Obituary for Vernell Elaine Rayes (Gruetzmacher)
Vernell Elaine Gruetzmacher Rayes of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023. A native of Yorktown, Vernell was born to the late Herman Henry Gruetzmacher and Elvira Agnes Hillmer Gruetzmacher on January 27, 1937. On September 29, 1957, Vernell married Calvin M. Rayes at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Yorktown and so together, they celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary last year.
Vernell is survived by her husband, Calvin; sons Clinton Rayes (Deborah) and Byron Rayes (Patricia); daughter Karen Sutton (Dan); grandchildren Sidney Rayes (Jocelyn), Sarah Rayes, Kevin Rayes, Kristen Sutton and Dylan Sutton; great-granddaughter Juliana Rayes; brothers Harlin Gruetzmacher (Carlyn Ann) and Frank Gruetzmacher (Susan); sister Glenna Hartman (Donald) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. Vernell was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held August 26, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Finch Funeral Chapel with funeral services starting at 11:00 am, with Pastor Mark Collins officiating. Interment will follow at the Woods Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family has suggested that memorials may be given to the Woods Cemetery Association, attn Citizens Bank Yorktown, P.O. Box 185, Yorktown, 78164, or to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 792, Yorktown, 78164, both of which are hometown institutions for which Calvin and Vernell were longtime supporters.
Arrangements are in the care of Finch Funeral Chapel, 212 E Main St, Yorktown, TX 78164; (361) 564-2277. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.finchfuneralchapels.com.
Vernell is survived by her husband, Calvin; sons Clinton Rayes (Deborah) and Byron Rayes (Patricia); daughter Karen Sutton (Dan); grandchildren Sidney Rayes (Jocelyn), Sarah Rayes, Kevin Rayes, Kristen Sutton and Dylan Sutton; great-granddaughter Juliana Rayes; brothers Harlin Gruetzmacher (Carlyn Ann) and Frank Gruetzmacher (Susan); sister Glenna Hartman (Donald) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. Vernell was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held August 26, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Finch Funeral Chapel with funeral services starting at 11:00 am, with Pastor Mark Collins officiating. Interment will follow at the Woods Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family has suggested that memorials may be given to the Woods Cemetery Association, attn Citizens Bank Yorktown, P.O. Box 185, Yorktown, 78164, or to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 792, Yorktown, 78164, both of which are hometown institutions for which Calvin and Vernell were longtime supporters.
Arrangements are in the care of Finch Funeral Chapel, 212 E Main St, Yorktown, TX 78164; (361) 564-2277. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.finchfuneralchapels.com.