BARBARA JOANN TISE
Barbara Joann Smith Tise went to her heavenly home, rejoicing, on May 22, 2023. She loved the Lord and lived her life to let His light shine in her! She was born Nov. 5, 1937, in Eagle Lake, Texas to Henry Bertice and Milly Matula Smith.
Barbara lived most of her childhood and young adult life on the IV Duncan Ranch in Eagle Lake, Texas, where her father was the ranch foreman. Situated along the banks of the Colorado River, where the family often enjoyed picnics and camp outs, The Ranch was a priceless treasure for Barbara. She was an only child but enjoyed the company of her cousins, especially Lucy Bryant Anderson, Linda Bryant White and Natalie Matula Dupree, who were like sisters to her.
Having skipped first grade due to her advanced academic achievements, Barbara graduated from Eagle Lake High School as the Salutatorian of her class at the age of 16. She was affectionately known as Peanut by her classmates. She enjoyed a close bond for many years with a group of those classmates, known as the Ladybugs.
Barbara married the love of her life, Sammy Tise, on June 22, 1956. Together they raised their two children, Kathy and Bert, whom she loved dearly. The family loved traveling together, especially long summer vacations, visiting historical sights and to see Bert and his family after he moved to New Mexico. Barbara and Sammy also had a foreign exchange son, Geir Erikson, from Norway. Later, after Sammy passed on, she married Sammy’s brother, Clarence Lee Tise. She joked that at least she didn’t have to change her name when she remarried. Barbara and Clarence loved their life together, enjoying hunting, fishing, and gardening.
Barbara had a long career as a bookkeeper, working in several different industries. She went to work for The Renger Family in Hallettsville in 1979 and loved the Renger family with whom she worked for and with 3 generations, over several decades. In addition to her family and work, Barbara was active in her church and other civic organizations. She was instrumental in forming L.A.M.B. (Lavaca Assistance Ministry Body), a food and clothing pantry in Hallettsville and worked tirelessly alongside Sammy with Lavaca County Crimestoppers.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands. She is survived by daughter, Kathy Tise Miska (Al), son, Bertice Lee Tise (La Arnie), granddaughters, Samantha Joann Miska, Layci Miska Marney (Matt), grandsons, Steven Gregory Tise, Joshua Michael Tise and great grandchildren Bowen and JoAnna Marney. Barbara is also survived by her foreign exchange son, Geir Erikson (Mette) and his sons Sindre and Tord Nielsen, as well as special nieces Mellony Tise Schein and Tina Tise Hopkins and special nephew Johnny Tise, who became her “bonus” children when she married Clarence. There are a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins, sisters-in-law, friends, and family who will miss her presence here on earth, including Vance Duncan and Harvey Renger, both of whom Barbara thought of as brothers.
Pall bearers were Steven Tise, Joshua Tise, Carey Tise, Jack Barfield, Doug Tise, Richard Renger, Roddy Renger, and Matt Marney.
Honorary Pall Bearers were Harvey Renger, M.D., Vance Duncan, Johnny Tise, Sindre Nielsen, Tord Nielsen, Michael Barfield, and The Caregivers at Grow in Grace, Edna.
Barbara’s celebration of life was held on Sunday, May 28, 2023, in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel in Edna, Texas. Visitation was held from 1-3 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 3 p.m. She was laid to rest beside her two husbands at Red Bluff Cemetery in Lolita, Texas. Pastor Paul Kaiser will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to the Lavaca Assistance Ministry Body, P.O. Box 232, Hallettsville, Texas 77964; or the Road Runner Food Bank, 5840 Office Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109; or to the St. Paul Lutheran Preschool, 108 E. Gayle St., Edna, Texas 77957.
Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221. www.oaklawnfhednatx. com