Betty Meeks

Betty Carol Meeks peacefully passed away on February 18, 2019 after a brief illness. Through all of Betty's 89 years of life, her strong faith and devotion to and from her family was her passion.

Betty was born to William and Alice Rumbaugh on December 24, 1929 in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Wanda "Doll" Hatch, brother Bill Rumbaugh and her devoted husband Ralph L. Meeks. Betty is survived by her daughter Carol (Randy) Barnes of Granbury, TX, son David (Donna) Meeks of Springfield, MO, Daughter Kathy (Charlie) Murphy of Roswell, 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, sister Ann (Paul) Criswell, brother Russell Rumbaugh, sisters-in-law Carol Rumbaugh and Jeanie Klement, brother-in-law Bob Meeks along with several nieces and nephews. She loved her family well and was loved by each of them.

Betty graduated from Odessa High School and went on to attend college at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. There, she received her degree in elementary education. More importantly, that is where she met Ralph, her best friend and husband of 57 years. They were married on June 20, 1951 in Odessa, Texas. They soon moved to Roswell, where Betty continued her teaching career. She left the school room for several years to be a stay at home mom to her three children. She later returned to teaching and retired in 1988. During her tenure of teaching, she taught first grade at Military Heights, Chisum, and Pecos Elementary schools.

Betty was a devoted church member. As a talented musician, she sang in the choir, played piano and helped lead the chancel choir. She shared her God given talent whenever asked. She and Ralph were also honored to visit shut-ins and anyone not able to attend church for some reason. Her beaming beautiful smile and open personality made her a welcome visitor for so many people. Until Ralph's death, they were active in the Emmaus Community. She was on numerous "walks" and was a Lay Director. Most recently, she was the substitute teacher for her beloved Sunday School class at the First Church of the Nazarene. If it was her time to substitute, we didn't see much of her because she was studying and getting prepared for Sunday. As a valiant prayer warrior, she would sometimes end a telephone conversation by saying she had to go because it was her scheduled time to pray on the prayer chain.

Betty had many interests. She took after her father and had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening. She also loved to play games. Her quick mind made her a natural for bridge. She and Ralph achieved life master status in Duplicate Bridge. She especially loved to play "party" bridge and even helped a few friends learn the game after she moved to her new home at Peachtree. Betty loved the fishing trips the family took. They enjoyed many fun camping trips with dear friends and family. Some just to Bonita Lake and others hundreds of miles away. "Where" didn't matter - just the "who"! She treated herself to having her hair and nails done every week. If it was Friday, we knew where to find her!

She will be missed by so many friends and family, her church family, her fellow Peachtree residents and the sweet ladies in her Tuesday morning bible study.

A Celebration of Betty's life will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 11:30 am at the First Church of the Nazarene.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com.

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