YOAKUM: Betty Carroll, 92, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025. She was born on December 16, 1932, to Henry and Adela (Menke) Witte, in a small community outside of Weimar, TX.

Betty graduated from Weimar High School in 1953. Afterward, she worked at the Columbus Eye Clinic, where she met her future husband, Billy Carroll, in 1956. The two married on July 14th, 1957, and shortly after they moved to Yoakum, TX. There, she became a homemaker, supporting her husband on their dairy farm for 47 years.

A devout Christian, Betty was a long-time member of the Fordtran Church of Christ. She and Billy raised two children on the farm. After Billy’s passing in 2004, Betty took on the role of matriarch, raising beef cattle and continuing to lead the family with strength and grace.  Betty was kind, humble, and always had a sweet smile on her face. She had a thoughtful nature, often sending cards to loved ones on special occasions to let them know she was thinking of them. She had a strong faith and spirit, which helped her to survive cancer twice and overcome many other challenges throughout her 92 years of life.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, painting, sewing, taking trips with friends, and playing bunco. Betty had a deep appreciation for nature, finding joy in watching butterflies, birds, and wildflowers outside her window. She was also fond of her cats and proud of her cattle.

Betty is survived by her two children, daughter Ann Seidenberger, and son, Mark Carroll and daughter-in-law, Kathy; five granddaughters and their spouses—Lara Seidenberger, Courtney and Dominic Rickicki, Lesley and Justin Janak, Ashley and Taylor Lee, and Lisa and Trent McKee; as well as six great-grandchildren. her sister, Ruby Jane Remmert.  Betty is also survived by numerous extended family members, including her nieces Lynn Richter, Jan Schott, and Amy Lowery.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Adela Witte; her beloved husband, Billy Carroll, and her sister, Adeline Richter. She was deeply cherished by all who loved her, and she will live on in our hearts forever.

Public viewing beginning at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 23, 2025, with Funeral Service at 2 p.m., at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home with Mr. Glen Schmidt officiating. Burial to follow at Hebron Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are Lara Seidenberger, Courtney Rickicki, Ashley Lee, Lisa McKee, Lynn Richter, Zenith Stevens, Kaye Stevens, Wiona Balch, Judy Hughes and Cheryl Carroll.

Memorials may be given to Fordtran Church of Christ or Hospice of South Texas.

The family expresses special thanks to Citizens Hospital staff and Hospice of South Texas for their exceptional care of our Mom.

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.

YOAKUM: Dennis Erwin Brandl, Jr, age 83, passed away March 1, 2025. He was born June 5, 1941, in Yoakum to Dennis Brandl Sr and Daisy Treybig Brandl.

Dennis worked in the oil and gas business for over 50 years. He began with Hughes Tool Company and then Alice Specialty Company. He transitioned to drilling for Blocker Drilling, Big E Drilling and finally Unit Drilling as a Vice-President located in Houston. After leaving Unit Drilling, Dennis used his expertise to work as a drilling consultant to drill wells in the Gulf Coast, Permian Basin and Rocky Mountains. Dennis had many hobbies at different parts of his life. He loved animals, riding horses, hunting, operating his cigarette boat and truly loved being a gentleman farmer on his farm/ranch in Witting, Texas. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy on the Destroyer, the USS Sproston. Dennis was a loving husband and father and will be missed by all his family.

Survivors: wife, Marie Elizabeth Frerichs Brandl; sons, Bradley Brandl and David Brandl; sisters, Deanna Barnard (James), Suzanne House and Sandra Ehlers; brother-in-law, Wayne Kucera.

Preceded in death by parents; sister, Cindy Kucera.

Graveside Service 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at Yoakum Oak Grove Cemetery with Rev. Warren Hornung officiating. After the graveside service, friends and family will gather at Rosie’s Hideaway in Witting, Texas from 1-4 p.m.

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home 361-293-5656.

Vicki Harmon Barnes, 88, of Cuero passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025.  She was born May 2, 1936, in Newcastle, TX to Eugene and Nora Collins Harmon.  She worked for Texas Electric Company in Monahans, TX as a customer service representative for twenty years.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of Cuero and loved her church family.  She kept close tabs on all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved getting new pictures from them.  She enjoyed living in the country and never met a dog she didn’t like!  Her love and compassion for friends and family will be missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Judi (Ben) Colwell; her son, Harvey (Sharon) Haynes; grandchildren, Courtnie Sanders, Jeff (Jennifer) Haynes, Keith (Amber) Haynes, Toni Marie Haynes, Jeffrey Colwell (Bryan Branch), Joel (Teri) Colwell; great-grandchildren, Zach McDaniel, Jayme Haynes, Jaxon Haynes, Sterling Haynes, Hayden Haynes, Grayson Haynes, Justin Colwell, Trevor Colwell, Ryan Colwell, Tyler Colwell, Bre Branch, Nate Branch and Macie Colwell.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bobby Harmon.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church with Dr. Glenn Robertson officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Pet Adoptions of Cuero or First Baptist Church of Cuero.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.

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