Patricia Ann Waneck

Patti Waneck passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at 9:05 a.m. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, learning, and quiet grace that will continue to shape the lives of those who knew her.

Patti was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother—lovingly known as “Nana”—teacher, and friend. A lifelong educator, she believed deeply in the power of learning to shape both minds and hearts. She was an avid reader, a lover of the arts, and truly passionate about ballet, admiring its beauty, discipline, and ability to tell stories through movement and expression.

Patti was also a world traveler who embraced new cultures and experiences with curiosity and joy. Yet despite seeing much of the world, her heart was always most at home—where family, meaningful conversation, and simple comforts brought her the greatest peace.

Her life was anchored in faith, compassion, and humility. Patti lived with a servant’s heart, consistently placing others before herself. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her influence lives on through the many lives she touched as a teacher, mentor, and loved one.

Patti is survived by her loving husband of over 34 years, Mike Waneck, and her children: Jon Drake, Clayton and Emma Drake, Clay and Jackie Waneck, Cody and Annie Waneck, and Casey and Richard Wagener. She is also lovingly remembered by her dogs, Mia and River, who brought her daily companionship and joy.

She was a proud and devoted Nana to her grandchildren, Capella and Weston, (children of Dena Drake), Sadie and Maddie (children of Clayton and Emma), Kale and Alice (children of Cody and Annie), and Wyatt, Gunner, Bryndle, Cole and Luke (children of Casey and Richard). She was further blessed to be a great-grandmother to Ezera, child of Capella and Josh. Patti cherished each generation deeply and found great joy in her role as Nana.

Patti is also survived by her loving sisters, Carol Bowen, Laura Jackson, and Christy Davis; brothers, Michael Davis, James Champion, and Billy Joe Davis, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews, beloved family members, and dear friends with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, love, and enduring bonds.

Preceding Patti in death are her daughter, Dena Drake; mother, Dorothy Jackson; father, Billy Joe Davis; sister, Debbie McDonald; brother, William Jackson; and grandson, Silas Strimple.

A rosary will be held at Marrs Jones Funeral Home in Smithville Texas on Saturday, January 31 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a service celebrating Patti’s life beginning at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are also invited to gather at a lunch following the services at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Smithville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Towers Nursing Home by cash or check delivered to 372 Hill Road, Smithville, Texas 78957. Please make checks payable to Towers Nursing Home with “activity fund” in the memo line.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”— 2 Timothy 4:7