Mary Loretta Barsh, affectionately known as Loretta, passed away on January 6, 2026, in San Antonio, Tx at the age of 86. She was born on March 3, 1939, in Jourdanton, Tx, to Alvin Prasifka and Juanita Combs Prasifka. Loretta touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Juanita Prasifka; and brothers, Malvin Prasifka and James Frank Prasifka.

Loretta was beloved as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, David Barsh; daughters, Jeanette Richardson, Rachel Bernard and husband Ralf; cherished grandchildren Brianna Grey, Katie Barber, Chloe Gaynor, Trevor Gaynor, Kennedy Gaynor, Brittany Eden and husband Jordan, Jan Bernard and wife Kara, Julia Bernard; great grandchildren Ziden Grey, Kodin Grey, Sierra Eden, Connor Eden, Margot May; nephews Rusty Prasifka and wife Dianae, James Prasifka and wife Dianna, niece Sandra Lukacs and husband James and numerous extended family and friends.

Throughout her life, Loretta embraced creativity in many forms, and her talents knew no bounds.  She was not only a gifted artist who excelled in paper mache, macrame, painting, quilting, and embroidery, but also a talented seamstress and pianist. Her love for literature inspired her to write a genealogy book on the Prasifka family, a testament to her dedication to preserving family history. Loretta's kind spirit was often reflected in her passions for cooking, traveling, country western dancing and spending time on jigsaw puzzles and various arts and crafts. She graduated from Southwest Texas Teachers College (now Texas State University) with a major in Education and a minor in Business Administration. She then worked at USAA for a few years. She was a stay at home mom for 14 years and then started teaching at Fox Tech High School. No matter the occasion, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including her favorite Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream.

As we reflect on her remarkable life, we invite those who loved her to join in celebration and remembrance. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Jourdanton City Cemetery.

Loretta's legacy of love, creativity, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.