Tributes

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Rice Stidham 5/19/1937 passed away on 7/20/2013. Betty Stidham was born in Ft. Worth Texas and graduated from Polytechnical High School in 1955. Upon graduating, she wasted no time and boarded a Greyhound bus bound for California to live with her Aunt Bunchie and Uncle Cotton. She never looked back. She met and married her husband, Charles Guy Stidham Jr. in 1960 and a whirlwind of excitement ensued. Charlie was an executive in the beer industry with Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company and rose to the ranks of Director of Marketing for the continental United States. During the early years three children were born, Lisa in 1962, Bill in 1965 and Guy in 1969. Spend five minutes with Betty, and she would probably tell you about one of three things: her family, her business… and inevitably… Barcelona, Spain 1966-1968. Barcelona to Betty was like Rome to Audrey Hepburn. This experience really broadened her life view. She was a product of her age. Glamorous. She had a thirst to be cosmopolitan, sophisticated, worldy… And Barcelona was a great education. Charlie and Betty moved the family to San Antonio, Texas in 1972. Betty had a beautiful home in Castle Hills. She loved being a part of the Lee High School glory years. The house allowed her to entertain all ages with hospitality and gourmet cooking skills, especially her most celebrated dish - paella! Betty was a real pioneer. In 1978 she opened one of the first "outlet" stores in San Antonio. The Linen Outlet. She made this effort into a million dollar retail sales company with nothing more than true grit, hard work and determination. In 1986 her beloved daughter and confidant Lisa passed away. This event was truly catastrophic. She sold her business, her house... and from the ashes created a very successful life working as a manufacturer's rep for Croscill. Any one who knew Betty understood she was frank with her words. Convicted in her beliefs. If you ever wanted some straight talk and a drink, preferably vodka on ice or a pinot grigio, she was your go to source. And one of the best people you could ever talk to if you really needed it. Her advice was usually tough medicine… But the truth. Through it all she stayed dead center to her core, and was a loyal and present parent for Bill and Guy throughout their lives. She had legions of friends, and many throughout the years made it a point to attend her legendary Super Bowl and Christmas parties. From taking 15 boys to Port "A" for spring break or hosting fraternity parties for her sons at 113 Towne-Vue, no one did it better than Betty. And for that, her sons are eternally grateful. She walked this earth as a warrior and left it as mom, grandmother, businesswoman and an all around good person who at the end of the day... cared. She is survived by her two sons William Kennedy Stidham Livi and Charles Guy Stidham III LuAnn, grandson Jacob Patrick Stidham and granddaughter Caroline Frost Stidham, her sister Jean Esther, her father J D Morrison and step brother David Morrison, and hundreds of amazing, close friends. May we never forget her amazing spirit. A brief graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday July 27 at Mission Park North cemetery located at 20900 IH 10 West. Immediately following will be a celebration of life at Leon's 8132 Broadway to reminisce and laugh about all the wonderful times spent with our mom, Betty Stidham.

Tributes

Elizabeth "Betty" Rice Stidham

May 19, 1937 - July 20, 2013