Cora Belle (Fouts) Dvorak

Cora Belle (Fouts) Dvorak, known to all as Rusty, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on March 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She will always be remembered as a dedicated and loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend. She truly loved her family and friends and was at her happiest when in their company.

Rusty was born September 16, 1931, in Nashua, Montana, the beloved hometown she cherished throughout her life. She was one of five children born to Thomas L. “TL” and Stella Fouts. She graduated from Nashua High School in 1949, where she was a cheerleader, actress, class leader and treasurer. After graduation, she spent a summer working at Glacier National Park Gift Shop, where her love of all things delicate and pretty was born. Later, she worked as the School Secretary for Nashua High School for four years.

She soon met and married Billy Wayne Dvorak, a native Texan. Billy was then drafted, and they spent two years at Camp Stewart, Georgia. Rusty’s oldest child, Marla, was born there in 1954. The couple then settled in Angleton, Texas, Billy’s hometown. Their second child, Paul, was born there in 1956. Rusty began a long career with Community Public Service, the local electric company, spending more than thirty years with them, and making many lifelong friends along the way.

After divorcing in 1963, Rusty dedicated herself to her two children, her church, her career, and her in-laws and friends. The Dvorak family welcomed her as one of their own, and she loved them like her own. She especially considered her sister-in-law Jean her best friend, and truly loved her for life. Rusty missed Montana tremendously but resisted the temptation to return out of dedication to her children and new family. She was a member of St John Lutheran Church in Angleton, where she proudly served in the church choir and in other volunteer capacities. Choir practice on Wednesday night was an absolute must. She met many of her closest friends there, and St. John is where both children were confirmed.

Upon her son’s graduation from Angleton High School, Rusty accepted a promotion and transfer to Community Public Service, Alvin. She then moved to Country Place, an over-55 community in Pearland. And like always, she made many friends and spent many happy years there, organizing parties and dances and hosting friends and family in her somewhat small and over-decorated condo.

Upon retirement, she moved to Edna, Texas, to be near her daughter and grandchild. She purchased her dream home, a small farmhouse that had been moved into Edna. But it wasn’t just any house, it was an historical home, complete with a Texas Historical Commission medallion on the front porch to prove it. She absolutely loved that house and her life in Edna. Many believe that her time there was the happiest of her life. As an associate member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, she helped organize many events and fundraisers, and wrote the newsletter. She also served as Jackson County Historical Society Secretary, taking meeting notes by hand. The heading often read “Hysterical Society “, an intentional misspelling. Rusty took great pride in her part restoring an old church that had been moved to Brackenridge Plantation Park, outside of Edna. Once the project was complete, she hand-waxed the floors of the entire church on her hands and knees, just to ensure it was brought back to life. That was classic Rusty.

Rusty studied and began china painting, becoming quite accomplished. She had a studio upstairs in her house, painting hundreds of plates, trinket boxes and other items, most of which are in the possession of family and friends. She taught classes, and had her art shown in a local museum. Rusty was an accomplished hostess, a wedding caterer and knew how to set a beautiful table. She hosted many family events in her home, lovingly known as the “dollhouse”, including Thanksgiving dinners for up to 40, Mother’s Day and Easter. She also hosted many laugh-filled, all-girl sleepover parties. They could involve anyone, but especially her nieces Diane and Wanda. Rusty was able to travel both around the country and abroad with cherished friends. While she enjoyed Europe, her trip to Hawaii with her childhood friend Marlene remained her favorite. She also traipsed over every military base where her son was stationed, often bringing friends and “the cousins” along for the fun. Many a tour was led by our Rusty.

As it always does, time and age eventually took its toll. In January 2018, the time came to sell her beloved home in Edna and move into a San Antonio senior community, near Paul and family. She spent the next few years at The Waterford, a deluxe senior community, where she once again made many friends and was genuinely adored by the staff. In typical Rusty fashion, she would dress to the hilt before going downstairs for lunch, and then repeat the process – in a different outfit – for dinner. Much shopping and many Hill Country day trips ensued, chauffeured by her daughter-in-law and son. Cracker Barrel was a favorite, and of course, extra gravy was always requested with a smile.

When her needs exceeded Waterford, she relocated to Victoria, where her granddaughter, Rebecca, helped take care of her. Her last move in December 2023 led to Legend Oaks in New Braunfels, near her son and daughter-in-law. There she spent her final three months surrounded by love and excellent nursing care. During her last weeks, Hope Hospice of New Braunfels stepped in and provided extraordinary care and love. She was a favorite of every staff member and nurse, always smiling.

Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend. To know Rusty Dvorak was to love her, and her love and generosity knew no bounds. She lived life to the fullest and did her
best to be a good citizen and friend to all.

Rusty was preceded in death by her father and mother, TL and Stella Fouts; her siblings, Tom Fouts, Hattie Fouts Bretzke, Marge Fouts Eckberg, and Jerry Fouts; and her daughter, Marla Joy Dvorak Wells.

Rusty is survived by her son, Paul Dvorak, of New Braunfels; her daughter-in-law, Betsy Dvorak, of New Braunfels; her son-in-law, John Wells, of Victoria; her granddaughter, Rebecca Wells Kerth and husband Curtis, of Victoria; her granddaughter, Brandi Ellerbee Martina and husband Joseph, of Austin; her grandson, Brent Ellerbee and wife Elle, of Glen Ellyn, IL; her granddaughter, Lana Dvorak, of Los Angeles, CA; and her eight great-grandchildren: Cameron Wells, Curtis and Thomas Kerth, Roman, Ryan and Quinn Martina, and River and Jade Ellerbee.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 102 W Church St, Edna, TX 77957 (212) 716-6000. Reception to follow in the fellowship hall, where all will be welcome to share their memories and stories. Dress is casual, jeans are fine.

Feel free to send flowers, Rusty loved her flowers. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Trinity Episcopal Church at the address listed above in memory of Rusty Dvorak.