Bernice Hanath

Bernice Faye Hanath, 82, of Brenham, TX, passed away on November 22, 2025 in Giddings, TX.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2025 at Memorial Oaks Chapel with John Van Haneghan of Berlin officiating. Burial will follow at Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church Cemetery of Berlin.

Bernice was born on October 6, 1943 in Willow Springs, Fayette County, TX to Wilbert and Almita Ullrich Rodiek. She acquired her education in the Fayetteville school system. Bernice married Alvin Harold Hanath, on July 1, 1962. They had three sons Wayne, James and Kirk.

After marrying Alvin, she moved to Brenham, Texas, where she raised their three sons and worked alongside the family in Hanath Brothers Grocery & Steel Construction. Even with the demands of the store, she still found time to play on the Barons Babes slow-pitch softball team, volunteer at the boys' school, tend a large garden, can vegetables, sew clothes, and manage the home. When the boys grew older, her favorite ways to unwind were curling up with a good book and, above all, shopping.

Living as the only woman in a house full of men, she naturally adopted a firm, sergeant-like discipline born not from harshness, but from the loving necessity of shaping strong character in her sons.

Anyone who knew Bernice will tell you she was a straight shooter: you always knew exactly where you stood with her. She believed in rules and expected everyone, family and friends alike to follow them. At first meeting, she could seem reserved or even tough to warm up to, but once she let you in, you had a friend for life. Beneath that sturdy exterior beat one of the most caring hearts you'd ever meet; if someone needed help, she was the first to assist.

She loved her family deeply and stayed especially close to her sisters, cherishing every moment they spent together, particularly during the holidays. One of her greatest joys was dancing with Alvin; she never missed a chance, whether it was on a dance floor or spontaneously in the grocery aisles at Westside. She also looked forward each year to the special trips she and Alvin took with dear friends and neighbors.

Bernice lived a full, rich life surrounded by the people she loved. Her straightforward personality, tenacity, and generous spirit will be missed and remembered always.

Bernice is survived by her children, son Wayne Hanath, sons and daughters-in-law James Hanath and wife Debbie, and Kirk Hanath and wife Crista; grandchildren, Cody Hanath, Kristen Rowe and husband Dustin, Ross Curtis, Jenna Thumann and husband Randy; great-grandchildren, Vayda Nicole Rowe, Bo Wayne Rowe, Kennedy Thumann, Camryn Thumann and Ryker Thumann and sisters, Gladys Schmidt and Ruby Jergens.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alvin; and sister Katherine "Katie" Cordes.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Appling, Cody Hanath, Kevin Gandy, Bradley Hanath, Alan Hanath, and Mark Hanath.

Memorials may be given to Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church.