Betty Buaas

1924 - 2025

In Loving Memory of Betty Anne Montgomery Buaas.
Betty Anne Montgomery Buaas passed away peacefully just shy of her 101st birthday, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, family, service, and an indomitable spirit that touched all who knew her.
Born on November 20, 1924, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Betty was the only child of Annie Dickson and Julian Montgomery. At the age of 13, she moved with her family to Austin after her father was appointed State Highway Engineer by Governor James V. Allred and the Texas Highway Commission, following his tenure as State Director of the Public Works Administration. Except for a few years spent in Europe, Betty remained a lifelong resident of her beloved Austin.
A proud graduate of Allen Junior High, Austin High School, and later a student at the University of Texas, Betty made a lasting impression wherever she went. It was at Austin High that her initials became her nickname: BAM. Never has a nickname better mirrored the spirit of an individual! With a sense of fun that was not dampened by age, an intelligence that never left her (she was active on social media and texted regularly through her 96th year of life), and a fierce and unwavering loyalty to all she loved, Betty Anne was a wonderful force of nature.
During World War II, while attending the University of Texas, Betty pledged Kappa Alpha Theta and met her first husband, Michel ("Mickey") Smith. Their marriage produced three children. After returning from Europe in 1954, Betty married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Dr. J. Howard Buaas. Their enduring marriage lasted 53 years until Howard's passing in 2007. Betty always kept his photo near and never hesitated to share how deeply she still felt his presence. Eighteen years later, we find comfort in knowing they are finally reunited.
Betty's commitment to community service left a lasting impact. She was actively involved with the Junior Helping Hand, the Symphony Guild, the Junior Forum, the Republican Women's Club, and the Readers' Guild, among others. A natural leader, Betty's name was synonymous with action and direction-if she joined an organization, she would inevitably rise to lead it. She served as a room mother for each of her children, led Brownie Troops, chaired the Fiji Mother's Club, and was president of multiple PTAs.
Her deep affection for young children, especially babies, was legendary. It was said that Betty never passed a baby without stopping to admire them and declare their extraordinary qualities. Her kindness and warmth extended to people of all ages and backgrounds. Betty truly never met a stranger and cultivated meaningful friendships throughout her life-from classmates at Allen Junior High to newfound friends well into her nineties. She will be dearly missed by her longtime Saturday night dinner companions, Alice Scarborough and Yvonne Gardner.
Among her most treasured relationships was the lifelong bond she shared with her beloved sister-in-law, the late Rosemary Buaas Harrison, who was both a dear friend and kindred spirit.
As the beloved matriarch of our family, Betty's presence was a source of strength, humor, wisdom, and unwavering love. Though we grieve deeply, we rejoice in knowing she is now in a place of peace, surrounded by those she loved and missed.
Betty was predeceased by her husband, J. Howard Buaas, her sister-in-law, Rosemary Harrison and her grandson, Brandon Smith. She is survived by her 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Her children include: Pamela Rosar, Julianne Buaas Harris (Victor), Michael Smith (Paula), Brenda Buaas Black (Bob), John H. Buaas, Jr. (Tina), and James Lawrence Buaas (Cristina) and her much-loved nephew, Bill Hamilton. Grandchildren include: Sean Bodine "Bo" McCartney ( Jill ), Katie Harris Patterson (Brian), Victor Harris, Jr. (Jenn), Ben Black (Sarah), Julie Black Hagan (Jeremy), Brittany Buaas Hampton (Aaron), Courtnay Buaas Gorham (Alex), and Allison Buaas. Great-grandchildren include Elliot Patterson, Janie Patterson, Wyatt Patterson, Lola Hagen and James Black.
The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Julie Acevedo, who was a truly wonderful companion to our mother in her final years.
A graveside service for the family will be held at Austin Memorial Cemetery on October 18th.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Betty Anne Buaas may be made to The Junior Helping Hand Home for Children, 3804 Avenue B, Austin, TX 78751.