Beth Ann Kleis

After sharing her kind and giving heart with so many on this earth, Beth Ann Kleis, 76, of Bastrop, Texas, is now continuing her journey of love in heaven. Beth peacefully passed away on May 2, 2021 at her home in Bastrop with her husband Stanley J. Kleis by her side, as he has been for the past fifty-six years.

Beth was born in Monterey Park, California to Harold and Gwendolyn Spengler on March 24, 1945. She graduated from Okemos High School in Okemos, Michigan in 1963. While there, she met Stan and the two were married on September 5, 1964 at the Okemos Community Church. She continued her academic pursuits and received an associate degree in accounting from Lansing Community College. In 1973, the couple took a leap of faith, in both God and each other, by leaving their supportive families and everything they knew in Okemos and relocating all the way to Houston, Texas. Beth flourished as a stay-at-home mom to Tommy and Kristen regularly volunteering in their schools and with their scouting troops. When the children were much older, Beth decided to return to the workforce. She worked as a financial clerk at Lamar High School for many years and then later at Westside High School. After raising her beautiful family, she and Stan chose to retire to the picturesque town of Bastrop, Texas. She treasured the abundance of time the retirement years provided. Whether it was tending to her garden, playing cards and listening to music with her friends or simply spending quiet evenings at home with Stan, she was blessed and most thankful. She was never too busy to give her love and attention to anyone including her grandkitties that texted almost daily.

Beth is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Gwendolyn Spengler; her firefighter son, Thomas James Kleis; and her brother, Robert Spengler.

Beth is survived by her spouse, Stanley J. Kleis; her daughter, Kristen Marie Kleis;
her sister-in-law, Sue Stair; her grandsons, Austin James Kleis and his soon-to-be wife Natalie, Tanner James Kleis, and Haiden James Kleis; great-granddaughter, Emerson Kleis.

No funeral services will be held. Instead, the family has planned a private celebration of Beth’s life.

Memorials may be given in the form of donations to:

Firefighters Helping Firefighters
P.O. Box 773
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (346) 704-3431
Email: [email protected]

Bastrop State Park
P.O. Box 518
Bastrop, Texas 78602
Phone: (512) 321-2101