Beth Cotner died on July 19, 2012 at the age of 96 in Austin, Texas.

An 'orange blooded' Texas, born in the shadow of the Alamo, Beth will be missed by her extended family and her many friends. Her friendly outgoing demeanor and love for those around her defined her long life. She was a true believer in Loving God, Serving Others, and Making Friends.

Beth was born on December 31, 1915, in San Antonio, Texas to the Reverend and Mrs. Bernard Edward Breihan, both of whom preceded her in death. Her beloved older brother, Edward Breihan and her infant brother, Richard, also predeceased her. Beth's husband and love of her life, Robert Crawford Cotner, passed away in 1980.

Beth graduated from Tivy High School in Kerrville. Thereafter, she attended Schreiner Institute and graduated with honors from Texas State College for Women in Denton with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1937. Beth engaged in lifelong learning and took graduate level courses at George Washington University and The University of Texas. The pursuit of learning and valuing education was a Breihan family tradition that Beth maintained over the years with vigor and success. For over thirty years, Beth taught elementary age children the foundations for learning at schools in Kerrville, Arlington, Virginia, and at Pease, Matthews and Highland Park schools in Austin. Her excellence in the classroom was recognized with many awards for outstanding teaching. Beth was always pleased to see her former students and their parents over the years.

Beth was a life long member of the Methodist Church. With her move to Austin in 1939, she joined University Methodist Church and remained as an active member of that congregation until her death. At University Methodist, Beth taught Sunday School and served as President of the Couples Plus Class, the Administrative Council, Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Early Childhood Center Board, Youth Committee, Flower Committee, and Finance Committee. Beth also acted as the unofficial 'greeter in chief' at UMC, following in the footsteps of the late Lena Hickman. Beth loved 'her church' as a loyal member for over seventy years.

In 1942, Beth married a young University of Texas history instructor, Rob Cotner. Rob had left his position at the University during the war and was serving in the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. Beth and her Lt. Cotner were married in Washington D.C. and lived in Arlington, Virginia until the end of the war when they returned to Austin. Beth and Rob were active in the University community and Beth's love of the Texas Longhorns was born. Beth and Rob had two children, Catherine Elizabeth and Robert Crawford, Jr.

Beth was an active member of many organizations over the year and gave tirelessly of her time to help others. Upon her retirement from teaching over thirty years ago, Beth embarked upon a new career as a volunteer. Among her activities, Beth served as a Life Member volunteer for the St. David's Health Care Center working over 6000 hours and serving as President-twice. She was a docent at the LBJ Presidential Library for 25 years and also worked as a docent at the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum. She was a fifty-year member of The University Ladies Club and a member of Pan American Roundtable, Faculty Wives, Book Friends, Cereus Garden Club and the Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. Beth also belonged to the UT Chancellor's Council, UT President's Associates, The Longhorn Foundation, UT Retired Faculty and Staff, and Austin Retired Teachers. Beth was an avid Longhorn fan and attended UT football games and other events until last year.

No description of Beth's life would be complete with out mentioning her love for flowers. She was always looking for ways to share the beauty of flowers with others and enjoyed 'digging in the dirt'. It was never too late at night to tend her plants and never too hot to pick some to share with others. Beth also had a streak of wanderlust and was always ready to take a trip. She had many fabulous adventures over the last thirty years with friends and family traveling to exotic spots all over the world--and to see Texas win the National Championship in the Rose Bowl. Beth loved sharing her adventures with her family especially her two granddaughters who lovingly called her 'Mer Beth'.

Beth Cotner is survived by her daughter, Catherine Cotner McCulley, and her husband, Hugh, of Houston; her son, Robert Cotner, Jr. of San Marcos; her granddaughters, Ann McCulley Wright, and her husband, Chris, of Austin; and Martha Elizabeth McCulley of Houston. She is also survived by her brothers, Bob Breihan, and his wife, Sarah, of Austin and Ted Breihan, and his wife, Frances, of San Marcos, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Beth's family wants to express its appreciation to her many caregivers and medical professionals who cared for her over the past year especially Margie Ford and Dr. Richard Helmer.

A memorial service celebrating Beth Cotner's life will be held on Monday, July 23, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the University Methodist Church located at 24th and Guadalupe St. in Austin with Reverend Bernie Sandberg and Reverend George Ricker officiating following a private graveside service. For those desiring to make a memorial contribution in Beth's honor, the family suggests the St. David's Health Care Auxilary Scholarship Fund (which assists nursing students), 919 East 32nd St. Austin, TX 78705, University Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78705, or the charity of your choice.