Veretta Catherine “Cathy” Corderre, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas passed away at her home, Monday, February 13, 2012, at 6:45 P.M., at the age of 58 years, 1 month and 11 days.

Cathy was born on January 2, 1954 on the Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia to Douglas Joseph Queen, Sr., and Cherry Cleleitolia Johnson Queen. Her father was in the military so Cathy and her family moved from time to time, during this time Cathy attended many different schools.

In 2002, Cathy and her husband Rick Rutledge moved to Kenedy, they were active members at The Word Fellowship Church.

Cathy is survived by her husband, Rick Rutledge; her children, Teena Gorecki of Vista, California, Michael F. Gorecki, Jr., of Escondido, California and Timothy A. Gabel, Jr., and wife Roxanne of Williamsburg, Virginia; her grandchildren, Andreena Tana Young, Tavis Tomas Stewart, Luke Owen Gorecki, Dana Lynne Gorecki, Tag Gabel, III and Lakin Gabel; her sisters, Eva Diane Sleight and husband Mike, Sharon Elizabeth Cohn and husband Brad Dorcee and Saundra Lee Schultz and husband Johnny; and her brother-in-laws, William Miles and Marty Ruiz.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Joy Lynn Ruiz; and her brother, Douglas Joseph Queen, Jr.

Visiation was held Saturday, February 18, 2012 beginning at 11:00 A.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services were held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday in the Eckols Chapel with Rev. Walter Hill, III, officiating.

E.C. “Chunky” Payne, Choate, Texas passed away Saturday, February 11, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 93 years.

Chunky was born April 15, 1918, in Choate to Wiley Payne and Nancy Ellen Yeater Payne.

Chunky proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a Veteran in WWII. After a career in the Navy, he went on to CP&L where he retired from after thirty-five years as a service man. Chunky was an active member of the Choate Baptist Church.  In is free time he also enjoyed and loved playing baseball and softball.

Chunky married Lottie Moses Payne. Together the two of them raised a beautiful family. They had two daughters and two sons.

He is survived by his wife, Lottie Moses Payne; his two daughters, Mary Lee Taylor of Santa Fe and Jackie Rutledge of Choate; his son, Wiley Payne and wife Debbie of Portland; his eleven grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robert Elvin Payne; his brothers, Alvin, Delbert, Ollie, and Albert Payne; and his sister, Lucy Mary Wagner.

Visitation was held 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral Services began at, 10 A.M., Monday, February 13, 2012 in the Eckols Chapel, with Rev. Larry Odom officiating. Burial followed in the Choate Cemetery, with Philip Bush, Tommy Jimerson, Ty Moses, Ty Moses, II, Amos Moses and Matt Seitzer; serving as Pallbearers.

Rodolfo A. “Fito” Saenz, Sr., passed away, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 3:50 P.M., at the age of 86.

Rodolfo was born in El Oso, Texas, on October 18, 1925 to Jose Angel Saenz and Dolores Trevino Saenz. He was a lifelong resident of Kenedy; growing up he attended school in Kenedy and later meet his wife, Elisa Carvajal Saenz. After 58 years of marriage, Elisa preceded him in death on April 28, 2008.

Rodolfo and his wife, Elisa began their life in Kenedy and started a family. The two of them had two children; Rodolfo “Rudy” Jr., and Suzanne. Rodolfo later went on to own and operate his company, Saenz Service Station.

Rodolfo is survived by his children, Suzanne A. Nuñez and husband Joe of Kenedy and Rudy Saenz and wife Dora of Kenedy; his beloved grandchildren, Kartney Lynn Nuñez Bylar, Ariel Eileen Nuñez and Justin R. Saenz; his great-granddaughter, Alexandria Bylar; and his sister, Alicia Garza.

Rodolfo is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elisa Carvajal Saenz; his sisters, Maria Escobedo, Otila Martinez and Elia Vasquez; and his brother Ray Saenz.

Visitation began, Friday, February 10, 2012, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel; a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., Friday in the Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated, Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1:00 P.M., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with Father Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers were, Rudy Rodriguez, Jimmy Loya, Danny Salais, Javier Villarreal, David Zambrano and Albert Losoya.

James David “JD” Ferron, of Kenedy, passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at the age of 1 year, 10 months, and 2 days.

He was born April 1, 2010, in Austin, TX to David Ferron and Erin Kristin Kroemer Ferron of Kenedy. He was a Christian.

He is survived by his parents; his paternal grandparents, Bailey Scott and Lisa Lynn Atkinson, and David Jr. and Sarah Ferron; maternal grandmother, Mary Regina Kroemer; and sister, Madeline Sadie Ferron. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Karl Kroemer III.

Memorial Services were held at 5:00 P.M., on Friday, February 10, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, with Rev. John Wheat officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Nurses In Touch or Donor’s Choice.

