Anna Lee McAnelly Fronczek Strait (Feb. 9, 1920 – Feb. 3, 2023)
Anna Strait, affectionately known as “Pidge”, went to be with her Savior on February 3, 2023, just six days before her 103rd birthday. Anna’s remarkable life began at the McAnelly home near Yancey, Texas where she was born to Gladden Clyde McAnelly and Hallie Laura Nixon McAnelly. She and her six siblings grew up on the family ranch with no electricity or running water in the house. They rode Shetland ponies and horses into town to attend school. Anna graduated from Yancey High School in 1938 as valedictorian. She then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-Austin in elementary education, and later a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Anna taught elementary school in several communities around south and central Texas and worked as a typist in the Texas State Library in Austin. She married Chester “Chet” Fronczek on New Year’s Eve, 1944 just before he shipped out to the Pacific Theater of WW2. They spent 29 years in Westlake, Louisiana, raising their three sons and actively serving in their church and community. After Chet’s death she moved to Pearsall, Texas and married John B. Strait. She was active in the Pearsall Methodist Church and the Gideons Auxiliary. Anna lived in Pearsall for 41 years before moving to Decatur, Texas in 2017.
Anna was a self-described “eternal optimist” and a genuine people-person, who always kept her loved ones connected. Throughout her life, she cherished sharing family updates, which started as hand-written newsletters then, as technology changed, she used typewriters, phone calls, word processors, emails, text messages, and even social media to keep loved ones informed.
Anna’s love for family and friends was unwavering, and her absence will be deeply felt. She cherished the tradition of spending time at the Frio River with her family. Even at the age of 99 years young, she tubed down the Frio. She was often seen with a camera in hand, capturing every event in photographs. Anna adored moments spent with others and made sure to preserve them. Anna’s love of games brought people together and created lasting memories. During family gatherings, Anna was known to spark lively and competitive games of Pitch, a cherished family card game. Games were more than just a way to pass the time for Anna, they were a means of connecting with others and creating lasting bonds. Whether she was winning or losing, Anna was always having a good time, and her love of games will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of playing with her.
Anna is survived by sons Franklin R. “Frank” Fronczek (Rosalind), William G. “Bill” Fronczek (Cynthia), stepchildren George H. Strait (Norma) and Pency Edel (Leander), daughters-in-law Carol Coen Fronczek and Beverly Singleman, and stepdaughter-in-law Denise Strait. She is also survived by grandchildren Kathy Ellis, Joseph Fronczek (Randi), Phillip G. Fronczek (Lara), Jennifer Fronczek (John), Christopher F. Fronczek (Ariana), John B. Strait III “Trey” (Ashley), Kara Silva (John), George H. “Bubba” Strait, Jr. (Tamara) as well as many great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Anna was married to Chester Fronczek and later to John B. Strait, both deceased. Her six siblings, all deceased were Dora Mae Faseler, Hallie Lorine McAnelly, John E. McAnelly, Gladden C. “Rusty” McAnelly, Jr., James W. “Dick” McAnelly, and Charles W. “Dook” McAnelly. She was predeceased by son Ronald C. Fronczek, stepson John B. “Buddy” Strait Jr., granddaughter Jenifer Strait, and grandson Walker Strait.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Services in Pearsall. Anna’s funeral service will be held at the Pearsall Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 at 1:30 PM, followed by interment at the Yancey Cemetery.
The family thanks the staff of Governor’s Ridge Retirement and Assisted Living in Decatur, Texas for their loving care for the last 5 years.
Also, the family expresses special thanks to her many private care givers, especially Jean Burns and Gerry Lobdell who loved her and held her hand during the final months of her life.
Memorials can be made in honor of Anna to Gideons International.
“Think Positive!” – Anna Strait
If you wish to sign the guestbook or share a memory you may do so by visiting primrosefuneralservices.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Pearsall, Texas.