Rhonda Kay Carpenter

Rhonda Kay Carpenter, 68, of  Huntsville, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, in Bryan, Texas. A Life Tribute Celebration is set for 2:30pm, Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center, 3001 South College Avenue, Bryan, officiated by Dawn Lee Wakefield, Certified Celebrant.

Kay, as she was best known to her family, was born on January 29, 1953, to Billy Clayton Cates Sr. and Margaret Kathleen Cates in Waco, TX. When she was seven, her family moved to Bryan and then to College Station, where she finished out her high school years at A&M Consolidated High School.

Kay had three children, Collin, Michelle, and Steven, who she adored.

She married Ted Carpenter on July 7, 1984, and she gained three more daughters. Over the next 34 years, they would venture all over Texas, living in Baird and then settling in Huntsville.

She worked for a telephone company and then the U.S. Post Office in Huntsville. Kay’s free time was spent cooking for family and friends. She also enjoyed participating in BBQ Cookoffs with her son Collin. Kay volunteered faithfully at the Elks Lodge and the American Legion in Huntsville while enjoying the company of her friends. She adored her grandchildren, who all called her Ms. Kay.  Other things that she enjoyed were fishing and gardening, but her family was the most important part of her day.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Carpenter; Ted’s parents, Bonnie and Charlie Lauw; her children, Steven Yeager and Michelle Yeager; her parents, Billy and Kathleen Cates; her brothers, Dusty Cates and Mike Cates; nephew, Michael Cates; and niece, Melissa Cates.

Kay is survived by her son, Collin Yeager (Rachael); daughter-in-law, Susan Yeager; daughters, Mary Lou (Clint) Wilson; Bonnie Orr (Daniel); and Shannon Newman; sister, Patty Swoboda Bigi; sister-in-law, Rose Cates; sister-in-law, Ellen Cates; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peach Creek Cemetery Association, American Legion of Huntsville, or the Elks Lodge, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed online at CallawayJones.com.