Betty Reifsnyder

Elizabeth Barickman Reifsnyder died on November 4, 2010. She is survived by her brother Robert Barickman, wife Avril and nephew Marty of Fort Lauderdale, Fl; son Robert Barickman Reifsnyder, wife Carol and granddaughter Laura of Dallas, TX and granddaughter Astrid of London, England and grandson Marc of Paris, France; son Thomas Reifsnyder, wife Lily and granddaughter Julia of Baltimore, MD; and son Andrew Charles Reifsnyder, wife Carol, granddaughter Erin, and grandson Emery of Austin, TX.

She was preceded in death by her husband Henry G. Reifsnyder and her sister Polly Teahan.

Betty was born on March 19, 1922 in Streator, IL, the second child of Robert I. and Laura Barickman. She was graduated salutatorian from Streator High in 1939. She then attended the University of Chicago and was graduated with a BBA in 1943. She served in the WAV from 1944-1945. She was married to Henry Gillam Reifsnyder in September 1951 at the chapel on the campus of the University of Chicago. They ultimately settled in Terre Haute, IN where they raised their 3 sons Rob, Tom and Andy. She attended graduate school in Terre Haute at Indiana State University and received an MBA in 1968. She taught finance at ISU and Saint Mary of the Woods College, and later would become the head of accounting at ISU. In 1997, she retired to Austin, TX.

Betty loved life, and the joys it brought her and the people around her. She was a life long artist working with various media including oils, watercolors, pastels and printmaking. She attended her last life drawing class at the Daugherty Art Center one week before she died. Her works hang in many places.

Betty was an avid tennis player nearly until the day she died. In Terre Haute, she ruled the courts at Collett Park. After moving to Austin, she joined the seniors group at Caswell tennis center and loved playing and participating with the group at least 3 times a week.

Betty owned a small Canadian summer outpost with her sons and could hardly wait the annual sojourn the family would make. She was introduced to Canada by her friend from Terre Haute, Woody Creason, with whom she spent much time.

Betty supported the local arts scene and was a volunteer for the Symphony and Opera and other special events at Bass Concert Hall and the new Long Center. She was a member of the Blanton Art Museum and especially enjoyed the recent Matisse print show.

Betty joined St. David’s Episcopal Church after coming to Austin and remained an active member attending her last service on Sunday. She was involved with several groups in the church and especially enjoyed the movie group led by Reverend Ron Smith. She volunteered at the Next to New shop for many years.

The family is planning a memorial gathering on November 27 at St David’s Episcopal Church in Austin, TX at 4PM with a celebration of Betty’s life and art.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions in her honor to St. David’s Episcopal Church.