Our Staff

Benjamin W. Rhone

Owner/ Funeral Director and Embalmer

Ben Rhone holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from San Antonio College in the Department of Mortuary Science. As a funeral home director, he is the founder and a first-generation funeral service provider with comprehensive experience across all facets of funeral services. With a lifelong commitment to the funeral industry, Ben is deeply dedicated to assisting individuals during challenging times. His professional journey began in Palestine post-graduation from San Antonio College, where he has dutifully served local families for over two decades. In 2016, Ben and his wife Keri established Rhone Funeral Home, selecting a compassionate and devoted staff who share their ethos of selfless service. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ben actively engages in community support and involvement. He is affiliated with esteemed organizations such as the Palestine Rotary Club, Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, Grapeland Chamber of Commerce, and has served as a former Board Member of Meals on Wheels. Additionally, he is associated with the Kiwanis Club, Texas Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Ben is a devout member of the Crockett Road Church of Christ, where he previously served as the Youth Minister from 2014 to 2019 and currently teaches a Sunday School Class for young adults. In his leisure, he finds joy in quality time with family, as well as pursuits like hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities.

Keri Rhone

Owner/ Office Administrator

Keri was born to parents Steve and Jill Camp and raised in Palestine.  She is a graduate of Palestine High School and Sam Houston State University, where she earned her degree in Family and Consumer Science.  Keri taught Family and Consumer Science classes at Neches I.S.D. until joining her husband at Rhone Funeral Home. She is an active member of Altrusa International of Anderson County and Harvey Woman’s Club. She is also a member of Crockett Road Church of Christ. Keri enjoys serving the Lord, camping, and spending time with family, friends and her beloved dog, Barney.

Angela Hallmark

Office Administrator

Ronnie Foster

Funeral Director and Embalmer

Upon completing Military Service, Ronnie went to work for Palestine Police Department in 1990.  In 1996, he transferred to Anderson County Sheriff's Office until retirement in 2017.  Ronnie is a graduate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (Houston) and continues the passion for serving people.  Ronnie is married to Monica, has four children and five grandchildren which are true blessings.  He enjoys motorcycling, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.

Christian Kaudelka

Funeral Director and Embalmer

Derek Christian Kaudelka, a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Certified Crematory Operator, hails from Palestine, Texas. Christian completed his education at Neches ISD in 2018 and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2021.

A pivotal moment in Christian's life transpired in 2021 when his grandfather passed away, and Rhone Funeral Home provided compassionate care. Witnessing the professionalism and empathy exhibited by the staff inspired him to pursue a career in funeral services. Christian commenced his journey by working as an apprentice at our firm while enrolling in mortuary school. Actively engaged in the community, he is a member of the Palestine Lions Club. In 2023, Christian obtained his degree from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston.

Christian finds great fulfillment in assisting families during their moments of bereavement by guiding them through the grieving process and orchestrating services and memorials that enable a heartfelt farewell to their departed loved ones. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, he aims to honor the memory of those who have passed.

Outside of his professional duties, Christian is a dedicated husband to his wife, Hana. He revels in outdoor pursuits like hunting and fishing, and enjoys engaging in friendly games of 42 with his loved ones.

Dan Dyer

Family Service Professional

Molly Ray

Receptionist