Grace Marian Griffith Franklin passed away, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 1:15 P.M., in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 86 years, 10 months and 6 days.

Grace was affectionately called “Gracie” by all that knew her and “Gigi” by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she loved so much.

Gracie was born March 25, 1925 in Lubbock, Texas the daughter of, Harold Hinman Griffith and Grace Marian Andrews Griffith. Since her dad was Military – she bounced around a lot, but grew up mainly in Lubbock, Amarillo and Kenedy, Texas, living with relatives and friends of the family.  She attended high school in Lubbock and Kenedy, Texas.  After graduating high school, Gracie went off to attend Amarillo Junior College, TWU and in 1966 graduated from Southwest Texas State.

While in high School she met her husband to be, and on October 26, 1944, she married Ruhman C. Franklin. From this union, Ruhman and Gracie had 4 children; Richard, John “Don”, D’Anne and David.

Gracie and her family lived in Kenedy for most of their life.  Gracie was a school teacher and loved her classroom children very much. She retired from teaching after 24 years of service – building our community through educating our children.  During her career she also made time to be a mother to three, grandmother of four and be the Mayor’s wife.

She belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma and the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs for many years serving as the Alamo District Club President for one term and was chosen as Outstanding Club Woman.  She was an annual UIL Sponsor and International Hostess.

Gracie was a member of the First Methodist Church in Kenedy, where she was very active helping with the MYF and served as the Junior Choir Director for many years.  She later joined the First Baptist Church in Kenedy in 2003, where she belonged until she moved in 2004.  Gracie moved to Amarillo to an assisted living facility near her older son Richard.  While in Amarillo, Gracie was president of the Red Hat Society, taught Sunday School, was active in crafts and managed the gift shop. She also organized and operated the library.

Gracie is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Ruhman C. Franklin; her son David Michael Franklin and her foster brother, John V. Spikes, Jr.

Gracie leaves behind her children; Dr. Richard H. and Tonja Franklin of Amarillo, Don and Becky Franklin of Katy and D’Anne and John Conrad of League City. Gigi’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren; Carla Anne and husband Javier Pruneda and their daughter Melania Grace Pruneda, Michael Bates and his wife Carol Franklin and their children Mollie Elizabeth and Braden Bates Franklin, Bryan Carl Houck and his children Kaylee Nicole and Kameron Ruhman Houck and John D. Jr.  “John” and his wife Sarah Franklin.

Other surviving cousins and relatives include: Jeanne and Eddie Ruhmann, Russ, Yvonne, Zachary and Trent Ruhmann, Donna and Morris Atkins, Karen and Bill Daugherty, Frank and Cathy Griffith, Lynne, Don, Dixie and Bill Wallace,Tommy and Mollie Wyrick,Don and Wanda Bengochea, George Griffith, Sonny Griffith, and Harold and Vera Griffith.

Visitation was held, Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M., with Funeral Services following at 3:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas, with Richard Robinson officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers were, Michael Franklin, John Franklin, Bryan Houck, Javier Pruneda, Russ Ruhmann and Zachary Ruhmann. Serving as an Honorary Pallbearer was, Trent Ruhmann.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or to the charity of your choice.

Abbie Ruth Vickery Salge, 88, of Tomball, TX, formerly of Robstown, TX went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, January, 30, 2012. Abbie Ruth was born on April 8, 1923, in Green, TX, the youngest of 12 children born to Dee Vickery and Lillie Mae Hall Vickery.

Abbie Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 56 years, Bennie Herman Salge; sisters, Oda Overby, Margaret Burris, and Zora Grant; and brothers, Oliver, Elmer, Dick, Blanton, Quinton, and Blaine Vickery.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Randall Myles and Cindy Salge of Magnolia, TX; sisters, Bennie Lee Stewart of Portland, TX, and Sibyl McDonald of Corpus Christi, TX; and grandsons, Randy, Richard, and Ryan Salge of Tomball, TX, and Robert and wife Rachael Salge of Austin, TX.

Visitation and viewing was held, Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 10:00 A.M. at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, TX. The funeral service followed in the Chapel at 12 Noon with Rev. Warren Foxworthy, officiating. Immediately following, Abbie Ruth was laid to rest beside her husband in Kenedy Cemetery.

Mr. Robert E. Bingham of Boerne, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 24, 2012, at 3:45 P.M., at the Stone Oak Care Center in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 87.

