Betty McGonigle Capshaw

Betty was born on October 26, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, to Ruth Eugenia (Young) McGonigle and George “Mac” McGonigle, Jr. A fifth-generation Texan, Betty cherished her childhood in the Valley and especially loved the annual fiesta Charro Days, for which her artist mother designed costumes and parade floats.

Betty was a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she majored in zoology and minored in English. She was active in campus life and served as a Resident Advisor at Kinsolving Dormitory. Betty remained a devoted Longhorn throughout her life, never missing a football game and offering the “Hook ’em Horns” sign to anyone, whether they asked for it or not.

Though Betty often claimed she “never really did anything,” her life tells another story. On January 9, 1960, she married John Chandler Capshaw, whom she met while at UT. The couple soon started a family and had three children. For many years, Betty managed their home life while John built a successful career in the oil and gas industry. Theirs was a long and happy marriage, which lasted 58 years until John’s death in 2018.

While raising her family, Betty also generously served the community as a Cub Scout leader, PTO volunteer, band mom, cheerleader mom, and SPCA volunteer. She served for decades on altar guilds at Episcopal churches in Tomball, Houston, and Kerrville, ultimately leading as Directress at both St. John the Divine in Houston and St. Peter’s in Kerrville. She also became a devoted participant and group leader in Bible Study Fellowship.

A generous supporter of the arts, Betty served as Benefit Chairwoman for the Texas Opera Theater, during which time she and John opened their home to several opera artists. Her support of the University of Houston Delta Gamma sorority led its members to honor her with initiation — a bond she cherished all the more as Courtney joined Delta Gamma at LSU.

Betty's talents extended well beyond volunteer work: in her spare time, she ran a primitive American antiques business, oversaw the building of a historically-correct saltbox home in Houston (insisting hand-milled, square-headed nails be used), and was an accomplished cook and hostess.

Betty loved Nantucket, good food, antiques, and every cat who came her way—especially her faithful companion Boris. Above all, she loved her family and her Lord. Her children and grandchildren will remember her humor, warmth, and devotion.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her brother George “Bubba” Lee McGonigle, and her nephew Steve McGonigle. She is survived by her children, Megan Elizabeth Capshaw and her husband John Dugdale, John Chandler Capshaw Jr and his wife Courtneye Barrett, and Courtney Caroline Capshaw and her partner Nathan Williams; her grandchildren, Madeleine McKean Capshaw, John “Chandler” Capshaw III, and Finley Thomas Capshaw; her brother’s children, Ann McGonigle Kifer and Ellen McGonigle; and Boris the cat, who will miss her greatly.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Community of St. Francis and Clare at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Kerrville, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 320 St. Peter St., Kerrville, TX 78028.