Lake LBJ, traveling with her husband, and working wheat harvest with her brother-in-law, Doc Eaker.  She loved to serve her family, friends, community, and anyone she met.

Grammy is survived by her six children, Allen and Lisa Eaker of Farmington, NM, Edie and Greg Hagler of Lubbock, Julie Eaker of O’Donnell, David and Shawna Eaker of Lubbock, Melvin and Christie Eaker of Lubbock, and Dr. Robert and Lisa Eaker of Sweetwater, as well as 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  Ann was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, her parents, and twin sister, Nan Houston.

The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Combest Family Funeral Home, 510 8th Street, in O’Donnell.  Celebration of life services will be 2:00 PM Friday, December 2, 2022 at the First Baptist Church, 701 Standefer Street, in O’Donnell with interment to follow at O’Donnell Cemetery.  Please visit www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com for obituary information, service details, pictures, and video tribute.

Memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church and their food pantry in O’Donnell or the O’Donnell Cemetery Association.