Beth Ann (Niemeier) Schendel

Beth Niemeier Schendel, of Runge, Texas, was born on July 31, 1948, and passed peacefully from this life surrounded by her loved ones on April 27, 2026. A lifelong resident of the Runge area, Beth was deeply rooted in the land, people, and history of South Texas.

She grew up in the Runge community and graduated from Runge High School in 1966. Beth was the third daughter of Edgar Lee Niemeier, a well-known and highly respected rancher, and Rose Elizabeth (Block) Niemeier. From them, she inherited a deep appreciation for hard work, family, and the importance of knowing where one comes from. Family history and genealogy were lifelong passions she shared closely with her mother, and Beth took great pride in preserving and passing on her family’s story – a role she carried with love and enthusiasm.

In 1968, Beth welcomed her daughter, LaJuana Ckodre Keener, who would remain a central joy of her life. In 1979, she married James Schendel, also of Runge. At which time she welcomed his son Len Schendel. This was the beginning of a partnership that would span decades of family life and shared purpose.

The early years of their marriage were marked by hard work and perseverance. Beth and James lived in Runge before moving to Alice, Texas, during James’ years in the oilfield industry, and later returning to Runge to live and work on the family dairy farm in the early 1980s. Those were lean years, but Beth never allowed hardship to define her family. She instilled in her children a strong work ethic and an expectation to always do their best.

When her husband entered the Methodist ministry in 1989, the family moved to Somerset, Texas. It was there that Beth’s family grew, connections deepened, and lives were shaped. When James was appointed to churches in Somerset, Falfurrias/Premont, Mathis, Raymondville, and Jourdanton, Beth faithfully served alongside him, acting as church secretary in nearly every congregation they served.

She was deeply involved in church life, known for her dependability, wisdom, and steady presence. Beth was an avid reader with a particular love for Texas history. Beth found joy in gardening and participating in organizations such as United Methodist Women, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Austin’s Old 300.

After James’ retirement, they returned to Runge, where he would later serve again as pastor of the Yorktown/Runge United Methodist Church before retiring a second time. It was a fitting return to the place where James and Beth’s story began.

Beth was a strong, steady advisor within her family - a woman whose counsel was practical, honest, and rooted in deep care. She was known for her no-nonsense, strictly-business sense of humor, yet she would laugh wholeheartedly watching The Three Amigos or one of the Police Academy movies.

Beth was a devoted wife of 46 years to James Schendel. She was a proud and faithful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Through her daughter LaJuana Ckodre (Joe) Keener, she cherished her granddaughters Tyra Keener (Isaiah) Butler and their daughter Ryleigh, as well as Bethany Keener (Blaise) Kiesel and their daughter Reagan. Through her son Len (Candida) Schendel, she delighted in her grandchildren Caleb and Gracelyn. She took great pride in watching her family continue to grow. She was a constant presence, a quiet strength, and a keeper of stories whose influence will continue through generations.

She is preceded in death by her parents Edgar Lee Niemeier and Rose Elizabeth Block Niemeier, sisters Virginia Rose Niemeier (Dan) Harrison, Doris Lee Niemeier (Fred Parmer) (Ray) Isley, and grandparents Henry and Bertha Schaeper Niemeier, Arthur and Susan Brantley Block.

Services will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Massey Funeral Home with visitation at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. in Yorktown, Texas, followed by interment at the Runge City Cemetery. A gathering at the Runge United Methodist Church will follow.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com

Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas 361-564-2900.

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