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Classmate Susan Nelson Duke passed away September 19, 2026.  Correspondence may be sent to the Family of Susan at PO Box 42, Louise, TX.  77455-0042.  Condolences to the Family of Susan.  A link to her obituary is below along with the full obituary.

https://www.triskafuneralhome.com/obituaries/susan-duke/#!/Obituary

Obituary for Susan Elaine Nelson Duke

Susan Elaine Nelson Duke was born September 18, 1950, in El Campo, Texas, to Harlan Henry Nelson and Lola Inez Nelson, and went to join the Lord, her parents, and beloved sister Carol on September 19, 2026.
It is truly hard to find a heart so kind, forgiving, and generous as Susan's. A lifelong teacher, mother, and Meme, she opened her arms, her heart, her classroom, and her home to anyone who needed love and guidance — or extra math tutoring — throughout her 76 years.

Susan was a woman of intelligence, love, and life. She drove tractors during rice harvest and was a member of the Flying Farmers Association, where she met the love of her life, Frank, an avid aviator. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Political Science, belonged to numerous clubs and sororities, and was always the first to step up and volunteer to serve and support anyone in need. A woman of deep faith, Susan attended First Methodist Church in Louise and loved the Lord. She treasured a wonderful, close group of friends and had a passion for travel, managing to see nearly all fifty states in her lifetime — we are certain she is checking her final one, Hawaii, off the list right now in Heaven. She loved cruises and never came home without something special for every grandkid.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Harlan and Lola Nelson, and her beloved sister, Carol.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Frank Robert Duke; her three sons, Robert Ryan Duke and wife Jenny, Jeffrey Frank Duke and fiancée Elizabeth Rogers, and John Daniel Duke and wife Vanessa; her precious grandchildren, Lauren, Jackson, Derrick, Daniel, Grace, and Faith; and her great-grandson, Cooper. And while these are the family named here, Susan was like a mother to so many in her community.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, September 23, at 2:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Louise, Texas. All are welcome to join in sharing the memories and joy Susan brought to so many.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Methodist Church Louise in her name for a scholarship fund.

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Cindy Riha, sister of classmate Nancy Riha Garrett, passed away September 20, 2026.  Correspondence may be sent to Nacy at 2029 FM 682 Rd., Yoakum, TX.   77995-5119.  Condolences to Nancy and the Family of Cindy.  

https://www.triskafuneralhome.com/obituaries/cynthia-cindy-riha/#!/Obituary

Obituary for Cynthia (Cindy) Ann Riha

Cynthia Ann Riha (Cindy), of El Campo, Texas, born on January, 8th, 1950, passed away peacefully, September 20, 2026 at 12:50pm surrounded by family and caregiver, Debra, leaving behind a loving family and many cherished memories.

Cindy attended St. Philip’s Catholic School for eight years before completing her four years at El Campo High School. Cindy remained deeply devoted to her Rice Bird Class of 1968 throughout her life. With the help of her dear friends, Jimmy and Mona, she dedicated herself to organizing and contacting classmates for their class reunions. These reunions were a special tradition that allowed her to maintain the friendships and connections she valued so dearly. Cindy continued her education in St. Louis and dedicated her professional life to serving others as a laboratory technician.

Cindy also had a tremendous love for travel and adventure. When she was younger, she traveled throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia bringing home treasures for all. She enjoyed the opportunity to see different countries, cultures, and parts of the world. Cindy especially enjoyed visiting places connected to her family heritage, including her ancestral roots in Czechoslovakia.

Cindy had a lifelong love of music, especially Willie Nelson. She was a devoted fan and proudly shared that she had seen Willie Nelson perform more than 50 times. Her final Willie Nelson concert was in New Braunfels in 2026, with her dear friends, Josie and Barbara, a fitting memory for someone who loved his music so much.

She was a member of St. Philip’s Catholic Church in El Campo and an active member of the CDA Court #1374. She continued to serve her community at the El Campo Hospital through the Sunshine Lady Organization and Hospice of Houston. She also found time to volunteer at Second Time Around ReSale.
Cindy was the beloved daughter of the late Edward and Clara Malek Riha. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Riha Garrett, and husband, David.

She is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Amanda Garrett Wenske (Rodney); Stephanie Garrett Leopold (Scott); Levi Garrett (Holly); and Julie Garrett.

Cindy was also a beloved great-aunt to Logan Wenske (Faith); Bailey Leopold; Wyatt Leopold; Mattie Leopold; and Garrison Garrett. She was blessed to know her great-great-niece, Lily Jade Wenske.
Among the many blessings in her life was the gift of a truly special friend, Becky Chomout. Through the years, this friendship provided guidance, steadfast support, and countless acts of kindness.

A special, heartfelt thank you to Cindy’s caregivers - Debra, Destiny, Elisa, and Cynthia.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Clara Riha, and her beloved pet, Macho.

Cindy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her pride in her El Campo roots, and the many memories she created with those she loved. She was a person who was always willing to help others. If someone needed something, Cindy was there. Her kindness, generosity, and curiosity will be an inspiration to all. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

As Willie would say, “Just smile and know I loved you till the end.”

Services to be held Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, St. Philip Catholic Church with visitation at 9:30 a.m., Rosary at 10 a.m., and Mass at 10:30 a.m. Procession to graveside following at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Nada.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Houston or donors’ choice.