Mary Elizabeth Vestal

On April 24, 2017, at the age of 94, Maribeth Vestal joined the choir of heavenly angels. Maribeth celebrated the beauty and goodness of life each day. Her life was one well lived.

Maribeth was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on November 28, 1922, to Dr. Charles Alymer Evans and Annie Maude Huie Evans. She grew up with two sisters, Anne Virginia Joyner and Sarah Louise Savage, in Arkadelphia, a small college town. She graduated form Henderson State Teachers College where her father taught. On December 26, 1943, Maribeth married her high school sweetheart, Bill Vestal. The children of this WWII era marriage are Jan Hegi and her husband Fred of Dallas, Jerry Vestal and his wife Sharrylon of Grapevine, and Beth Burkhalter and her husband Jim of Lubbock. Her six grandchildren are Peter and Brian Hegi; Rebecca Augustine and Bill Vestal; and Sarah Cude and Molly Augustine. Fifteen great grandchildren also survive Maribeth.

In 1952, Maribeth and Bill, a petroleum engineer, moved their family to the Lion Oil camp near Snyder during the oil boom. Maribeth began a life of family and community service. Her first service commitment was to the First Methodist Church. She taught both children and adult Sunday School classes. She served in the music ministry as a choir member, director, and accompanist. Following her children’s interests, Maribeth led Girl Scout groups and volunteered in an array of school related activities. She enjoyed study clubs, garden clubs, and playing bridge. One of her best memories was of square and round dancing with Bill and their friends. She loved the community of Snyder.

In 1957, she began her career as a music teacher in the Snyder Independent School District. She taught music at East Elementary and Lamar Junior High for twenty-three years. In UIL competitions, she directed many award-winning choirs and successfully coached students in solo and ensemble contests. Maribeth assisted with musical theater productions offering students another opportunity to enjoy music and theater in their lives.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Snyder, with Rev. Dave Blackwell officiating. The service will be under the direction of Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home. Visitation with Maribeth's family will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice. How fortunate Maribeth was to joyfully live her 94 years. We reflect on her life and say, “It was good”!