Providence Funeral Home

Pamela Kay Ballard

Pamela Kay Unnasch Ballard, 69, of Thorndale, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Celebration of Life services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale, with Pastor Jeff Doria officiating. Interment and a reception at St. Paul Lutheran Church will follow.

Pamela was born in Taylor, Texas, on July 26, 1956, to LeRoy Unnasch and Ella Patschke Unnasch. She and Roy Dale Ballard were united in marriage on October 8, 1977. They were blessed with two daughters, Crystal and Lindsay, whom Pam loved dearly and was endlessly proud of.

Pam was known for her warm smile, joyful laughter, and sweet spirit. She enjoyed reading, writing, gardening, volunteering with the Red Hat Ladies, and raising her two girls, the light of her life. The simplicity and kindness of her character endeared her to many.

Pam valiantly battled cancer to the very end, enduring chemotherapy and multiple surgeries with quiet strength and grace. She will now rest in peace, but her steadfast and beautiful spirit remains to comfort those who loved her. She will remain deep within our hearts, for as long as there is life within us.

Pamela is survived by her husband Roy, daughters, Crystal of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Lindsay of Midland, Texas. Sister, Geraldine (Jim) Richter of Thorndale, Brothers, Randall (Rose) Unnasch of San Gabriel, Kenneth Unnasch of North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Jimmy Ed Richter, Terry Richter, Chad Richter, John Unnasch, and honorary pallbearers Randy Unnasch, Kenneth Unnasch, Bobbie Ballard, and Ted Mertz.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale, Texas.

The family is deeply appreciative of the staff at San Gabriel Rehabilitation & Care Center for their devoted care, as well as Kindful Hospice Care, especially Clarissa and Wanda. Each of you brought comfort to Mom both physically and emotionally throughout her final months. For this, we are eternally grateful and will never forget your kindness.

Pamela Kay Ballard Obituary May 8, 2026 - Providence Funeral Home View Pamela Kay Ballard's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

James Zrubek

James "Jim" Frederick Zrubek, 91, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in 1934 to William and Ludmilla Slavik Zrubek, he grew up in Granger, where he had happy memories of playing football as a Granger Lion.

Jim served his country in the United States Army before pursuing his education at the University of Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. A proud member of the Beta Alpha Psi fraternity, he remained a devoted life member of the Texas Exes long after graduation.

He built a distinguished career as an accountant with Shell, where he worked for 25 years before taking early retirement. From then on, Jim found new purpose through service and simple pleasures. He became a dedicated hospital volunteer at his local hospital, where he generously gave over 2,000 hours of his time. He was an active member of his civic association, a regular blood donor, a frequent election worker, a dedicated bridge player, and a devoted tinkerer who was never without a project.

Jim is survived by his son Michael and daughter-in-law Nicole, his daughter Cynthia and son-in-law Sean, and his grandchildren Henry and Lorelei. He is also survived by his sisters Georgia and Mary Alice, sisters-in-law Linda and Marcia, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Ludmilla, brothers William (Bill) and Henry, sisters Dorothy and Beatrice, and in-laws Leo, Wallace (Wally), and J.L.

Jim lived a life defined by quiet generosity — giving his time and his steady presence to his community, his family, and his neighbors. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services

Visitation: Friday, May 15, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Providence Funeral Home, Taylor, TX

Funeral Mass: Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:00 am Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Granger, TX

Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Granger, TX

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give blood or volunteer your time in Jim's memory.

James Zrubeck Obituary April 28, 2026 - Providence Funeral Home View James Zrubeck's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.