Ruthie "Charline" Kirkland

            Graveside services for Ruthie “Charline” Kirkland, 96, of Huntington, will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Rocky Hill Cemetery in Huntington with Bro. Larry Innerarity officiating.

            Charline was born on May 7, 1929, in Huntington, Texas, to the late Charlie Veteto and Abbie (Russell) Veteto, and died Friday, November 14, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family.

            Charline was kind in nature, loved helping others, and was very dedicated and hard working. She worked, studied long hours, and became a nurse. It was a perfect career for her and gave her the skills to provide care for her parents in their times of need.

            She was single mom of three when she met Sammy, the true love of her life. Their loving relationship spanned nearly six decades.

            Charline loved to cook, enjoyed experimenting with different foods and recipes, and was a fantastic cook. Everyone raved about her biscuits and chicken and dumplings.

            She was an avid reader and loved to crochet.

            The grandkids loved spending time with grandma and gramps at every given opportunity. Grandma and Gramps let them explore, and took them camping, on outings, trips, and vacations. They spoiled them a lot but always kept a switch handy just in case.

            Charline was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

            She is survived by her husband, Jerry “Sammy” Kirkland of Huntington; daughters, Judy Kirkland, and Sandy Taylor and husband Bill; grandchildren, Anson “Buddy” Jones, Angela Smith and husband Budd, Michael “Mike” Jones and wife Tiffiny, B. Leigh Lang and husband Jeff, Jeremy Mayes and wife Stephanie, John Taylor and wife Christy, and Willie Mayes; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and niece, Cynthia Havard and husband Belton.

            Charline was preceded in death by her parents; son, Roger Mayes; and brother, James Veteto.

            Pallbearers will be Anson “Buddy” Jones, Michael “Mike” Jones, John Taylor, Jeremy Mayes, Willie Mayes, and Jeff Lang.

            Honorary pallbearer will be Budd Smith.

            The family would like to extend a special thanks to Cheryl Bailey for her loving care and also to Ashley, Patricia, Rachael, and the staff at Affinity Hospice for their great care of Charline.

            Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.