Sylvia "Susie" Joy Haby Kempf, of Castroville, Texas, passed away April 6, 2026 at the age of 89. She was born June 9, 1936 in Hondo, Texas, to Silva Alois Haby and Henrietta Marie Boehme Haby. On October 9, 1955, Sylvia married her high school sweetheart, Gilbert "Gibby" Vernon Kempf, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage and were blessed with 6 children before his passing in 2018.

Sylvia, "Susie", as she is known by everyone, grew up in Rio Medina, Texas. She graduated from St. Louis Catholic School in 1954. She was cheerleader, Class Vice President, Football Sweetheart and as Gibby liked to brag, voted Most Beautiful. She also enjoyed playing softball with the Rio Medina Red Chicks.

Susie was always very involved in St. Louis Parish. Father Larry Stuebben asked her to be one of the first communion ministers. She served in that role for many years, continuing into her 80s. She also volunteered to bring communion to people that could not attend mass. With Gibby, they led the rosary at daily mass for many years. She was a member of St. Ann's Society for 68 years. Susie helped to start the Castroville Public Library as a founding member. She enjoyed playing Bunco, Pitch, and going gambling with her many friends. She also enjoyed sewing, when she had time. However, her most prized role was attending and shuttling her 6 children, 11 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren to countless sports and school activities. "Granny", as her grandchildren affectionally called her, was their number one fan.  She always made sure her home was filled with love, card games, lots of laughter, and tubs of ice cream. Granny was the leading light in all their lives that they will carry forever.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Joel Kempf (Cheryl Kerr Kempf mother of children), Greg and Carolyn Kempf, Louis and Crystal Kempf, Robbie and Denise Kempf, Nancy Kempf, and Jill and Bobby Alvarez; grandchildren, Meghan Kempf (Kevin O'Donovan), Loren Kempf Littles (Kacie Kempf Littles), Kerri Zinsmeyer (Jacob), Casey Kempf (Morgan), Katelyn Haegelin (Garret), Tara Kempf (Josh Quenga), Tiffany Kempf (Chad Miller), Kristyn Kempf, Carlton Kempf (Savannah), Colby Alvarez, and Kolten Alvarez; twenty-one great-grandchildren; sister, Sandra Fleming of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Janice Haby of Castroville; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gibby Kempf; sister, Maxine Haby; brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Rhonda Haby; in-laws, Patrick Fleming, Evangeline "Sissy" and Delvin Bippert, and Stephen Haby.

Visitation will be Monday, April 20, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at St. Louis Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery Garden Mausoleum in Castroville, Texas.

Memorials may be made in Susie's memory to St. Louis Catholic School, Church, or Cemetery, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com