Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home

08/31/2026

Maria Theresa Maldonado Alvarez – Our beloved Theresa rejoiced into eternal peace on August 28, 2026, at the age of 80, after a long and courageous battle with illness. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale, with the Rosary following from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Christian Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rockdale. She passed gently, wrapped in grace and carried by the promise she had spent her life proclaiming.

She was a woman whose entire life was a living testimony—a true and faithful servant of God, devoted to sharing His word so others could witness His glory, His goodness and His everlasting love. Her voice, her presence, and her unwavering faith became a ministry all its own. Her love extended far beyond her family.

She carried endless love for others, especially those who needed a voice, a champion or simply someone to stand beside them. She was a tireless advocate—a woman who believed deeply in justice, dignity and compassion. She became a pillar of strength within the Hispanic community, speaking up, lifting others, and ensuring that those who felt unseen were heard. Her advocacy was not loud; it was steady, faithful and rooted in her belief that every person was a child of God, deserving of honor.

Her ministry was not only in words—it was in action and in the countless hearts she touched.

Theresa was preceded in death by...

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08/31/2026

Funeral services for Maria Gamez De Moreno, 66, of Giddings, Texas will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 4, 2026, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Giddings. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. The family will be present Thursday night from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.

Maria Cristina Gamez De Moreno was born on July 31, 1960, in Comonfort, Guanajuato Mexico to Gregorio and Carmen Gamez Colorado. After high school, Maria married the love of her life, Jesus Moreno Rios. To this union they were blessed with five children, Elizabeth, Violeta, Pedro, Marco and Jesus. Maria was a devoted homemaker who loved cooking, shopping, listening to music, and going thrifting. She loved traveling to Mexico to see her family, taking care of her grandchildren, and spending time with her family.

Maria passed away the morning of Sunday, August 23, 2026, in Austin with her family by her side.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Gregorio and Carmen Gamez; husband, Jesus Moreno Rios; and sister, Irma Gamez Colorado.

Maria is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Arellano and husband Francisco; three sons, Pedro Moreno and wife Lucero Bautista of Giddings, Marco Moreno and wife Norma Garcia of Giddings, and Jesus Moreno of Mexico; nine grandchildren,...

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08/30/2026

Thomas “Wayne” Betchan, 92, of Rockdale, Texas went home to Heaven on August 26, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife, 2 daughters, and a son-in-law.

Wayne was born on January 5, 1934, in Milano, Texas, to Thomas “Tom” Jefferson Betchan and Ruby Ray (Bankston) Betchan. He was born and raised in Milano and graduated from Milano High School in 1952 as a member of a class of 16 students. Following high school, Wayne attended Blinn College then graduated from Sam Houston Teachers College with a business degree in 1956.

Shortly after college, Wayne was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in El Paso. It was during his time in the Army that a fellow soldier taught him to fly an airplane. He developed a lifelong love of flying, becoming a pilot and flying his own planes for more than 40 years.
After his military service, Wayne moved to Rockdale, where he would make his home for the rest of his life. In 1974, he married his wife, Jeanie. They shared 52 years of marriage filled with family, travel, and countless adventures.

Wayne was a lifelong entrepreneur and, above all, a hard worker. He started working while still in high school, running a bulldozer, digging ponds and even helping build a 15-acre lake on the family property. After the Army, he joined the family business drilling water wells and operating a minnow farm. The family eventually expanded into B&B Drilling Company, drilling oil wells throughout Central Texas - it became one of...

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08/29/2026

A service to celebrate the homegoing of Vella “Doris” Washington, 80 of Lincoln, Texas, will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at New Corinth Baptist Church in Giddings with Pastor Roderick D. Dawson officiating. Doris will be laid to rest in Antioch Cemetery in Ledbetter, Texas following the service. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The Washington family will be present for visitation and be receiving visitors from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

On December 25, 1945, Tom C. and Ceola (Dawson) Coleman received one of the best Christmas gifts ever, a healthy and beautiful baby daughter, Vella Doris Coleman. Doris accepted the Lord as her personal savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Rising Star Baptist Church. She attended Fairview High School. Doris was united in holy matrimony with John Leonard Washington on August 25, 1967, in Doak Springs, Texas by Rev. M.L. Smith. To their union, four sons were born. She retired from St. Joseph Manor in Caldwell, Texas after over 30 years working as a nurse’s assistant, providing loving care to the residents under her care. Doris enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for her family. Her family and their happiness meant the most to her and she devoted her life to taking care of them and making sure they always knew how much they were loved.

Doris slipped away from this earth and...

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08/27/2026

Funeral services for Allan Marburger, 87 of Paige, Texas, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin, Texas with Rev. John Schmidt officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Serbin, Texas.

