OBITUARY
Willie Lou “Janie” Pritz, 92, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Janie was born on October 6, 1932, in San Angelo, Texas, to Clarence Brett and Mary Belle Kirk. She graduated from Christoval High School and later from San Angelo College, earning a degree in Home Economics and participating as a member of the College Rodeo Team.
On February 14, 1954, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Pritz, in San Angelo. They shared 57 wonderful years of marriage filled with faith, laughter, and devotion to family and community.
Janie was raised on the family farm, where her love of animals, the outdoors, and country life took root.
She was known for her many talents, an accomplished cook, seamstress, crocheter, knitter, and painter, whose creativity and kindness touched everyone around her.
A devoted military wife, Janie created a loving home wherever duty called, raising five children with strength and grace during her husband’s service to our country. Deeply community and civic minded, Janie gave freely of her time and heart. She rarely missed a school event, stock show, or ball game, faithfully supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their endeavors.
A dedicated member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) since 1962, Janie proudly served the organization for over 60 years, holding numerous leadership positions including Treasurer of the Theta Alpha Chapter for more than a decade and St. Jude’s Coordinator for four years.
She was also a longtime supporter of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, serving as an active member of the Texas Extension Education Association (TEEA) for 42 years in the Live Oak Club, and as a 4-H Club Manager. Her lifelong passion for service and education inspired many young people and fellow volunteers alike.
Among her many honors and achievements she was a Texas 4-H Gold Star Award Recipient, Tom Green County Association for Family and Community Education “Woman of the Year” (1997), and Region II Soil and Water Conservation District Conservation Homemaker Award winner.
Janie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Pritz, and her parents, Clarence Brett and Mary Belle Kirk.
She is survived by her children, Mary Lou and husband James Lee Cleveland of Christoval, Janie Kay and husband Terrence Kevin Sage of Grapevine, Linda Ann and husband Donald Gene Harbin, Jr. of Orient, Susan Marie and husband Malcolm Adolph Wilde of Wall, Robert Kirk and wife Chasity Cheri Pritz of Wall.
She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Charlie Bowers, Sherry Dutton, Michael Cleveland and wife Bri, Samantha Cleveland and husband Josh, Taylor Bowers, Audrey Kothmann and husband Sterling, Garrett Wilde and wife Lauren, Abbigail Pritz, Kirkland Pritz and step-grandson Kenneth Cleveland; along with numerous great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Robert Massie Riverside Chapel, officiated by Pastor Lori Brooks of Christoval United Methodist Church, with burial at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home
Pallbearers were Charlie Bowers, Michael Cleveland, Garrett Wilde, Kirkland Pritz, Sterling Kothmann and Harrison Kothmann.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have called, visited, or prayed during this time. Your love and support have been deeply felt and sincerely appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at stjude.org, a cause close to Janie’s heart through her decades of service in ESA, or a charity of your choice.
