Meet Our Caring Staff
The licensed funeral directors and dedicated team who will guide your family through every step, with patience and compassion.
At Rhone Funeral Home, you are cared for by people who treat your family like their own. Our team brings together licensed funeral directors and embalmers, experienced arrangement and grief support staff, and the owners themselves, all committed to serving families across Palestine and East Texas with dignity. We are here for you, day or night. Call (903) 729-5001 any time.
Ben Rhone
Owner and Funeral Director
Ben Rhone
Owner and Funeral Director
Benjamin Rhone has served as Owner and Funeral Director of Rhone Funeral Home since 2016, bringing over 27 years of experience to the families he serves. A graduate of San Antonio College's Mortuary Science program with an Associate of Applied Science degree, Benjamin built his career from the ground up, proud to be a first-generation owner. He finds deep fulfillment in helping people through difficult times, caring for the deceased, and loving on the families of his community, and he genuinely enjoys working alongside the team at Rhone Funeral Home.
Benjamin grew up in Crockett, Texas (Houston County) and moved to Palestine, Texas (Anderson County) in 2004, where he has put down deep roots. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Palestine and the Kiwanis Club of Palestine, and is also involved in a study group with Selected Independent Funeral Homes. A faithful member of Crockett Road Church of Christ, Benjamin is a former youth minister who currently leads the young adult Sunday school class.
Outside of work, Benjamin loves the outdoors, spending his time fishing, hunting, camping, and cooking up barbecue. He's a fan of all types of music, especially old country, and enjoys watching college football on the weekends. Above all, he treasures going to church and spending time with his family.
Keri Rhone
Owner/Office Administrator
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
Angela Hallmark
Office Administrator
Angela Hallmark was born and raised in Jacksonville, Texas. She later moved to Palestine after marrying Cody Hallmark in 1996. They have two children, Kaden, who works as a lineman and Isabella who is a student at Tarleton State University. Angela was a dedicated dental assistant and office manager, where she served her community with a smile for over 30 years before joining Rhone Funeral Home in 2021. Angela loves being able to lend a hug, a smile, or be a listening ear during difficult times in the lives of families. Angela is a member of First Baptist Church Palestine. When not at work she enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach, or playing games.
Ronnie Foster
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Ronnie Foster
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Ronnie Foster has proudly served as a Funeral Director with Rhone Funeral Home since 2016. A graduate of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services, Ronnie combines professional training with a deep sense of purpose, finding genuine fulfillment in helping people through some of life's most difficult moments.
For Ronnie, family values aren't just a personal principle. They're a guiding strength in his work, shaping the compassion and care he brings to every family he serves. He believes strongly in family togetherness and takes pride in being part of a community that supports one another through both joy and loss.
An active member of First Baptist Church of Palestine, Ronnie stays connected to the community through his faith and fellowship. When he's not caring for the families of Rhone Funeral Home, you'll likely find him hunting, fishing, or riding motorcycles. He also treasures time spent with family at get-togethers and cherishes the fellowship of church gatherings.
Christian Kaudelka
Funeral Director and Certified Crematory Operator
Christian Kaudelka
Funeral Director and Certified Crematory Operator
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.
Qualified, Local, and Always Available
Together, our team includes three licensed funeral directors and embalmers, so your loved one is always in qualified, caring hands. We are local to East Texas, available day and night, and committed to walking with your family from the first call through the months that follow. When you call Rhone Funeral Home, a caring person is always here to help.
Behind every service at Rhone Funeral Home is a team that genuinely cares. We would be honored to support your family with the same compassion we would want for our own. Call (903) 729-5001 to speak with us.