Adeline Marie (Hildebrandt) Rudel-Cathey

Mrs. Adeline Marie Hildebrandt Rudel-Cathey, age 89, of Wallis, Texas, was called to her eternal rest on Wednesday afternoon, April 24, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. 

Adeline was born a twin to the late G. Ben and Alma Mueller Hildebrandt, August 9, 1929 in Spring, Texas. Her parents were members of early pioneer settlers of North Harris County, more specifically Spring.  She graduated from Klein High School in 1947.  She married the love of her life and husband of 41 years, James “Jimmy” Rudel, Sr. on December 12, 1948; he preceded her in death on March 8, 1990. In 1994, Adeline married Jim Cathey.  They enjoyed retirement together until his passing in 2006.

Adeline was a dynamic and influential woman who did not allow gender or anything else to stand in her way of achieving all she wanted to accomplish.  She remained active and vibrant through her entire life.  She loved the city of Wallis, Texas, where she made her home. She served as the city’s first-ever municipal judge, a position she held for 18 years.  She owned and operated Wallis Gifts and Flowers for many years. 

Adeline has been an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wallis since 1964.  Her love of the Lord led her to help those who were most vulnerable.  She made every opportunity to share the “Good News” of our Lord and Savior throughout her life.

She served in jail ministry.  As a volunteer, she worked in nursing homes for many years, where she enjoyed the activities with the residents and led them in Bible study.  As a result of her work with the aged, she was elected to the Texas Silver Haired Legislature; she also served as a representative on the Houston-Galveston Council on Aging.  Adeline was gracious with her time and her talents.  She touched countless lives in her various roles, a legacy which will live on for generations.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Adeline was preceded in death by her two loving husbands, James “Jimmy” Rudel, Sr. and Jim Cathey; her grandson, Brandon Rudel; her twin sister, Mildred Ulrich and two brothers, Alfred Hildebrandt and Earl Hildebrandt.

Among those left to cherish her memory are her four children, James Morris Rudel, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn of Rosenburg, Texas, Sharon O’Rosky and her husband, Mark of Leander, Texas, John Rudel and his wife, Tessie of Bishop, Texas, and Paula Hooper and her husband, Scott of Fulshear, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Shannon Mason and her husband, Greg, Courtney Wright and her husband, Niels, James Morris Rudel, III and his wife, Lettie, Heather Ashton and her husband, Brad, Jason O’Rosky, Ross O’Rosky and his wife, Kimberly, Johnathan Rudel, Jr. and his wife, Kasy, Matthew Rudel and his wife Elisa, Jordan Rudel and his wife, Patricia, Haley Boyle and her husband, Gregory, and Jennifer Hooper; ten great-grandchildren, Nathan O’Rosky, Addison Young, Cameron Young, Charlotte O’Rosky, Emma Rudel, Avery O’Rosky, Amelie Rudel, Audra Rudel, Addalyn O’Rosky, Charlotte Rudel and soon to arrive, Tessa Ashton.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2019 with a Prayer Service to be held at 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 Cedar St., Wallis, Texas.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wallis, Texas. Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Tomball, Texas, with Reverend Gilbert Franke officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Adeline’s name to St. Paul Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 427, Wallis, Texas 77485-0427.

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