Matagorda County Obituaries
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Karen Rooks Gatson
October 16, 1974 - September 12, 2024

Karen was born on October 16, 1974, to Cecil and Zelma Lane (Hawk) Rooks and grew up with her brother, Coy Allen Rooks, in Clemville, Texas.

Karen was a student at Tidehaven High School, where she distinguished herself academically, achieving a rank of fourth in her graduating class. In addition, she was an accomplished athlete, participating in volleyball, track, and basketball, and earned a selection to compete in softball for the Fast Pitch League in Bay City.

After high school, Karen pursued further studies at Victoria Junior College. Upon earning her degree, she began volunteering at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City. Her exemplary work ethic and dedication to volunteering did not go unnoticed, leading to a job offer. A new physician, Dr. Liberoni, recognized her achievements and requested her assistance in establishing his new office. Subsequently, she advanced her career by transferring to South Texas Medical in Wharton, now known as Memorial Hermann. At Memorial Hermann, she held the position of supervisor for outpatient medical coding. Despite facing health challenges, she remained resolute in her commitment to work as much as possible. Throughout her life, she consistently accomplished whatever she set her mind to with great success.

Karen cherished the time spent with her husband, Don, of 24 years, frequently accompanying her husband to numerous rodeos. If she were not traveling across states for rodeos, she would still be on the road to support her nieces in their karate tournaments, even venturing as far as Mexico. It is indeed true that when one discovers a sister who is not related by blood, it is essential to cherish that bond. Karen found such a sister in Alynna Perez, who stood by her during both joyful and challenging times, as well as in her final days. Her nephew Justin Rooks, who was like a son to her, shared a strong connection with her and provided unwavering support when she needed him the most.

Those who will hold her memory dear and feel her absence profoundly include her husband Don Gatson and stepchildren Malik and K’trell, her niece Amber Rooks-Bozka (Mathias Bozka III), along with Sarabeth Green, Railey Green, and Mathias Bozka IV. Additionally, her in-laws J.D. and Wilma Gatson, the late Larry Thomas, and sisters-in-law Zucchini Fraier, Tammetra Vaughn, Jean Gatson, and Yattiska Gatson will also remember her fondly, along with numerous other friends and family members.

Karen, 49, of Bay City, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on September 12th after complications from cancer. At the gates of heaven, her father, Cecil Rooks, and her niece, Brianna Rooks, await to greet her as she embarks on her new life of wellness, peace and sweet rest.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Andrelin Brinkley for arranging the memorial, guiding them through difficult days, and composing this obituary. Pastor (Bam) Brinkley is remembered for his kind and healing words during the service, and his support during the many years of her illness. They are also grateful to the First Berean Church members for the food and fellowship after the service.

Bay City Tribune, December 15, 2024
 


Blanca America Guillen

December 27, 1954 - December 16, 2024

Blanca America Guillen, 69, of Midfield passed away December 16, 2024.  She was born December 27, 1954, to the late Guadalupe Tijerina and Benicia Pena Tijerina.

Her greatest joy in life was when her children and grandchildren came over to visit. She loved cooking and bringing the family together. She loved the long car rides to South Texas to visit her family.  She loved her plants and being outside to see everything blooming. She loved drinking her coffee and eating cookies early in the morning, and she loved her pets, and spoiled them dearly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ignacio Guillen, Sr. and a brother, Fidencio Guadalupe Tijerina.

Survivors include her daughters Blanca Alicia Guillen and Gem Cristal Guillen; sons Ignacio Guillen, Jr. and Juan Vicente Guillen; sisters Fidela Saavedra, Maria Dominga Tijerina, Venicia Villarreal, Beatriz Martinez and Leticia LaBoarde; brother Guadalupe Tijerina; grandchildren Antonio Guillen, Cameron Cano, Sebastian Macedo, Abigail Ramirez (Princess), Jude Ramirez (The Baby), and great-grandchildren Desmond Cano Aaliyah Macedo.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Monday, December 23, 2024 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Midfield Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Ignacio Guillen, Jr., Antonio Guillen, Alejandro Ramirez, Pablo Lucio, Jr., Fernando Saavedra, Samuel Saavedra and Dillon LaBoarde.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Carolyn Sue Hutto

December 14, 1944 - December 16, 2024

Carolyn Sue Hutto, 80, of Palacios, Texas, left us peacefully on December 16, 2024. She was born on December 14, 1944, to the late Luther Nile Green and Eula Mae Anthony. 

Carolyn was a dedicated member of the Palacios Church of Christ for 50 years. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Carolyn will be remembered for her kindness and willingness to help those in need, even strangers. 

In 1967, after graduating in the very first class at Houston Baptist College, Carolyn began her teaching career at Palacios ISD as a Girls’ Athletics coach and later a 2nd grade Physical Education teacher. She retired from PISD after 34 years of dedicated service. 

On April 3, 1971, Carolyn married Charles W. Hutto, Jr. The two shared a loving marriage that lasted 47 years and yielded three children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Charla (Dave) and Lani (Shane), and her son Wesley (Tina), grandchildren Lance (Maria) Day, Robert (Stassney) Day, Brandi (Kris) Vinson, Owen Hutto, and Jack Hutto, and her great grandchildren, Violet Favela-Day, Zayne Favela-Day, Ryleigh Day, Landon Day, and Kolten Vinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and her siblings, Doyce, and Larry.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Palacios Church of Christ. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. with Brother DeWayne Stevens officiating. All are welcome. A separate graveside service and interment will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, December 30, 2024, at Lamas Memorial Park Cemetery in Taft, Tx. Honorary pallbearers will be Wesley Hutto, Shane Young, Dave Merkt, Lance Day, Owen Hutto, and Bryant Peterson. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Unlimited Care Cottages in Kingwood, TX and Compassus Hospice in Houston, TX for their amazing compassion, care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palacios Church of Christ (516 Rorem Ave, Palacios, TX 77465), where Carolyn dedicated her life to Christ.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

 

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