Beulah Ethel Ward Schoenenberger

Beulah Ethel Schoenenberger, a beloved sister, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother, known as “Ethel” to her friends and family, lived a long, full life. Ethel had many joyful times as well as many hardships during her youth. At the age of 11, she lost her mother and father and moved with her 4 younger siblings to her grandparents’ homestead in Prairie Grove near Gainesville, TX. In caring for her siblings and helping on the farm, she learned independence at a young age.

When she was old enough, she moved out to earn her own keep by caring for an elderly couple in Gainesville. She enjoyed participating in local community “singings” of old gospel tunes on the weekends for social entertainment. Eventually, her beautiful voice earned her the opportunity to sing soprano in the local “Gainesville Quartet”. They sang on Sunday radio shows. The quartet was sometimes paid to travel and sing around the area. It was during this time that she met her first husband, Sam Copeland.

After she married, she worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for many years. As she grew older, Ethel enjoyed traveling around the world with her second husband, James Schoenenberger. She collected unique items (including a beautiful doll collection) during her travels. She also loved spending time with her son’s family and her grandchildren, and accompanied them on several trips. In addition to family, she enjoyed a well-kept beautiful yard (and garden when possible), a tidy home, and her pet Dachshunds.

She always enjoyed going back and visiting in Gainesville. Her son, Boyd took her on an annual trip for Mother’s Day. She would visit New Hope Cemetery, the graveside of her mother and grandparents, and meet with the caretakers there for an annual lunch, as well as visit her old friends and some beloved sites. Gainesville was always a very special place for Ethel.

Ethel is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Boyd and Jill Copeland; three grandchildren, Kelli & her husband, John DeGeeter; Travis Copeland and Katherine & her husband, Mike Ellison; six great grandchildren, Natalie DeGeeter, Elise DeGeeter, Lizzy DeGeeter, Olivia Ellison, Brooks Ellison and Dylan Ellison; one brother and sister-in-law, Leon & Doris Ward; one sister, Edith Donaho; many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Ethel will be remembered as a strong, independent, caring, loyal and protective sister, mother and grandmother. Her strong survival and work ethic and her resilience and resolve saw her through life’s trials and hard bumps. May these admirable qualities be remembered and may she now rest in eternal peace. We love you Mom and Grandma!