Beth Ann Sample

Beth Ann Sample, 67, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, in Austin, Texas. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Stanley Herbert, and her family.

Born on February 28, 1957, she grew up in Lebanon, Indiana. She was the daughter of William Sample and Blanche (Sullivan) Sample. Beth graduated from Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School in 1975. She attended Purdue University. Beth started her career working in the residential services at the Texas School for the Deaf in 1982. She later attended Texas State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Beth’s love of writing and reading was a true passion, and she devoted her life to pursuing them both. Beth spent much of her professional career as a project manager in the educational publishing and learning technology industry. She was a Senior Project Manager for Holt, Rinehart, and Winston for over 10+ years, where she led educational publications and software projects. She was the Manager of Product Development at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, where she monitored strategy for over 500 projects, spanning over three continents and in five time zones. She finished her career in publications at Texas Parks and Wildlife, focusing on project management in graphic design, print, web, mobile, marketing, and social media initiatives. Beth retired in 2017. She was a lifetime member and past board president of the Writers League of Texas, founding member of the Pen & Fork writers support group, and a member of the Sisters in Crime writers group. She also volunteered for the Seedling Foundation, mentoring middle school students with incarcerated parents.

Beth married Stanley Herbert on December 24, 2008. They were the love of each other’s lives. They enjoyed living everyday life together and traveling. Beth had a secret gift finding the most unique places to visit and explore together. Beth had many friends and was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She will be dearly missed by everyone she knew.

Beth was proceeded in death by her parents William and Blanche Sample, her brother Gary Sample, and stepsister Donna (Dave) Dillon-Goodwin. She is survived by her husband, Stanely Herbert, her beloved cats Elvis and Gracie, her stepbrother Bruce (Deborah) Dillon, her Mother-in-Law Vivian Herbert, sister-in-law Valerie Herbert, brother-in-law Doug (Katrina) Herbert, stepson Jason (Angel) Herbert, step-granddaughter Jasmine Herbert, stepdaughter Samona (Mark) Snyder, step-granddaughter Lucinda Snyder, many dear nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Beth’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all the extraordinary healthcare providers, including Dr. Brimberry (PCP), the professionals at Cornerstone Rehabilitation Hospital, Warm Spring Rehabilitation Hospital, Sail Home Healthcare, and the extraordinary individuals at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center. Their loving care will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life service to honor and remember Beth’s life will be held at a later date for family and friends.

Please consider donating to the ALS Association in memory of Beth by visiting https://donate.als.org/give/287064/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=jumppage.