Elizabeth "Umpy" Kulamanu Robinson Bechtol

Heaven became brighter on Saturday May 4th when Elizabeth Kulamanu Robinson Bechtol, otherwise known to all as Umpy, passed through the pearly gates. She lit up Heaven like she lit up any room she entered here on earth. She was the sweetest, kindest friend, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to walk this earth. Her way of understanding, caring, creating, and nurturing was angel-like and so comforting to all lucky enough to have ever had an encounter with her. She spread joy through love, cookies, song, and dance! There are no words descriptive enough to explain her joy, to define her character, or to express our sorrow for our loss. Though we will miss her dearly, she will forever remain in our thoughts and remind us of true unparalleled kindness, deep compassion, and ever-present unconditional love.

Umpy was born on August 12, 1925 to Captain Alvin Keawiula Robinson and Gladys Dusenbury Robinson at San Antonio’s Fort Sam Houston. She moved to Paia, Maui, her father’s hometown, when she was a small child. Though she also lived in Wyoming, Utah, and Georgia where her father was stationed, Umpy spent most of her childhood on Maui and Oahu, enjoying an earthly paradise and rarely wearing shoes. She was a proud alumna of the Punahou School. In 1941, after Pearl Harbor was bombed and WWII was declared, Umpy and her mother were put on a ship to the mainland and moved to Lubbock, Texas, which Umpy thought was exotic and exciting. Perhaps the excitement came from meeting Hubert “Hub” Edwin Bechtol, her new Lubbock High classmate and the love of her life.

Umpy and Hub both attended Texas Tech University, and then transferred to the University of Texas in 1944 when Hub volunteered for the Navy V-12 program. Umpy was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Hub and Umpy eloped to Clovis, New Mexico and were married on July 2, 1945. After college, the couple briefly lived in Baltimore while Hub played for the Baltimore Colts. They then settled back in Austin where they remained for the rest of their lives. Umpy raised 5 cherished children, attended countless little league sporting events, hosted epic Halloween gatherings, and became the center of the world for her kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

Umpy was also a legendary beauty and a fabulous dancer. She was Miss Texas Tech and Miss Lubbock, and a member of the “Class Act” senior dance troupe for over 20 years. She was also crowned Mrs. Senior Carthage Pageant winner in the movie ”Bernie.” Umpy continued to take fabulous trips with her Theta sorority sisters, well into her 80’s. She played golf and bridge and any other game or activity that gave her an opportunity to spend time with the huge group of friends she held dear to her heart.

Her life was an incredible storybook of adventure, tragedy, travel, fear, love, joy, family, friends, support and hope. She never met a stranger and was always quick to share a smile and a “yoo hoo” when she showed up with snicker doodles or chocolate chip cookies at the perfect time.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 59 years, Hubert Edwin Bechtol, her son Robby Thaxton Bechtol, her grandson Hub Nance Bechtol, and her half-brother Alvin Robinson. She is survived by her daughter and best friend, Cindy (Garry), sons Roy (Lynn), Gary (Angela), and Jim (Amber), 12 grandchildren Bradley Bechtol (Kenny Rufenact), Isabelle Bechtol , Anna Bechtol (Matt Johnson), Marta Bechtol (Chris Bourque), Felicia Foster (Will), Jennifer Orman (Mike), Dustin Barron (Patty), Courtney Barron (Charlie Langille), Casey Barron, Claten Bechtol (Gretchen), Cooper Bechtol (Joanne), and Conner Bechtol, and 15 great grandchildren Hub Bechtol, Hayden Bechtol, Sarah Foster, Dustin Orman, Dalton Orman, Gavin Barron, Jayden Langille, Dylan Langille, Savannah Barron-Garza, Hunter Hatch, Emery Bechtol, Knox Bechtol, Bear Bechtol, Sawyer Bechtol, and Liam Bechtol.

The entire family would like to especially thank sister Cindy for her unwavering dedication to caring for our beloved Umpy. And we thank her additional caretakers, NaNa, Cherie, and Janie, for their love and support.

Pallbearers are Cooper Bechtol, Conner Bechtol, Dustin Barron, Will Foster, Jayden Langille, and Dustin Orman.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in her honor to your favorite charity, and say yes whenever you have an opportunity, like Umpy did!

Services will be held at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home at 5416 Parkcrest Drive on May 18th with a visitation at 10am and the service at 11am, followed by the burial at Austin Memorial Cemetery. The service will also be available to stream online for those who are unable to attend.