Obituaries

Remembering a Beloved Sister and Friend

September 7, 1957 – October 16, 2025

Susan Christine “Chris” Kotal Jones, 68, of San Marcos, born in Houston, passed away and entered God’s Kingdom, reunited with her parents, Joyce and Robert “Bob” Kotal.
Prior to 1998, Chris excelled as a customer service representative of Starwood/Sheraton Hotels earning multiple awards for her dedication and exceptional service. But that year, Chris suffered a massive stroke at the age of 42, causing permanent paralysis and aphasia. Chris faced life with extraordinary resilience. After, she worked diligently to regain her independence and continued to live life with determination, humor, gratitude, and faith. She enjoyed playing computer games with her sisters, spending time with friends and holidays with family. On local outings, she traversed around town on her Jazzy electric scooter and could be spotted anywhere around San Marcos. She was a faithful servant of Christ and remained an active and devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church (LCMS). She was also an outspoken Trump supporter. She was so proud of the Trump train when it arrived but heartbroken when we realized the gauge made it too big to fit on her dining table. She believed everyone should take responsibility for themselves starting with herself, never complaining about the challenges she endured after the stroke. In place of frustration, she’d shrug a shoulder with a flippant, “Oh well.”

She is survived by her son, Michael Wilson; her birth-daughter, Courtney Stafford Goza (Ryan); her sisters, Linda Flaniken and Peggy Jones (Mike); and, brother, David Kotal (Joan), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family recognizes Ruben Mujica her loyal friend of the last 20 years.

Chris will be dearly missed and fondly remembered with love.

All who knew and loved Chris are invited to join in honoring her memory

December 4, 2025
Memorial Service
10:40 am St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3501 Red River, Austin
Graveside Committal
1:00pm, San Marcos Cemetery, 1001 Old RR 12, San Marcos
Champagne Toast
1:30pm Wineaux, 314 E Hutchison St, San Marcos