Katherine Ann Hehs Belote passed away peacefully at her home in New Braunfels, Texas, on July 29, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her five children. She was born in Cibolo, Texas, on October 7, 1937, the first child of the late Ella (Zillmann) Hehs and John Hehs Sr.

Katherine, affectionately known as Kathy, was a resident of New Braunfels for the past 70 years and spent her entire life in Central Texas. She met her late husband, Horace Belote, Jr., at Gruene Hall, where they shared a love of dancing. One of her fondest memories was playing volleyball on the “A” team at New Braunfels High School. Following her graduation in 1956, she married Horace, and together they raised five children. Later, she worked for many years at H-E-B in New Braunfels.

Kathy will be remembered for her bright smile, infectious laugh, unwavering optimism, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She was strong, hardworking, resourceful, and deeply devoted to those she loved. Family, friends, sweet iced tea, flowers, gardening, chocolate, and the beauty of nature brought her endless joy.

Her family traced its roots in the area to 1875, when her ancestors emigrated from Germany, arriving in Galveston before settling to farm in Texas. Kathy grew up speaking German at home and attended a two-room school in Live Oak through the tenth grade. During her childhood, electricity, telephones, and paved roads gradually came to rural Central Texas.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she spent decades sharing her faith in our Creator and was an avid teacher of Bible truths to those in the community.

Katherine is survived by her five children: Dage Belote, Jimmy Belote, Donna Russell, Tempy Wright, and Terry Justin Belote. She is also survived by her sister, Betty (Hehs) Row; her sister-in-law, Loretta (McIntire) Hehs; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Belote Jr., and her brothers, Jerry Hehs and John Hehs Jr.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Hope Hospice in New Braunfels for the exceptional care they provided during Kathy’s final days.

Kathy’s kindness, resilience, and joyful spirit touched generations of family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathy’s memory to Hope Hospice, whose mission is to provide compassionate end-of-life care, or to the San Antonio and South Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.