Jerene Agatha Verkamp Rix

Jerene Agatha Verkamp Rix passed away peacefully in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, July 17, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on June 21, 1942, to Sylvester and Valeria Kolodziejczyk Verkamp. She was raised on a cotton farm near Wilson, Texas, alongside her five siblings—Pat, Joyce, Daniel, Dennis, and Becky. Her family was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and the values of hard work, generosity, and service to others.

Jerene graduated from Slaton High School in 1960 before attending Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She later returned to West Texas to teach school. While working at Rix Funeral Home, she met the love of her life, Lewis Barnett Rix, Jr. They shared 57 wonderful years of marriage before Lewis's passing on July 10, 2026.

After more than five decades together, Jerene followed Lewis just one week later—a gentle reminder of the deep bond they shared throughout their lives.

While Jerene valued education and later completed her degree in Social Work at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, she always believed her greatest calling was being a devoted wife and loving mother to her three children—Pam, Tug, and Kim. Her world revolved around her family. She took great pride in always being present for her children, serving as their most loyal supporter and fiercest advocate through every stage of their lives.

Her life was centered on faith and family. A devout Catholic, Jerene was an active parishioner wherever life took her. After moving to Fort Worth in 2012, she became a dedicated member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She attended daily Mass, developed many treasured friendships, and for many years lovingly prepared funeral meals for grieving families, quietly serving others during some of life's most difficult moments.

Jerene possessed an extraordinary generosity of spirit. She was constantly looking for opportunities to help those in need, often stepping in quietly without seeking recognition. She gave freely of both her time and resources, especially to organizations serving the poor and vulnerable. If she saw a need, she simply found a way to help.

After her children, the greatest joy of Jerene's life was her eight grandchildren. Known affectionately as "Tweet Tweet" because she was always busy, energetic, and had a special love for birds, she was a constant presence in their lives. She rarely missed a game, recital, school event, birthday celebration, or milestone. Each grandchild shared a unique and cherished relationship with her, and they will forever carry the love, encouragement, and unwavering support she so generously gave.

Jerene also had a passion for reading and exploring the world. An avid traveler, she visited 49 states and five continents, embracing new experiences while always remaining deeply connected to the people she loved most.

Above all, Jerene lived a life of quiet faithfulness, kindness, and service. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Jerene is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Dr. Chad Simmons of Dallas; Kim and Jim Cone of Lubbock; her son and daughter-in-law, Lewis Barnett "Tug" and Allison Rix of Fort Worth; her eight beloved grandchildren, Quatro Cone, Anna Simmons, Rix Cone, Olivia Simmons, Klement Rix, Grant Simmons, Mary Elizabeth Cone, and Alec Simmons; her brother, Dennis Verkamp of Lubbock; and her sister, Becky Waid of Ruidoso.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis Barnett Rix, Jr.; her parents, Sylvester and Valeria Verkamp; and her siblings, Daniel Verkamp, Joyce Klar, and Patricia Simnacher.

A joint Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the lives of Lewis and Jerene Rix will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Jerene would not have wanted a single dollar spent on flowers that could instead help someone in need. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Catholic Charities Fort Worth, an organization whose mission reflected the faith, compassion, and generosity that defined her life. Memorial gifts may be made online at https://catholiccharitiesfortworth.org