Juanita Zapalac Ervin, born on September 5, 1944, to Agatha and Alfred Zapalac of Praha, Texas, graduated from Flatonia ISD.  She became a big sister in 1947, where she met her "partner in crime", Jan. She had a passion for twirling and sports, especially basketball.

In 1963, Juanita ventured from home to pursue a career with the FBI in Washington, DC. She got married and began a family, welcoming her son Jason Ryder "JR", then Lynn, followed by Wendy. After relocating to Schulenburg in 1974, Juanita received support from her mother and sister in raising her children. Like everyone, Juanita faced her own challenges and, through perseverance and support from her family and friends, she overcame them. Juanita became "Nene" in 1991, when her first grandchild was born, Dalton. Throughout her years, she dedicated her time to serving and overseeing Oakridge Smokehouse and later, during her retirement, she worked at the Kountry Bakery.

Our Nene was truly unique; her love for everyone was unconditional. She listened and cared for all without judgement, or expecting anything in return, and she always offered second chances. Many people knew Nene in the community as she was not only a Nene to her grandchildren, but to all of their friends and family, as well to anyone she met. Many grandchildren fondly remember their grandmothers cooking meals from scratch. However, our Nene was different. Although she could whip up delicious chili with beans, cucumber salad, and mashed potatoes, she was known for her love of drive-thru meals from fundraisers, McDonald's, Whataburger, or delivering home-cooked food from Oakridge! She loved traveling to watch her grandchildren take part in various sports. Regardless what team her grandchildren were on, she was their loudest & proudest fan! Those who had the privilege of knowing her cherished her deeply and undoubtedly became better humans through their time spent with her.

On April 16, 2024, our dear Nene left this world to rest peacefully in her eternal home.  We know that her heaven will be full of sandy beaches and cool mountain mornings, hot cokes and Blue Bell, dogs and cats, as well as only the best magazines. There, we know that The Shorthorns will always get the W, and most of all, that she will be able to watch over all the people she loved.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; and infant brother, James.

She is survived by her sister, Janice Lahodny; son, Ryder (Lisa) Ervin; daughters, Lynn Smith and Wendy (Kevin) Hart; grandchildren, Fr. Dalton Ervin, Peyton (Logan) Hatfield, Hunter Ervin, Holt Ervin, Hudson Ervin, Darryan Smith, Deagan Smith, Denver Carr, Delaney Hart, and Westin Hart; great-grandchildren, Ryder Hatfield, Roslyn Hatfield, and Ruth Hatfield; and nephew Buck Lahodny.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Brendan Cahill on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg. The family will receive friends beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the parish rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose Catholic School or Schulenburg Shorthorn Booster Club.