Mae Beth Palone

She was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, but thought of herself as a proud Texan. After the early death of her father, she and her mother, Hazel Paddock Palone, resided in Sweetwater, Texas. There, amidst adored grandparents and a tight-knit, extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, she grew up and graduated from Sweetwater High School. She headed to Baylor University, spending two years there before finding the alure of University of Texas at Austin too much to pass up! While at UT, she had many great times with cousin, Cindy, and friend, Kay, and set the pattern for the rest of her life as one of the greatest fans of UT football. She was not a fair-weather fan. As a long-time season ticket holder, she celebrated the wins and commiserated in the losses, but always looked forward to “next year”.

After graduating from UT with a degree in journalism (and a Texas Exes life membership), she found a new home at the Texas House of Representatives. While there, she made more life-long friends, and worked with Representatives Elmer Martin, Walter Grubbs, Jimmy Mankins, and Foster Whaley. She culminated her House career as Chief of Staff to Robert Earley. While there, she formed a new tight-knit family unit and found another “bestie” in Belma.

Using her knowledge of the Texas Legislature, she started a new career path with the Independent Bankers Association of Texas in 1994. At IBAT, she continued her relationships with many of her legislative friends and found another “family” of IBAT staff and community bankers across Texas, including another “bestie”, Darlene. These years were very meaningful to her - especially as she worked with the leadership division and so many wonderful people.

Eventually, she looked forward to the next phase of life with retirement in 2017. During this period, she enjoyed time with family and friends, UT football (always), travel, reading, Hallmark movies, and her fur babies. She was especially happy in retirement to have new “besties”: Geoffery, Tori, and Lorelei living next door. Her life was complete when she became the adored “Nana” to Lorelei! Mae Beth spent many happy hours interacting with Lorelei and watching her grow.

Mae Beth is survived by her current fur babies: Bailey and Pepper; beloved Aunt: Beth Densmore; Densmore/Paddock/Collins cousins: Cindy, David (Sharon), Don (Klaudia), Greg (Alise), Patty, Pam (Rich), Marilyn (Ron), and Terry (Debbie); “Besties”: Belma, Darlene, Kay, Geoffery, Tori, and Lorelei; and, many very special friends: you know who you are, and in a life so well-lived, it would take pages to adequately list everyone!

We will all miss her love, smile, humor, opinions, and feistiness. We are all so very blessed to have had the opportunity to share her extraordinary life.

Memorial donations can be made to the Texas Exes General Scholarship Fund or Austin Pets Alive.

God speed, MB – and Hook ‘em Horns!