Betty Lou Fansler Alexander 1934 - 2024
Tom Estes
Betty Lou Fansler Alexander passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2024, in Georgetown, Texas with her loving husband Ralph by her side. They were married over 68 years.
Betty was born on April 30, 1934, in Grinnell, Iowa, the second daughter of Oramel W. and Nell Rahe Fansler. She was especially close to her aunt and uncle, Marjorie (Fansler) and Fred Eichmeier with whom she lived in Sheffield, Iowa for most of her young life. She moved to Kingsville, Texas her senior year in high school graduating in 1951.
She met Ralph in Kingsville, and, after a whirlwind courtship, they were married in August of 1955. She was welcomed into the Alexander family as a daughter and sister to her mother-in-law Iva Maurine Alexander and Ralph’s four brothers.
While raising their four children in Bishop, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Texas A&I University and went on to teach early childhood education for Kingsville ISD. Following her career in education, she was a local realtor until Ralph retired in 1985. They moved to the “farm” outside of Liberty Hill, named La Chuparosa, where they lived for 30 years. She lived her last years in Bertram and Georgetown.
Betty and Ralph loved their retirement, traveling the world and meeting new people along the way. There were frequent stories about strangers who quickly turned into friends.
Betty learned piano from her Aunt Marjorie and was a wonderful singer who instilled an appreciation for music with all of her children. She was a lifelong Baptist teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School while her children were young.
Supporting their children in their pursuits was a priority for Betty and Ralph. Whether as band booster club president, cheering at football games, track meets, and volleyball games, or attending concerts and band competitions, Betty was there. She had the same love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren traveling to be there for special occasions, holidays or just babysit as needed.
Betty loved crosswords puzzles, reading and teaching her grandchildren to play her favorite card games. Holidays and family gatherings always included jigsaw puzzles, dominoes and cards.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Fred and her sister Barbara Nichols.
She is survived by her husband Ralph C. Alexander, Jr. and her sisters JoAnn (Jim) Lukasko, of Edgar, Wisconsin, Mary Kelly of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Doris (Hank) Asmussen of Fountain Valley, California.
She will be greatly missed by her children Ralph C. Alexander III (Linda) of Covington, Washington, Marjorie Yandell of Austin, Diane Jay (Billy Wall) of Bertram, Carol Scott (Mark) of Corpus Christi, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The
family would like to especially thank Betty's oldest granddaughter,
Candice O’Dell, for taking on many responsibilities for her grandparents
these past few years.
A small family service is being planned in a few weeks. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice.