In loving memory of

Jane Elizabeth Gustafson
February 15, 1936 - December 26, 2012

Jane Elizabeth Gustafson, beloved wife of Cliff Gustafson, was called home on Wednesday, December 26, 2012, after a lengthy illness. She was 76.Janie was born February 15, 1936, to Sara Elizabeth and Willard Burt Davenport Jr., in Uvalde County, Texas. She was the oldest of 4 children. Janie graduated from Knippa High School and received a BA from the University of Texas at Austin. She began her teaching career in San Antonio, Texas, and met the love of her life Cliff, a high school baseball coach. Janie and Cliff were married September 19, 1959 and lived in San Antonio where they had 3 children: Jill Ann, Deron Carl, and Jann Elizabeth. In 1967, they moved to Austin when Cliff accepted the head baseball coaching job at the University of Texas. With Janie by his side, he embarked on one of the most successful coaching careers in college baseball. Janie spent their early years in Austin raising their children, and was always her husbands biggest fan. She began teaching at Crockett High School in Austin in 1972. She loved teaching because she truly loved her students. Unfortunately, Janie had to retire from teaching after suffering a brain aneurysm in the winter of 1980. After that, Janies focus was on her family and her grandchildren. Then she was Granny, a name that she was proud of and called by many who loved her and knew her. Janie is predeceased by her parents; her brother Willard Burt Davenport III, and her only son, Deron Carl Gustafson.She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Clifford; daughters Jill Balderama and husband Armando, Jann Shepperd and husband Michael, all of Austin; Sister Beverly Turman and husband John, of New Braunfels; brother Chris Davenport and wife Janet, of Magnolia; Sister-in-law Ina Gustafson, of San Antonio; Grandchildren Scott Shepperd and wife Vanessa, Alicia Balderama, Sara-Jane Shepperd, Jake Balderama, Jillian Shepperd, and Crosby Gustafson, all of Austin; and a host of family and friends.The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during Janies illness. They would also like to thank the medical personnel that took care of her, especially Dr. Warren Thamarus and his aide Marcus for their devoted and reliable care for Janie. They also thank Pastor Kevin Lentz for his numerous visits with Janie in the hospital and at home.Visitation will be held at Harrell Funeral Home, located at 4435 Frontier Trail in Austin, TX, on Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Janie Gustafson's life will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 3701 W. Slaughter Lane in Austin, TX, on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill Knippa and Pastor Kevin Lentz officiating. There will be a reception at Bethany immediately following the service.Pall bearers are Armando Balderama, Michael Shepperd, Jake Balderama, and Scott Shepperd. There will be a private family burial at the Texas State Cemetery.

Tributes

Patricia (Berry) Stone wrote on Feb 3, 2013:

"I went to So. San Antonio High School when Coach Gustafson was the baseball coach. My Dad, Stan Berry, dated Janie's mother later in life after the death of both their spouses. I have heard so many nice comments and stories of Janie (as my Dad called her). I learned of her death from a high school friend who sends out information concerning our high school friends and family. I am so sorry to learn of this family tragedy; may God watch over each of you and console you during this difficult time.Best good wishes,Patricia (Berry) Stone"

John Stirewalt wrote on Jan 5, 2013:

"Debbie and I share our sorrow and hope for you and the family, Cliff. Janie was an inspiration. Your hospitality and true generosity touched us as we share our Austin experience with you. Please know of our abiding love and prayers for your whole family. With much love....John, Debbie, Hannah and Clara Stirewalt."

Stacy Shank wrote on Dec 31, 2012:

"To Jill and family,My sincere condolences to you all on the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, and please take care..."

