(April 17, 1931 – June 14, 2022)
Bettye Estelle Talley Counts Walker, age 91, a native of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away peacefully, June 14, 2022 in Hico, Texas. Bettye died of natural causes. Services will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 10:00 am at Harvest Hills Funeral Home in Hico, Texas with visitation immediately prior to service. There will be a private burial at Erath Gardens of Memory in Stephenville, Texas.
Bettye was born in Amarillo, Texas on April 17, 1931, to Hugh and Gertrude Talley, both deceased. She was raised by her grandmother in Wichita Falls Texas. Bettye was adopted at age 18 by Jack A. Counts, also deceased. Bettye graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1948 and attended John Tarleton Agricultural College.
Bettye was very proud of her role as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her devoted family. When words and memories became scarce in the last months, Bettye yearned for husband Harold, and has now joyously been re-united in heaven with him.
Bettye was a wonderful Homemaker, Teacher’s Aide, Hico High School and Hico City Secretary, while living in Hico, Texas.
Bettye met the love of her life, Harold, while at Tarleton. They married July 22, 1950 and raised four loving children. Bettye and Harold were married for 68 wonderful years before his passing in December 2018. Bettye was Harold’s biggest cheerleader, and incredible support system during his lengthy tenure as former Vocational Agriculture Teacher, and Superintendent of Schools at Hico High School. Her behind the scenes contributions were many.
In retirement Bettye continued to spoil Harold, and love on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always anxious to hear about the activities of the families. Bettye spent considerable time in Ruidoso, enjoying the mountain air, horse races and casinos. She also enjoyed Hawaii and ocean cruises. She especially enjoyed when family and friends gathered for special occasions. She enjoyed puzzles and card games, socializing with good friends over her favorite chardonnay wine. Bettye was quick witted, couldn’t hide her feelings, and was fierce in protecting her loved ones.
Bettye loved to cook and entertain and go out to dinner with her dear friends. She missed them dearly in recent years as they all preceded her in death.
Bettye showed us amazing strength and resilience in her final years, loving us all.
Bettye was a long-time member of the Church of Christ.
Bettye was preceded in death by her sisters, Pat and Joanne, and brother Hugh Talley, Jr.
Bettye is survived by daughter, Johnette Knudson and husband, Ole; grandson, Jeff Knudson, granddaughter Tiffany Knudson; daughter Stephanie Shepherd and husband, Billy Jack; grandson Jack Shepherd, grandson, Brian Shepherd; son Dean Walker and wife Vivian; grandson Chris Walker, grandson Andrew Walker; son Dale Walker and wife Deborah, granddaughter Dalayna Richardson, grandson Matthew Walker, grandson Zachary Walker and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are grandsons Jeff Knudson, Jack Shepherd, Brian Shepherd, Chris Walker, Andrew Walker, Matthew Walker and Zachary Walker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hico Activity Center, 411 North Mesquite, Hico, Texas 76457.
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