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Our Staff

Meet Our Caring Staff

Meet our staff, members of the local community who make everything that happens possible.

Robert D. Payne
Robert D. Payne
Owner, CEO, Funeral Director
Robert D. Payne
Owner, CEO, Funeral Director

Robby has dedicated his life to serving the West community and served in countless ways over the years. He began working at the funeral home at a young age and has utilized the gift of a servant’s heart to grow the business and strengthen its reputation. Robby has over 40 years of experience working with local families and ministering to them during difficult times. This experience and intimate connection with the community is vital to Aderhold. Outside of funeral directing, he serves as President of West Rest Haven, has been a member of the West Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years, is active at the First Baptist Church of West, and has served on various other Boards and in civic roles. Robby and his wife, Carla, love West and the surrounding communities dearly and are committed to doing what it takes to help its families. 

Tim H. Payne
Tim H. Payne
Co-Owner, CFO, Funeral Director
Tim H. Payne
Co-Owner, CFO, Funeral Director

Tim is a third-generation owner and was born and raised in West. He worked in Waco as a CPA prior to joining the Aderhold team full time in 2018. Tim has a strong sense of compassion and a caring heart, and holds many roles at the funeral home including Funeral Director In Charge and Chief Financial Officer. He is a graduate of West High School, Baylor University, and the Waco Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Waco program.  Tim also enjoys serving the community as an officer for the Kiwanis Club of West and several other local organizations and committees. He and his wife, Kimberly, have three children, Harrison, Kinley, and Macie, who are active in Abbott schools. 

Valerie E. Payne
Valerie E. Payne
Co-Owner, Vice-President, Funeral Assistant
Valerie E. Payne
Co-Owner, Vice-President, Funeral Assistant

Valerie is a third-generation owner and grew up in West. She began working at the funeral home when her father, Larry, passed away in 2018. She has a giving heart and a creative mind that make her an invaluable part of the Aderhold team. Her primary role is helping families express their loved one’s memory through customizing tribute videos, stationery products, and any other avenue a family may see fit. Valerie also handles marketing for the funeral home as well as helping families with pre-arrangements, monuments, or whatever else may be needed. When not at work, she enjoys serving the community through organizations like Helping Hands of West, which she was pivotal in forming and has served as President, and spending time with her son, Finn.

Chris Eubank
Chris Eubank
Funeral Director
Chris Eubank
Funeral Director

Chris joined the Aderhold team full time in early 2024 after a 22-year career in law enforcement. He most recently served as Captain of the McLennan County Sheriff's Department. Chris worked at Aderhold as a teenager helping with maintenance, washing vehicles, or whatever was needed at the time, when he attended West High School. Prior to becoming a full-time funeral director, Chris helped with funerals, after hours calls, and waiting on families. He is blessed with a gift of caring for others and serving his community and is a great addition to the team. Chris also enjoys participating in local civic and social organizations and is currently a reserve police officer with the West Police Department. Chris and his wife, Rebecca, have three children, Diamond, Jessie, and Grayson. 

Janice Kaluza
Janice Kaluza
Vice-President, Funeral Director
Janice Kaluza
Vice-President, Funeral Director

Janice is a long-standing member of the Aderhold team and has many years of experience as a funeral director. She is tenaciously dedicated to serving others and does so adhering to her strong faith. Janice is a friendly face here and is known to provide strong comfort to grieving families. Prior to joining Aderhold in 1996, Janice was a member of the West Volunteer Ambulance Service. She has an immense sense of community and is actively involved in services around West, including St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption and SPJST. Janice and her husband, Freddie, love spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren any time they are able.

Carla Payne
Carla Payne
Funeral Assistant
Carla Payne
Funeral Assistant

Carla plays a multi-faceted role at Aderhold and is dedicated to making the loss of a loved one easier on the families. She is present during many arrangements, funerals, and meals, and has a thoughtful way of bringing special touches that are so valued to families. Carla also specializes in working with insurance companies to help families file claims for existing policies. She also owns a boutique and craft store in West, Carla’s Collage.

Robert Hessel
Robert Hessel
Funeral Assistant, Head of Grounds Maintenance
Robert Hessel
Funeral Assistant, Head of Grounds Maintenance

Robert has been with Aderhold for a number of years and does a little bit of everything. He is known as a handyman and can fix just about anything around the premises. Robert also helps with funerals, at cemetery services, and with after-hours calls when needed. He and his wife, Doris, attend St. Martin’s Catholic Church and enjoy doing craft shows and spending time with their family.

Marvin Cepak
Marvin Cepak
Funeral Assistant, Honor Guard Representative
Marvin Cepak
Funeral Assistant, Honor Guard Representative

Marvin is a dedicated and loyal helping hand at Aderhold. He is always ready to work and is typically present earlier than needed. Marvin is a local veteran and Chaplain of the West Veterans Honor Guard who serves proudly at all services for veterans. He is our honored representative who presents the United States flag to families and provides a message to them about service. You may notice Marvin outside of work playing his accordion at local events.

Ernest Grmela
Ernest Grmela
Funeral Assistant, Visitation Attendant
Ernest Grmela
Funeral Assistant, Visitation Attendant

Ernest is a hometown veteran and funeral and visitation attendant.  He is typically the last one to leave after visitations and helps guide families at the end of the day.  Ernest and his wife, Maggie, are also proud of their Czech heritage and attend many events and festivals across the state.

Vicki Vochoska
Vicki Vochoska
Administrative Assistant
Vicki Vochoska
Administrative Assistant

Vicki is a friendly greeter to all as our guests enter the building. She responds to phone calls, requests, and assists with all daily administrative duties. Vicki is vital to our team in many ways. You may see her at the front desk or at a funeral in our chapel. Outside of work, she lives in West with her husband, Steven, and attends Tokio Baptist Church.

Lou Pokluda
Lou Pokluda
Administrative Assistant, Visitation Attendant
Lou Pokluda
Administrative Assistant, Visitation Attendant

Lou has been with us at Aderhold for many years. She is a friendly smile at the forefront of the building as you enter. Whether it be as a guest to a funeral or visitation or for other business, Lou is always ready to greet with her genuine spirit.  Aside from work, she loves spending time with her family.

Glenda Chartier
Glenda Chartier
Administrative Assistant
Glenda Chartier
Administrative Assistant

Glenda has been around the funeral home for many years, although just started as an official employee in 2021.  She works at the front desk and will greet you with a smile.  Glenda has a background in medical equipment sales and respiratory care, having worked at West Community Hospital for many years.  She is multi-faceted and also helps with paperwork, insurance filings, or any other task as necessary.  Her husband, Dennis, also works at the funeral home as a funeral assistant.

Nola Rochelle
Nola Rochelle
Administrative Assistant
Nola Rochelle
Administrative Assistant

Nola has been with Aderhold for many years now as a receptionist and visitation attendant as needed.  Although Nola retired several years ago, she has gladly offered to come back and fill in as needed.  Nola has a loving, mild demeanor and is very knowledgeable about local families.  She and her husband, John, attend the West Church of Christ, and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.

Dennis Chartier
Dennis Chartier
Funeral Assistant
Dennis Chartier
Funeral Assistant

Dennis has helped as a funeral assistant for several years now and is a great asset to the Aderhold team.  He is always willing to do whatever is needed to help out and ensure things run smoothly.  Dennis has a background in the automotive industry, which also comes in handy at times.  His wife, Glenda, also works at the funeral home as a receptionist.  

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