Lydia Pike

Lydia Emma Balcar Pike, age 100 went to be with our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Lydia was born on October 10, 1917 on the family farm located in Deanville, Texas (Hogg community of Burleson County) to Joseph Balcar and Millie Zgabay Balcar. She was the middle child of five siblings - four sisters and one brother. Growing up on a farm outside Caldwell, she learned self-reliance, hard work, and dedication to family. She attended Hogg school until she went to Caldwell High School and graduated. She then moved to San Antonio to attend Cosmetology School. After graduation, she accepted a position as a hair stylist in San Antonio where she met the love of her life, Bruce Pike. They were married at Chapel Hill Methodist Church May 10, 1941 in San Antonio. Later, they were blessed with two daughters, Carol Ann and Debra Sue Pike.\r\n \r\nThe young couple lived in many places while Bruce remained in the U.S. Army until he retired in 1958 and retired to Kerrville where he was the golf pro at Charles Schreiner Golf Club. Lydia continued her career as a hair stylist for many years, as well as worked along side Bruce in the Golf shop.\r\n \r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Millie Balcar; husband, Bruce Pike; three sisters, Vlasta Matter, Marie Hogan and Leona Salvato; one brother, Joe Balcar; son-in-law, William T. Butler MD; and many other family and friends.\r\n \r\nThose left to cherish and honor her are two daughters, Carol Butler of Houston and Debra Chomout of Richmond, Texas; grandchildren, Lenore Chomout Mensik and husband, Darren, Kristoffer Bruce Chomout and wife, Emily, Marilyn Butler Freeman and husband, Bruce, Tom Butler and wife, Amy, Robin Butler and Janell; great-grandchildren, Marshall Sereno, Morgan Sereno, Jacob Mensik, William Butler and Clayton Butler; loving caretaker, KK; and numerous nieces and nephews and close family friends.\r\n \r\nLydia enjoyed spending many summers with her grandchildren and developed a special bond while spending time on the Guadalupe River, picking fresh peaches, taking long walks, while teaching them manners. She also enjoyed many Na zdraví toasts with her family and friends over the years.\r\n \r\nShe enjoyed crocheting, reading, baking and working in the yard. Her favorite past time was watching Gunsmoke and the other westerns. Lydia most enjoyed baking her famous apple pie, teaching Kris and Lenore to carry on the family tradition. She loved company anytime, and spending time with family members at her home in Kerrville.\r\n \r\nLydia was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in Kerrville, and she thoroughly enjoyed attending the 21st Century Sunday School Class which gave her so much joy. Lydia touched many hearts and was loved by so many. She gave so much of herself to others. We have lost someone who was an angel on earth and we can only imagine how she has been welcomed into her Mansion. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.\r\n \r\nVisitation will be from 5-7 PM, Friday, February 23, 2018 at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville. \r\n \r\nA funeral service will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Kerrville, followed by a reception at the church. There will be a private graveside service at Garden of Memories Cemetery.\r\n \r\nPallbearers will be Kris Chomout, Darren Mensik, Marshall Sereno, Jake Mensik, David Turner and Eric Browning.\r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dietert Center, Meals on Wheels, 451 Guadalupe, Kerrville, Texas 78028 or to a charity of choice.\r\n \r\nThe family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Shariq Sattar, the nurses and the rest of the staff at Peterson Regional Medical Center, as well as Lenore, Kris, Marshall and KK for their loving care during this difficult time. \r\n