Ludmila "Lillie" (Malota) Prihoda Obituary

Lillie Mary (Malota) Prihoda, 90, of Freeport, Texas, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, was called home to the Lord and passed peacefully on August 2, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Lake Jackson, TX. Born on March 4, 1935, in Fayetteville, TX, she was the second daughter to Frank and Albina (Sury) Malota and was their fourth child of six. Lillie was a woman full of love, devotion, strength, determination, strong will, resilience and endearing faith. She held a deep love for her family and especially her grandchildren.

Lillie began working at a young age on the family farm in Shelby, TX. In her young adult years, she worked as a waitress at Mynar's Cafe in Fayetteville. There she would meet the man she would fall in love with, Sylvester (Syl) L. Prihoda of Ellinger, TX. They married on November 17, 1963, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville. She then left the Fayette County area to move to Freeport, TX alongside her husband who was working for the Dow Chemical Company there to start her new life and begin raising a family. Together they would raise two sons and a daughter. Lillie enjoyed being a full-time homemaker and mother. She poured her energy into creating a loving home. Lillie and Syl were blessed with only 20 years of marriage before his passing.

At family gatherings she was always adored for her Cornflake Kisses treats that she prepared, a family favorite by far. She was an avid cook and baker who also enjoyed baking Kolaches. Whenever attending family or other gatherings, she enjoyed and appreciated those moments shared with those around her. She loved each and every one of them. She also took great pride in taking care of her yard, enjoying doing yardwork into her early '70's.

Her favorite time of year was the Christmas season. She loved the magic of that time of year, adorning her home inside and out with the spirit of Christmas. That hard work led to her being awarded the best decorated home on several occasions in the city's home Christmas decorating contest.

She was a faithful member of the St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church of Freeport, TX. She was also a long-time member of the K.J.Z.T. St. Anne's Society #10 for over 79 years.

Though she endured many health challenges over the last few years, she faced each one with courage and put her faith in God to help her through them. Her strength and spirit were one of admiration with a strong will to fight. We now take comfort in knowing she is at peace in Heaven, free of her pain and suffering.

She is survived by her sons: Bruce A. Prihoda of Freeport, TX; Brian L. Prihoda (special friend, Jessica) of Angleton, TX; her daughter, Jackie A. Grissom (Ritchie) of Angleton, TX; her brother, Justin Malota, Sr. (Henrietta) of Fayetteville, TX; one sister-in-law, Gladys Polasek of La Grange, TX; two grandchildren: Tyler Grissom and Katie Grissom both of Angleton, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sylvester L. Prihoda; brothers: Arnold Malota, Sr. and wife, Wilma; Frank Malota and wife, Albina; sisters: Adell Coufal and husband, Emmett Sr; Regina Gerik and husband, Clarence Gerik Sr; and nephew, Arnold Malota, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Crematory, 109 E. State Hwy 71, Ellinger, TX. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church, Ellinger, TX at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025. Burial will follow at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Ellinger.

Pallbearers for the service will be: Tyler Grissom, Emmett Coufal Jr, Clarence Gerik Jr., Steven Gerik, Eddie Muske, and Russell Polasek. Honorary pallbearers will be: Justin Malota Jr, and Mark Prihoda.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.