Elizabeth Harding Bundy Wade

Elizabeth (Betty) Harding Bundy Wade died Monday, July 7, just shy of her 97th birthday. She was born to Alice Harding Bundy and Stanton Scofield Bundy on July 17, 1911 in her grandmother's home in San Antonio, Texas. Oldest of 4 children including Martha McPherson, Jane Guyton, and Stanton Bundy, Jr., she is predeceased only by her parents, brother, Stanton, Jr., and husband, Al. She was educated on the Rafter S ranch, between Junction and Sonora, in San Antonio, at UT Austin, and received her degree from the University of Pennsylvania. A horse-woman from childhood, she even managed to talk Albert into a farm with horses in Pennsylvania on Ridley Creek Road, which she fondly talked of throughout her life. She met Albert Louis Wade on a cruise ship from New Orleans to Boston, where she was to visit her Aunt Julia. Aunt Julia was not too pleased with this "unescorted encounter" with this north Louisiana boy, but not too long after they married in Aunt Julia's home in Boston. After living in Pennsylvania, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, Louisiana , Betty and Al with their son, Louis , moved to a ranch outside Austin where they raised Albert Louis Wade, Jr. (Louis) and Martha Jane (Martee) Wade Engel. It was here that Betty grew her knowledge base (afternoon naps and voracious reading) to the degree that Bill Guyton and others said, "This lady is really smart!" following an engaging discussion on hydrology or other interesting topics from politics to travel. A lady, gracious hostess, wife and a mother who would go to extreme ends for her children, Betty lived a blessed life with Al in this town they called home. Betty loved the beauty of Austin and wanted to maintain it, so devoted many hours to the We Care Austin program. Betty was a long time member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd where she served on the Altar Guild, was a member of St. Elizabeth's Guild and the ECW. She is survived by son Louis Wade and wife Nancy; daughter Martee Engel and husband Bob; grandchildren Jeff Wade and wife, Cindy; Laurie Wade Ellis and husband, Tres; Steve Engel; and Ellie Engel; and great grandchildren, Andrew and Jack Wade and Megan and Emily Ellis. She is also survived by her sister Martha McPherson and husband, Carroll; and sister Jane Guyton and husband Bill; and numerous nieces and nephews; and friends. Gone from us, she will meet her beloved and much missed dog, Chryssy, and take a walk around the block greeting friends and neighbors, before going in to meet God. A service in celebration of Betty's life will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday, July 12 at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Kelly Koonce officiating. Burial will follow at the Austin Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Hospice Austin or the charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com