Margaret Klaerner

Mrs. Margaret Jean Trousdale Klaerner died peacefully in Smithville, Texas on January 23, 2015 at the age of 68. Margaret was born on April 19, 1946 in Bastrop, Texas to Gordon and Marion Trousdale, who have since passed. She graduated from Smithville High School in 1964, then went on to attend Southwest Texas State University where she earned a Bachelor's degree and her Teaching Certification. Her teaching career spanned many years, most of which were in Smithville. She taught children in Smithville's Elementary School, where she shared her love of music and her talent for playing the piano. In Smithville's High School, students in her Language Arts classes developed their writing and grammar skills and she formed bonds with not only her students, but also their parents. Margaret continued teaching Language Arts when she was employed at Bastrop's Genesis High School campus. Later she became acquainted with another generation of Smithville students when she again taught in Smithville Elementary until her retirement. Her love of teaching and young citizens of Smithville brough her "out of retirement" to the Smithville Public Library where she enjoyed tutoring students in an after-school program.

In 2013, Margaret was chosen Smithville Citizen of the Year for her commitment to this community. She served on many boards and participated in many organizations such as the Smithville Library Board, Bastrop County Child Welfare Board, Friends of the Library, Friends of the Science Park, The Smithville Hospital Authority Board, and the Hospital Advisory Board. She was active in her church, First United Methodist. Margaret believed in using her God-given talents to better the lives of others. When she received her cancer diagnosis, she showed resilience and stamina during her 10 year battle and chose to share her optimistic determination with those who also joined her in this fight for life. She never gave up, but faced life head-on with grace and dignity.

Margaret is survived by her two sons, daughters-in-law and her grandchildren: Brad and Laura and their son Reese Klaerner of Bastrop, Texas; and Bryan and Carmen and their children Carson and Karlie Klaerner of Bastrop, Texas. Margaret leaves behind her sister Nancy Wilson and her husband Buddy Wilson, and her brother Jimmy Trousdale and his wife Tylene Trousdale, all of Smithville, Texas. She has numerous nieces and nephews who she loved and adored. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 35 years, Carlos "Corky" Klaerner.

The visitation will take place on January 26 at All Faiths of the Pines Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral is scheduled for 10:00 AM on January 27 at Smithville First United Methodist Church. Rev. Dr. Karen Boehk and Rev. Wilson Pruitt will officiate the ceremony. She will be laid to rest at Winchester Cemetery. A reception will be provided by the ladies of the FUMC after the burial. All are invited to attend and celebrate Margaret's life.

Flowers:
Smithville Florist
Phone: 512-237-3940

Memorials:
Smithville Public Library
Smithville Methodist Church

Church:
Smithville First United Methodist Church
400 Olive St.
Smithville, Texas 78957