Billie Jean Meadows Barbuto

Born and raised in Pecos County, Texas; dancing in dust devils, swimming in Comanche Springs and wrestling with her brothers, Jean developed into a tenacious, strong, independent West Texas lady. Jean graduated from Buena Vista High School where she was active in the girls’ volleyball team. Shortly after high school, she met and married Carl Hauer, an oil field wild-catter. They moved to San Angelo, Texas to begin raising their family. While in San Angelo, she received her nursing degree and in 1959, the family moved to Austin, Texas to raise their six children. She continued her education in Austin and received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree from The University of Texas in 1971. She utilized her degree while working with the Disability Determination Services division of DARS until her retirement in 1995.

Throughout her life, she had a passion to express her creativity through art, specifically sculpture, as well as oil and pastel paintings. Upon retirement, Jean pursued her love of sculpture full time perfecting her technique of creating resin castings of various mediums including metallic bronze and aluminum. She specialized in devotional art, including many pieces reflecting her devotion to Mary and Christ. Within her collection of over 55 pieces, Jean completed The Five Joyful Mysteries, The Lord’s Supper comprised of 13 individual pieces, busts of Bishop John McCarthy and of St. Paul. She was a member of the Pastel Society of Austin and the Fine Arts Council of the Catholic Diocese of Austin. She received her commissions directly from God, never accepting monetary payment for her pieces. She shared her artistic passion in various ways, including teaching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the skills and techniques she practiced and perfected over the many years. From water color, to clay work, to pastels and oils. She cultivated their creativity and encouraged them to express themselves through the artistic outlet she helped create.

After finding herself an independent woman, she met and married Dr. John K. Meadows of Dripping Springs, Texas and was a devoted wife to him until his passing in 1981. She shared his passion for the outdoors; ranching, hunting and caring for the land they shared together. A vigorous and avid sportswoman, she hunted and processed her own game, truly believing in “one bullet, one deer.” Although she hunted for the purpose of a bountiful feast, she felt a strong connection with nature and enjoyed watching the birds and native animals that scampered around her home. She expressed her gentle stewardship by feeding and tending to the doe, bunnies and turkey, among many other animals, her own pets included.

Following John’s passing, she cared for her elderly aunt Charlcie before marrying her last love, Paul Barbuto in 1989. Paul’s embodiment of classical music reinvigorated Jean’s love for the fine arts. She and Paul were married for 16 years enjoying their golden years. They traveled all over the world, including a visit to Rome, much to her delight. In 2005, she found herself again a widow upon which she channeled her energy into her prolific artwork.

Though born a Southern Baptist, she converted to Catholicism and was a devout servant to the Catholic faith. She was active with St. Catherine’s of Siena in Oak Hill then St. Martin de Porres of Dripping Springs in her later years. She continued her daily devotions and intercessions to Mary and Christ without fail despite many health difficulties. She sponsored many charities through her generous heart, her favorite being St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Billie Jean Barbuto (nee. Murray), born January 1, 1933 in Ft. Stockton, Texas departed from this earth October 14, 2015 following a short illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Bill Murray and brother Jimmy Murray. She is survived by her brother Bobby Murray and his wife Linda from Arlington, daughter Carla Robb of Dripping Springs, daughter Linda and her husband Tim Erwin of Rockport, daughter Cynthia and husband Tom Jenkins of Austin, son Karl and wife Precilla Hauer of Dripping Springs, daughter Dorothea and husband John Lane of Dripping Springs, son Eric and wife Miriam Hauer of Kyle, stepdaughter Andrea and husband Larry Sellars of Lockhart, as well as many grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She leaves behind a creative legacy of poems, stories, paintings and sculpture but her greatest legacy are her family and friends that knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks from 6-8pm October 18, 2015, followed by a Rosary Vigil at 7pm. A Mass to celebrate Jean’s life will be held on October 19, 2015 at 9:30AM at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Dripping Springs, Texas. Following the church service, there will be an Interment at the family cemetery in Dripping Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Jean’s favorite charity, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Austin.