Betty Gayle Schwartz Anderson

Betty Gayle Schwartz Anderson slipped away into the arms of Jesus on Thursday morning, April 26, 2012 with her beloved husband John by her side. Betty was defined by her 50+-year marriage to John, her devotion to her family, her church, and her friends. She will always be remembered for her authenticity, generosity, strength, devotion and humility.

Betty was born to parents Matha and Charles Schwarz on November 4, 1938. She was the fifth of six children. The Schwartz family lived in San Saba, TX the first few years of Betty’s life before moving to Austin. Betty attended Rosedale Elementary School, Baker Junior High School, and McCallum High School, graduating from McCallum as a member of the class of 1956.

In 1961 she married her childhood sweetheart, John Anderson. Together, they moved around the country before settling down for good back in Austin in 1973. John testifies that Betty “showed us what the good life is.” Her greatest aspiration, which she achieved with resounding success, was being a mother, wife and homemaker. Among Betty’s favorite memories were any time spent with family. During her son Tommy’s years playing baseball, Betty never missed a game, traveling the state from Alpine to Jacksonville to watch her son play and cheer him on. She also treasured family trips to Colorado and South Padre Island. Nothing was more important to Betty than the happiness of John and Tommy (or “TJ,” as she called him). Betty also loved to shop, especially for gifts for others.

Betty and John have been members of Saint John’s United Methodist Church for two decades. She served the church in many capacities and supported John’s service and leadership roles wholeheartedly. Upon learning of Betty’s death a member of Saint John’s said, “I shed a tear for the hole that has been left in the heart of Saint John’s by the passing of Betty.” If you choose to honor Betty with memorial gifts please consider Saint John’s.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Matha and Charles Schwartz, a brother, Don Schwartz, and a sister, Jeanette Jeffreys.

Betty leaves behind a family who knows how fortunate they are: her husband John, their son Tommy (“TJ”) and his wife, Rhonda, and grandchildren Collin, Kelsey and Jake. She is also survived by siblings Carolyn Spencer, Gene and his wife, Shirley Schwartz, and Mary Sue and her husband, Buzzy Byars; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

One of Betty’s favorite scriptures is found in Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 8 vs. 38-39: “For I am convinced that…nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We thank God for the life and love of Betty Anderson, and for her deep assurance of the abiding truth of that promise from Romans—that in life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, and we are loved.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening, on Monday, the 30th of April 2012, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas.

Graveside services will be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 1st of May 2012, at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Drives, Austin under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home.

Memorial Services will be conducted at four o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 1st of May 2012, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2140 Allendale Road, Austin, Texas with Rev. Paul Escamilla and others officiating. All are welcome to remain for a reception following the service. Betty was a fixture in the Saint John’s kitchen for many years; we will always eat well.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, the family suggests memorials be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2140 Allendale, Austin, Texas 78756.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.