Allan Arthur Marburger was born on July 4, 1939, in Paige, Texas, the only child born to Arthur Henry Marburger and Elsie Lillian (Fuchs) Marburger. He was baptized on September 9, 1939, at St. John Lutheran Church in Paige, Texas by Rev. Koeppe and confirmed on August 19, 1951, also at St. John Lutheran Church in Paige by Rev. Reck. Allan graduated from Giddings High School in 1956 and then attended Texas A & M University studying agronomy. While attending A&M, he received an Endowed Opportunity Award as a student, which provided $1,000 for four years. The financial relief that receiving the scholarship gave him inspired Allan to establish the Allan A. Marburger ’60 Endowed Scholarships, primarily benefiting students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biometrical Sciences and the Corps of Cadets. Allan’s Endowed Scholarship assists approximately 200 Aggies annually.

Following his graduation from A&M, Allan worked as a crop and livestock statistician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Austin office for almost a decade. He returned home and back to ranching on the property that has been in his family since...

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08/26/2026

Terry Lee Rutterford, 70, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026. He was born on September 24, 1955, and grew up in Greeley, Colorado.

Terry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He shared 52 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marjorie Sheely-Rutterford.

Terry will be deeply missed by his daughters, Tina Foster and her husband Justin, Stephanie Horton her husband Jon; his grandchildren, Mathis, Kiley, and Jon; and his great-granddaughter, Avery. He is also survived by his brother, Robert; his nephew, Brandon, and Brandon’s children; and his niece, Bree.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy; his father, Robert; and his grandparents.

Terry’s life was defined by the love he shared with his family and the memories he created with those closest to him. His presence will be missed, but the love and memories he leaves behind will remain in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J.Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
https://www.michaeljfox.org/ways-to-give

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08/26/2026

Linda Arlene Jones Culp was born in Beaumont, Texas, on August 17, 1942, to Morris M. Jones and Martha Lee Tomaschek. She grew up in Buckholts, Texas where she attended and graduated from Buckholts High School. She went on to Texas A&M University where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Linda dedicated nearly 50 years of her life to education. In 1966, she began teaching at Thorndale High School, where she shared her love of science with generations of students. Over the course of her career, she taught biology, physics, chemistry, and advanced placement courses. She was a gifted and dedicated teacher who received numerous awards and accolades for her work and, more importantly, inspired generations of students to learn, achieve, and pursue successful careers. She also coached students in UIL science, prose, and theatre competitions.

Linda retired from teaching in 2014 at the age of 72, but retirement did not end her love of teaching or her creativity. She continued sharing her talents by teaching art to students in town and, with a friend, opened an art studio in Thorndale.

Linda found joy in creating and making things with her hands. She enjoyed working in a variety of artistic mediums, sewing, needlework and making jewelry. She also loved a game of 42. Above all though, she loved laughter and the simple joys of being surrounded by the people she loved.
In 1967, Linda met and married the love of her life and best friend,...

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08/24/2026

Funeral services for Jonathan Wiederhold, 51, of Giddings, Texas, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Giddings, with Father Javier Toscano officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. The family will be present on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.

Jonathan Wiederhold was born May 13, 1975, in Giddings, to Alton and Angelina (Gonzales) Wiederhold. After graduating from Giddings High School, Jonathan started his career in the sales industry. He enjoyed his time working at Wal-Mart and Spec’s in Giddings. He could always find and give you the best advice on what to purchase and pair with your purchases. Jonathan was very musically inclined. He loved playing his bass guitar and listening to music, gaming and taking care of his dog. Jonathan was a very outgoing man and was a true people person. Most of all he loved spending time with his friends and family.

Jonathan passed away the morning of Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Giddings, with his family by his side.

He is preceded in death by his father, Alton Wiederhold; grandparents, Atilano and wife Victoria Gonzales, Winifred Moore; and his fiancé, Robin Grant.

Jonathan is survived by his mother, Angie Wiederhold of Giddings; cousins,...

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08/24/2026

Funeral services for Herbert Spencer Stephens, 68, of Rockdale will be held at 10 a.m, Thursday, August 27, at St. John’s United Methodist Church with Revs. Brian Jody, pastor, and John Warren,former pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot at the Salty Community Cemetery.

Mr. Stephens died at 3:42 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, of an apparent heart attack at Rockdale Rehabilitation and Estates where he had resided for the past several months. He was a favorite of the staff and residents of his new home.

He was a lifelong resident of Rockdale, born Feb. 10, 1958 to Herbert “Buddy” Stephens and wife Mary Lee Maples Stephens. He was a graduate of Rockdale High School.

Spencer was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his guardians Ann and John King of Rockdale, and a host of friends and admirers associated with the Milam Adult Resource Center (MARC Center) and St. John’s United Methodist Church.

There were many “firsts” in Spencer’s special life. He was a 53-year member of the MARC Center, joining in 1973, and enjoyed the center’s arts, crafts, cooking lessons, games, sports, bowling and swimming outings, parties, food and activities planned by board members each month. He also enjoyed annual week-long summer camps at Down Home Ranch.

He was a charter member of the All-Stars Sunday school class at St. John’s, a class established in 1975 for special needs adults by Peggy Cooke and the late Martha Parsley out of their love...

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08/20/2026

Funeral services for James Stork, 70, of Giddings, are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings with Tim Pitts officiating. A private family committal service will be held in the Giddings City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.

James passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at his home in Giddings.

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