Brenda Lee Bednarek went to be with Jesus on 2-22-2022 at the age of 65. She passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Nacogdoches, TX.  After being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), she succumbed to the disease after being diagnosed in December of 2020.

Brenda was born on February 1st, 1957, In Buffalo, NY, to Elwyn and Avis Shettler. She grew up in Hamburg, NY, with her 3 sisters. They shared special memories of vacationing together as a family at their cottage in Keuka Lake, NY. She would often reminisce about childhood memories of wrestling with her dad, watching her mom cook in the kitchen, and sharing a room with her sisters with whom she shared a special bond.

She married her former husband, Andrew Bednarek, in 1975, and they had one daughter together. They moved to Lindale, TX, as a family in 1989 and Brenda remained in East Texas until her death.

Brenda found her true calling when she became a substance abuse counselor in 1999. Her passion for loving people shined in her work. She touched many lives with her genuine soul, compassionate nature, and kind heart. She could sit and talk with anyone for hours. She loved animals, bright colors and connecting on a spiritual level. She saw the best in people and truly wore her heart on her sleeve. Her greatest joy was becoming a Grandmother in 2013 and spending time with her daughter and two grandsons. After being diagnosed with ALS in December of 2020 she never once complained or became angry. She remained positive and in good spirits until the end. She was deeply comforted by knowing that her hope and trust were in Jesus and that she would soon be home with Him, fully whole and completely restored. For that we are so very thankful. 

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Murphy, and son-in-law, Michael Murphy, and their two children, her grandsons, Trey and Myles. She is also survived by her sisters: Jaqueline Aston, Deborah Gerhardt, Elizabeth Lockwood; and her faithful companion, her dog Isabelle. 

She also leaves behind her ex-husband, Zach Walton, who helped care for her during her illness; their pets whom she loved, Captain Nemo, Johnny Utah, May Pearl, and Roscoe. 

She is preceded in death by her father, Elwyn Shettler, mother, Avis Shettler, and her beloved dog Ziggy.

Please join Brenda’s friends and family for a memorial service on Wednesday, March 16th, 10:00 am, at Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Bullard, Tx.  The service will be officiated by pastor Andy Fauss. Visitation will be held one hour before the service.

Black attire is not necessary. Brenda loved bright colors and beautiful patterns. She would want the service to reflect that.

In place of flowers please consider donating to the Go-fund-me link we’ve shared. This fundraiser honors her name by benefiting a fellow ALS fighter.