Mary Evelyn Neckar

On Wednesday, July 16th, our beloved mother and grandmother, Mary Evelyn Neckar, passed away at the age of 87.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Mary Evelyn on Wednesday, July 23, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Waco, with Rev. Joseph Geleney presiding.

Born in Waco on February 12, 1938, she was adopted by her two loving parents, Herbert and Mary Bethke. The couple adopted another child, Herbert (Ben) Bethke, in 1940, completing their small family. Her parents raised both children in the Catholic faith, sending Mary to an all- girls Catholic school in San Antonio. After graduating, she pursued a career in healthcare, becoming an X-ray technician and working for several years at Providence Hospital.

On June 4th, 1960, she married Ernest H. Neckar, with whom she would spend the next 62 years before his death in 2022.

After the birth of her third child, Mary decided to leave her career and dedicate herself to raising her family. She spent countless hours volunteering at St. Mary’s Parish Church as well as the parish school where her children attended.

Mary was a proud Texas A&M Aggie mom, quick to brag on the fact that both of her daughters graduated from there. While both daughters were pursuing their Master degrees in 1984, the family was devastated by the tragic loss of Michele, the middle child, who was killed in a car accident.

She found comfort in her garden, where she spent countless hours in her beautiful yard. She also played a vital role on the family farm, helping raise cattle and managing chores when her husband was away for work.

In later years, Mary and Ernest enjoyed working on the farm and spending time with their grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; her daughter, Michele Elizabeth Neckar; her parents, Herbert and Mary Bethke; and her brother, Ben Bethke.

She is survived by her children, Melissa McRoberts and husband Andy, Ernie Neckar and wife Janice, and her three grandchildren, Hailey Neckar, Lane Neckar, and Jack McRoberts.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the caretakers at Wesley Woods for providing excellent care and treating her like family. We would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice (especially Michelle) for the love and compassion shown to us during a difficult time.