Location: V-Eichelberger

Born: February 10, 1941 Osceola, Polk County, Nebraska

Died: July 9, 2011 McLennan County, Texas

Parents:
Chester A. Shockey (1881 – 1972)
Fern Wisely Shockey (1903 – 1973)

Spouse:
Harold A Novak (1933 – 1998)

On Saturday, July 9, 2011, after a lifetime of giving, Elizabeth “Beth” Houdersheldt Novak, 70, of Speegleville, took her place among the angels.  Known as Beth by family and friends, her life revolved around dedicating herself to others.   Service will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel.  Burial will follow at China Spring Cemetery.  Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.

Beth was born Feb. 10, 1941, in Osceola, Neb., to Chester and Fern (Wisely) Shockey.  She owned and operated BHT Construction Company Inc. for many years and was a member of the AGC.  She was an active member of the Speegleville United Methodist church where she served on many committees including chairing VBS.

She was proud her family and was  wonderful and dedicated grandmother to Erin and Shelby Houdersheldt and Spencer and Jake Ridling.  Beth’s loving spirit and generosity drew others to her and as  result she had many unofficial children and grandchildren.  Prior to her illness and courageous battle with breast cancer, Beth loved being with her family and working in her yard.  Always one to push her limits, she unselfishly and determinedly spent time at the coast with her grandchildren during the last weeks of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Novak; brother Arthur Shockey; sister, Gloria Short; and granddaughter, Abigail Ridling.

She is survived by daughters, Cynthia Conley and husband, David,of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Mystie Houdersheldt of Waco; and son, Thomas Houdersheldt of Waco.