Elizabeth Ann Flamm

Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Cantrell Green Flamm was born on August 15, 1933, in Dalhart, Texas. The youngest child of Emory and Vida Cantrell, she was welcomed by 2 brothers and a sister. She answered to many different names during her lifetime: Betty Ann, Butch (for her childhood love of climbing trees and skinning her knees), Liz, and Elizabeth, but her favorites were Mom, Mema Betty, and Gigi (great-grandmother). She finished her earthly race on September 24, 2021.

Betty completed her education in the Dalhart schools as Valedictorian of the class of 1951. Next came a degree in Early Childhood Development from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University, where she was a member of Mortar Board and Phi Kappa Phi. Her participation in the college Wesley Foundation group was instrumental in shaping her life and gave her many lifelong friendships.

She and Keith Green married in 1952. After a few years in the Air Force, they returned to the Green family ranch in the Texas panhandle where they raised their 5 children. Central United Methodist Church in Dalhart played a key role in her life and was where she was raised, married, sang in the choir and for many weddings, and ultimately raised her family. She taught elementary school in Dalhart, Stratford, Amarillo, and Austin.

Family was her true passion and joy, and she would say that she tried to put that degree in Early Childhood Development to good use. She loved Rose Kennedy’s words: “As motherhood is the greatest and most natural God-given gift for women for posterity, it would seem that the birth and rearing of children, in the way which to us seems most ideal, would be the most satisfying and the most rewarding career for a woman. “

Betty never knew a stranger and always seemed to find a shared connection. Her family used to joke that she could talk for half an hour to a wrong number. She opened her heart and home to many people over the years including extended family, children of friends, traveling choral groups, teen parties, church youth groups, and even stranded travelers. Several teens became part of the family as they spent summers on the ranch as helpers. She once struck up a conversation with a large group of German college students as they watched the XIT rodeo. When they expressed an interest in learning more about ranching in Texas, she invited them to our ranch for a meal of chuckwagon beans and cornbread.

After marrying Will Flamm in 1977, she moved to Austin and enjoyed a career as a real estate agent. As a member of the Round Rock Community Choir, she delighted in traveling to England to present a series of concerts. Becoming a charter docent for the Harry Ransom Center at UT Austin was also special to her, of which her favorite aspect was giving tours showcasing the Gutenberg Bible.

Many of her grandchildren remember special times of baking with her in her kitchen. She continued a love of learning well into her 80s, taking online college classes and discussing books with her friends. In the era of Covid lockdowns, she learned how to use FaceTime and Zoom for community activities, book clubs, church services, and connecting with family and friends. She was grateful for a community of supportive neighbors who continued to share life, books, and stories after she moved away. Betty always looked for the good in everyone she knew, and she faced the challenges of aging with grace and courage.

A longtime member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin, she cherished her many dear friends there, especially those of her “Lunch Bunch” and Friendship Sunday School class. The family would like to especially thank the pastors and staff at the church who faithfully walked with her and all her family through many of life’s ups and downs.

She was preceded in death by her husband Will, her son Barry, her parents Emory and Vida, her brothers Bill (Joyce) and Jay (Dee), and brother-in-law W.C. She is survived by her sister Kathleen Teel of Lubbock, son Kevin (Sandra) of Whitehouse, son Malcolm (Marj) of Phoenix, daughter Erin (Mark) of Cedar Park, son Kyle (Carrie) of Dallas, and many close nieces and nephews. She loved being a grandmother to Matt (Taylor), Brian, Katherine (Michael), Greg (Kristina), Adam (Zoe), Ryan, Kaitlynn, Amelia, Audrey, Ross, Lara, Brant (Laurel), Bryce (Sophie), and Elise. Her great-grandchildren Merritt, Miles, Jameson, Greta, and Felix brought her much joy.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 11, 2021, at Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin. Memorial donations can be directed to the ministries of Bethany United Methodist Church.