Lynn Milnor Chapman wrote on Dec 31, 2012:

"Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful wife and mother.Sincerely,Lynn Milnor Chapman"

Dannell Hartung wrote on Dec 31, 2012:

"My dearest Gustafsons, today is the day you say you final farewell to your beloved wife, Coach Gus, and your beloved momma Jann and Jill..granny, mother-in-law,and friend to all who knew her...She is in a far better place then we are, however I can only imagine you pain in losing her...Cherish all the memories that you have and all those that others will be sharing with you...Give her the grand sendoff that she deserves, turn her over to the Lord and his army of angels, the sky will burn a beautiful shade of BURNT ORANGE as she enters the pearly gates...May the EYES OF TEXAS forever be watching over you and your families. Jann, Jill and Coach Gus, I soooo wish I could be there to share in her sendoff, but my thoughts and prayers will be...Love to you all....Dannell "Waggoner" Hartung"

Howard & Gloria Herrera wrote on Dec 31, 2012:

"Dearest Coach Gus and family,Mrs. Gustafson was a wonderful lady. Everytime I called her or dropped by, she always greeted me with love. She was an amazing woman, wife, mother and especially dear friend. I will always keep her in my prayers.Howard and my family send our deepest condolences and will always keep her in our hearts.Much Love,gloria"

Judy Dressendorfer wrote on Dec 30, 2012:

"We were so sorry to learn of Janie's death. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. May God be with you all.Sincerely,Rich and Judy Dressendorfer"

Braxton wrote on Dec 30, 2012:

"Coach Gus & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My families thoughts and prayers are with you. Braxton"

Larry Hardy wrote on Dec 29, 2012:

"Coach Gus,My prayers and thoughts are with you and all your family. I know how hard you have fought with Janie and that she will be missed, but we all know she is in a better place. The next time I go to visit my Mother, I plan on calling and stopping by to see you.Larry"

Sid & Carol Stuewe wrote on Dec 29, 2012:

"Cliff, Jann and Jill, We were neighbors for many years and have thought about you frequently. We pray God's blessings and comfort to you as you adjust to living without Janie.Sid and Carol"

Dalton "Dolly" Mogonye wrote on Dec 29, 2012:

"Cliff, I am saddened by the loss of your soulmate. My heart hurts for all of your family. I know Janie is no longer ill, she is pain free and waiting for you just around the corner when your journey is complete. Find peace and comfort in your memories, sing her the song you wrote for her and know she is always with each of you. With sincere sympathy, Dolly"

Jeannie ferrier wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"I lived down the street from the family as a kid. I would ride my horse to there house all the time. I also had Janie as a teacher in high school. I remember she was a very nice person, I always enjoyed talking with her. She will be missed, my thoughts are with the family"

Jim and Jean Sellstrom wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"Dear Cliff and family,We have been friends and neighbors for many years, our sympathy goes out to all of you at the death of Janie. She has put up a good fight - for many years,As the Swedes say: "Sov i Ro" (Rest in Peace)Jim and Jean Sellstrom"

Lynelle and Charlie Thomas wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Sincerely,Lynelle and Charlie"

Mike Withrow wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"My thoughts and prayers are with all of yall. Loved all of the times spent growing up with your family. Great memories that will stay with me forever. Love all of youI know how hard it has been and will be, but know that Mrs Gus touched many people during her life and God loves her for that.Mike"

Monroe Carter wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"Janie and I taught school together, our first job. We graduated in a class of six in 1954 from Knippa High. A beautiful lady. My condolences go out to the Gustafson family, she will be missed by all that knew her. God Bless."

Glenn Withrow, Jr wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"I know she was sick a long time, but it is still hard to lose someone so dear to you. Your family was so dear to ours it is like losing one of our own. Jill you were so close to Mike you were like a little sister to me. Trina and my prayers are with you Coach, Jill and Jann."

Janet hunt Wesson wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Janie was my first cousin, lived across the street from my grandmother Herring. I have many memories of our trips to grandmother's and visiting with the Davenports. We had good times in Knippa. We have not stayed close, but always kept informed of Janie and family through relatives. We will not be able to attend Janie's funeral,but our prayers are with you.Love, James,Janet Wesson and family."

Brenda Woodcock wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"Jan and family:My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.All my love,Brenda Woodcock"

Jeff Cross wrote on Dec 28, 2012:

"Coach,Very sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Our thought and prayers are with you.Jeff and Robbi Cross"