"Betsy Meador was a Amazing soul, She will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. my heart goes out to her family. Heaven gained another angel."
In loving memory of
Betsy Jo Meador
July 19, 1972 - March 4, 2012
Betsy Jo Schaertl Meador, of Buda, Texas, formerly of Austin, TX and Springfield, IL passed away peacefully at home on the morning of March 4, 2012 after an eight-year battle with cancer. Her husband was by her side as he had been during this long and difficult ordeal. Betsy was born July 19, 1972 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of A. John Schaertl and Rebecca Sarsha. She married John Henry Meador Jr. on November 20, 1993. Betsy attended school in Chatham and Springfield, IL. After graduation, she enlisted in the United States Army, and served our country for six years. She attained the rank of Sergeant E5, and in 1996 was "Soldier of the Year" at the National Training Center in Ft. Irwin, CA. She graduated with honors from the University of Texas, Austin with a degree in elementary education. Betsy was employed as a 2nd Grade teacher at Buda Elementary in Buda, TX. Betsy was a dedicated educator, and was very close to finalizing her Master's Degree in Education at the time of her death. Betsy was an avid runner and an awesome vocalist who enjoyed long work-outs, outdoor activities, music, word games especially Boggle, cooking, and spending time with her many friends and family. Betsy was also an accomplished writer with a sharp wit, and a dynamite sense of humor. She was preceded in death by two grandfathers: Harlan Nickasch and Albert Schaertl. In addition to her husband, Betsy is survived by her daughter Kathryn Meador whom she absolutely adored; parents Rebecca (Ken) Sarsha of Springfield, IL and A. John Schaertl of Beaverton, OR; sisters Heidi (Bill) Allen and Amy Schaertl, both of Springfield, IL; grandmothers Catherine Schaertl of Lowell, IN and Joan Nickasch of West Bend, WI; in-laws Dr. John (Betty) Meador and Janet Meador Pate, both of Houston, TX; brother in-law Andrew (Heather) Meador of Houston, TX; sisters-in-law Elizabeth (Steve) Bruman of Houston, TX and Melanie Meador (Cathy Morris) of Austin, TX; and several uncles, aunts, cousins, three nieces, three nephews, and her three beloved cats.Betsy will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a kind-soul who loved life and strived to make the world a better place. She was a friend to all, and knew no stranger. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle, Texas. The funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Buda United Methodist Church with Reverend Kyle Toomire officiating. Interment to follow at Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Betsy's name to The Journey United Methodist Church, 5761 McNaughton Kyle, 78640.
Tributes
"To the Meador Family: My family and I send you our very deepest deepest love and wish that God will keep you in his care during this difficult. Betsy is such an inspiration in our lives. I met her several years ago when my daughter started school at Buda Elementary, however, it was in 2006 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer that she became my hero. I bumped into her when I was going in for my initial consultation with my oncologist. She became my mentor and walked with me through my entire cancer journey. She brought me and my family meals, called me often and never failed to have her bright smile and a big hug for me when she saw me in person. Having recently lost my mother I know that you are on a difficult path right now. I will keep you all in my prayers and please know that she is with us all forever. One of my favorite songs has a line which says "one man walking, a million man a sparking". These words truly represent your wonderful loving Betsy. She always leaves a spark of joy and energy wherever she goes. So on those hard days that you will have to go through, close your eyes, see her smiling face and let that spark of hers ignite within you. With all our concerns, The Jones Family (Harvey, Donna & Eboni)"
"I will always remember what a good friend Betsey was to my daughter Jen. Betsey was at our house often and I will remember her giggle most of all."
"Oh my dear, sweet friend. My time of knowing you was all too short. I remember when Jimmy got the letter in the mail that he would be in your Second Grade class and thinking, 'oh no, a teacher I haven't met yet' and started immediately looking for another mom who might have known you so I could start to get to know you before class started. The first one I talked to told me about your battles and pointed me to your Pink Stinks Blog. I remember starting at the beginning and just reading and reading non-stop. I think I fell in love with your spirit right then and their and was so thrilled to have you for my son's teacher. As last school year progressed, we all got to know you better and my son came to totally adore you. Since we all liked to cook, we had fun in our house trying to figure what we could make for you that would be special for each occassion but okay for you to eat. I will never forget how Jimmy came up with giving you FRUIT for Christmas, but we couldn't leave it at just that. A christmas tree made of kiwi slices, grape ornaments and a star fruit topper surrounded by a clementine orange tree skirt. Jimmy still talks about it, and upon the news of your passing, that was the first thing he asked for. "Mom can we make another kiwi tree for her?" I don't think either of us will ever look at kiwis again without thinking of our special friend and teacher. We love you and will miss you. Prayers to your family and your darling Kat! Be at peace at last!!"
"Betsy was an amazing person and an inspiration to so many people. My mom and her were best friend's since before I was born- I've heard a lot of stories about all the fun the two of them had and all the crazy things they did together. She really meant a lot to her. Even though I didn't have the chance to see her very much, the little time I had with her revealed so much. She was a very kind and loving person, had a great sense of humor, and had the strength I had never seen. Much love and prayers go out to all of her family. Katey"
"My heart is so very broken. Betsy was the best friend I ever had, no one will ever compare to her. I will always be grateful for the memories we shared and how her love, laughter, amazing humor and perspective on life helped shape me during those sometimes very challenging teen years and then into adulthood. I treasure those memories, those secrets, those moments like no other. Love you Betsy, always."
"Through Becky and Ken, who is my brother, I've had the honor and pleasure of knowing Betsy. She lived her life in a way that inspired the best in us. She's in our hearts, and her smile, laugh, love, and strength will live on always. My deepest sympathy to Kathryn, John, Becky, Heidi, Amy, Jeremy, and Ken. Sincerely, Sandra"
"Betsy was my son's second grade teacher. She meant so very much to me! She became my good friend. She was a lady full of love, faith and never complained. She was a beautiful person. She was an inspiration. I loved her so very much and will miss her! My family is praying for all of the family."
"My heart aches for all Betsy's friends and family.I worked at Taco Bell with her and it was a blast.So many memories of a group of us hanging out.Care free teenagers.One time ashem ran away from home to my home.so many memories in my heart.Betsy I will love you and hold you dear to my heart.Im so glad we met on F.B. after all these years. RIP DEAR FRIEND I LOVE YOU."
"Betsy taught my boys at Buda Elementary. We walked with her through her first battle with cancer. She treated my boys as her own and taught them everything a second grader should know! Who will teach the kids in Buda everything that she taught many generations of Buda kids? She will be missed by her friends, family, and former students, as well as the community which she was such a big part of. We love you Meador Family! The Perry's"
"Johnny and Kathryn, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of your grief in your loss of Betsy. We love both of you, and our grief is also great. Betsy was a wonderful wife and mother. Betty and Richard Whitt"
"Thank you for being a wonderful friend. I will miss you greatly. I cherish the times we had together and will always remember the silly and cold times we spent at the skating rink. Our time with you was far too short. I wish we could have had forever. Johhny and Kat, my thoughts are with you and the rest of the family. Betsy, I love you and miss you and I will never forget you!"