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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth A. Guntharp (Betty), beloved wife of John G. Guntharp, in San Antonio, Texas on October 30, 2025, at the age of 84. Betty was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 26,1940 to Anna Louise (Sims) and Col. Edward Wallace Austin. As the daughter of a career military officer, Betty traveled widely with her family throughout her childhood, which fostered her love of travel. She received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Texas in Austin (1962), an M.A. in History from St. Mary’s University (1967), San Antonio, and a Master of Library Science from Our Lady of Lake College (1972), San Antonio. Betty began her career teaching history and then worked as a librarian for the San Antonio public school system from 1962 until she retired in 1994. In 1966, Betty married John Gill Guntharp, and they were happily married for fifty-nine years. Betty and John shared many interests and passions: they were both avid readers, took art, pottery and archeological courses together and participated in digs in Texas. They enjoyed the San Antonio Symphony and loved to travel, especially to the Cayman Islands and to Great Britain, which they visited on numerous occasions. Betty and John shared a great affection for their many pets over the years, always spoiling them and giving them a home filled with love. Betty was extremely devoted to her family and time spent with them, especially holidays, were among her most treasured moments. Her nieces and nephew remember how much fun she was to be with and how she spoiled them. There was never a birthday or special occasion that she forgot, and they could always count on her to send them cards on birthdays, Christmas and graduations, and for no reason at all. They never started a new school year without a new “cool” outfit and shoes from Betty. A devoted daughter, Betty took care of her parents in their later years and ensured that the Austin family traditions continued. The grab bag, the gold brick (of which she was frequently a recipient), card and domino games, Easter egg hunts, to name but a few, were favorites. She was also a proud member of the family singing group The Austin Sisters and they (too) frequently performed their “hit” rendition of the song “Sisters.” Wherever there were young people in the family, you’d find Betty. In addition to her family, Betty had many friends, some of whom she has known since her high school and college days. She was known for her wonderful sense of humor, her warm welcome, and her generous heart. She belonged to two Bridge groups, a book club and was very active in her church, Covenant Presbyterian. Betty is survived by her husband, John; her brother, Stephen Austin and his wife Marlene of Houston and their daughter Myai Dawson of Houston; her sister Margaret (Bandy) Haggstrom of Sarasota and her daughters Courtney Bonacuse of Sarasota, and Heather Haggstrom of Baltimore; Cynthia (Ricky) Wilson and her husband Scott of Austin, and their children Amy Jacobs of Elizabethtown, Kentucky and Justin Wilson of Austin. She also leaves many other great nieces and nephews and friends who will greatly miss her. Betty had a knack for making everyone laugh and feel included and loved and was truly one of a kind. Her legacy of laughter, loyalty and love will be carried on by those who knew and loved her. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13 at Mission Park Cemetery at Dominion (20900 W I-10) with Pastor Dan Milford Officiating. For directions to the graveside service at the cemetery, please follow the directions on the attached map to this memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s name to The San Antonio Symphony ~ www.sasymphony.org ~ 210.554-1000; The Humane Society www.sahumane.org ~ 210.226 -7461); Covenant Presbyterian Church www.covenantcares.org ~ 210.342-5253). “Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. Psalms 31

Tributes

Elizabeth A. "Betty" Guntharp

November 26, 1940 - October 30, 2025