Jeanette Katherine Elder

Jeanette Katherine (Windberg) Elder, a longtime resident of Beeville, Texas and devoted owner and operator of Elder’s Country Store & Market, passed away peacefully in Austin, Texas on February 22, 2026. She was 92.

Born in Schroeder, Texas, on August 25, 1933, to Emelia (Reitz) and Adolph Windberg, Jeanette was raised with the strong work ethic and community spirit that would define her life. She attended schools in both Goliad and Beeville, graduating from Goliad High School in 1952. Jeanette married John Elder of Karnes County, and together they shared 47 years of marriage and raised five children built on faith, family and hard work. In 1961, they purchased Sid Hatcher’s Red and White Grocery Store (later renamed Elder’s Country Store & Market), a beloved Beeville establishment that has occupied its prominent corner on St. Mary’s Street since its founding. The store would become not only their livelihood, but a cornerstone of the community.

For decades, Jeanette served as the store’s “upfront” manager and bookkeeper. She had high standards for a clean store and fronted shelves, keeping the books balanced, and most importantly, welcoming customers with warmth and familiarity. Even into her 90th year, she continued to greet shoppers, somewhat reluctantly retiring in her 91st year. Seeing local faces each day brought her immense joy, and for many in Beeville, a visit to the store meant a visit with Jeanette.

Jeanette took tremendous pride in the fact that all five of her children and many of her grandchildren grew up working in the family store. After John’s passing 22 years ago, she continued building that legacy with her sons, Sid and Reggie, who partnered with her to keep the business thriving. Her family, her work, and the standards she set became a testament to the strength and devotion that defined her life. A faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jeanette served in the Altar Society and on the school board of St. Joseph’s Catholic School, where all five Elder children were educated. Jeanette and John, along with their sons, faithfully supported the parish’s annual St. Joseph’s BBQ fundraiser for many years.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Elder; three sisters, Dorothy Curtner, Alice Gill and Verna Hilliard; and her parents, Emelia and Adolph Windberg.

Survivors include her five children, Phyllis (Jim) Ronner of Austin, Sid (Shara) Elder and Reggie (Angi) Elder, both of Beeville, Brenda (Thad) Henry of Austin and Daniel (Melissa) Elder of Columbus, Ohio; as well as 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joyce Jones of Corpus Christi.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 27, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville, with a Rosary to be recited at 7 o’clock.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 28, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Pete Elizardo officiating.

Jeanette will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, John, at 10 a.m. Monday, March 2, at Beeville Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Cade Elder, Drew Elder, Ian Elder, Linden Henry, Thad Henry, Edward Guerrero, Kirk Towns, and Trey Fuller.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Beeville’s Gramman House and the compassionate staff who cared for Jeanette during the last 10 months of her life. Their kindness made her days brighter. She found real joy in winning bingo games, playing dominos and spending long, peaceful hours on the front porch; simple moments that became some of her happiest.

Donations in Jeanette’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Beeville, Texas.