Robert was born March 16, 1924 to Oscar L. Bingham and Martha Dollie Addison Bingham. He grew up and attended school in Kenedy, Texas. After graduating high school, Robert went on to serve his country in the United States Army. He was a proud World War II Veteran. Upon returning from the War, Robert returned to Kenedy and on, February 25, 1947, he married his beautiful wife of over 64 years, Ida Madsen Bingham.   Together, Robert and Ida started their family and had 3 daughters and 1 son.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Ida Madsen Bingham; his daughters, Lana Green of Fair Oak Ranch, Elaine Ahrens and husband Roger of Georgetown and Janet Switalski and husband Michael of San Antonio; is one son, Robert E. Jr., and wife Nola of Houston; his sisters, Aleene Goehlke and Faye Shock; and his 8 wonderful grandchildren and 4 beautiful great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his 7 sisters; and his 4 brothers.

Visitation was held Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 11:00 A.M. – 12 Noon, with Funeral Services beginning at 1:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Walter Hill III officiating. Burial followed in the Choate Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Green, Daniel Bingham, Brannan Ahrens, Mark Petree, Nathan Petree, Paul Hefferman and Landon Smith. Honorary pallbearers were, Roger Ahrens, Michael Switalski and Craig Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to, Choate Baptist Church Cemetery Trust Memorial Fund, 6335 HWY 239, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Mazell Chesser Otto, passed away at her home is Choate, Texas, Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at the age of 63 years, 6 months and 3 days. Mazell was born on July 21, 1948, the daughter of Hubbard Smith Chesser and Rovilla Hooper Chesser.

Mazell is preceded in death by her parents and her one sister, Mary Elane Waltersdorff. She is survived by her beloved husband of 17 years, Arthur John Otto of Runge; her daughter, Jacqueline Rovilla Lewis Slayden and husband Randy Baker of Victoria; her sons, Hubbard Chesser Lewis and wife Emily Long of Victoria, Franklin Dwayne Lewis of  Victoria, Marcus Lane Lewis and wife Denise Lopez Lewis of Falls City and Christopher Keith Lewis and wife Linda Lewis of Karnes City; her three step-children, Deanna Hydner, Daren John Otto and Thaddeus Otto; her 2 sisters Linda Marie Hunger and Molly Skoruppa and husband Robert; 4 nieces and 2 nephews.

Mazell was “MeMaw” to her beautiful 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren as well as 6 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

Mazell was a supportive and loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was very proud of her family as they were of her…until they meet again.

Serving as pallbearers were her sons, Hubbard, Frank, Mark and Chris; her nephews Jay Dee Hunger and Marion Martin Skoruppa. Mazell always said her sisters were going to “carry” her; so along with her grandson, Laramie Lewis and daughter Jackie- they served as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation was held from 6:00-8:00 P.M., Thursday, January 2, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held on, Friday, January 27, 2012, beginning at 2:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Mazell’s childhood home at 582 CR 148, Kenedy, Texas.

The family celebrated her life with family and friends at the Community Hall on Highway 239 in Choate, Texas after the interment. Mazell loved a party!!

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to, Scott and White Hospital; 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, Texas 76508.

Candelario Mendez, Jr., a lifelong resident of Karnes County, entered eternal rest at 1:34 A.M., on January 23, 2012 at the Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville, Texas at the age of 67.

Candelario was born to Candelario Mendez, Sr., and Francisca Reyes Mendez, on June 28, 1944 in Choate, Texas.

Candelario is survived by his son, Reynato Mendez of Kenedy; his daughters; Dalia Rodriguez and husband Antonio of Kenedy, Delia Beltran of Sweetwater and Adelita Solano of Sweetwater; his sisters Oralia Amaya, Martha DeLuna and Juanita Gonzales; his brother Raul Mendez; his companion, Guadalupe Escobedo; his 18 grandchildren and his 1 great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Charles Mendez; and his wife, Petra Flores Mendez.

Visitation began, Wednesday, January 25, 2012, and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Leon Rubaj officiating. Burial followed in the Choate Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Reyes, Tavares Hines, Antonio Rodriguez, Martin Perez, Elliott Beltran and Juan Solano.

Bessie Gee Tenberg, 95, of Waco, went home to be with her Lord Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Regent Care Center.

Bess was born July 1, 1916, in Rogers, Texas, to Anderson Welcome Walker and Mattie Johnson Walker.  After graduating from Granger High School in 1933 she married the love of her life, Curtis Tenberg.  Together they had eight children and enjoyed life on their farm in Kenedy, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis, son Curtis “Buddy” Tenberg, two daughters, Bobby Gayle Tenberg and June Tenberg.  She is survived by her son David Tenberg and wife Gaylen; daughters Darla Tenberg Bunch and husband Larry; Carol Tenberg Hopkins and husband Paul; Jewel Tenberg Kelly; Betty Tenberg McCain and husband Larry; and daughter-in-law,  Ann Tenberg.  She was the proud “Maw Maw” of 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 24, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services began at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 25,2012, in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Tenberg, David Tenberg, Jr., Larry McCain, John McCain, Cary Kelly, Aaron Kelly and Travis Tenberg.