Kathy Ann Gerdes

Kathy Ann Gerdes, age 61, of Tyler, went to her heavenly home in the late evening hours of Monday, December 9, 2013 at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. She was born on April 11, 1952 in Tyler to Cecil and Sue Scruggs. Kathy was a proud member of the Apache Bells at Tyler Junior College where she earned her associates degree. She was a dedicated employee for 41 years. Kathy married the love of her life and best friend, John Richard Gerdes, on June 16, 1972 in Tyler. Together they spent the next 41 years raising a family and living a lifetime of memories that will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

Kathy was a devout member of Bethel Baptist Church in New Chapel Hill for 25 years. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting but those who knew her best will remember her happiest times were always spent with her beloved family, especially her grandchildren. Kathy had a servant’s heart and mother’s love for everyone and would always place the needs of everyone else before her own.

Kathy is survived by her husband, John; children, Chris Gerdes, and wife Renea, Mary Lena Pickett, and husband William, all of New Chapel Hill, Jason Gerdes, and wife Lindsey, of Canton, GA; grandchildren, Faith Gerdes, Jackson Gerdes, and Natalie Grace Gerdes; sister and best friend, Laura McKamy; mother, Sue Scruggs; precious niece, Jenica Gifford, and husband Brad, of Tyler, Brother, Ralph David Scruggs of Salt Lake City, UT; great and loving aunts, Dorothea Bradford and Mary Ann Smith, both of Tyler; and by great-nephew, Aidan Gifford.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Cecil Scruggs; maternal grandparents, Al and Lena Paepke; paternal grandparents, Ralph and Ricky Mae Scruggs; and one nephew, Kevin McKamy.

Funeral services for Kathy Ann Gerdes will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Bethel Baptist Church in New Chapel Hill with Pastor Mike Ford officiating. Burial will follow at Williams Cemetery with Glen Cooper, Kepen Gillam, Jeff Kelley, Ricky McMullan, Jerry Rhodes, and Tony Ward serving as pallbearers. Services are under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.