Betsy Jo Schaertl Meador, 39,of Buda, Texas formerly of Austin 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 School. 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 workouts, 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; brother in-law Andrew (Heather) Meador of Houston; sisters-in-law Elizabeth (Steve) Bruman of Houston and Melanie Meador (Cathy Morris) of Austin; 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 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 9 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. The funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10 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.
