Betty T. is the firecracker behind this month’s senior villages resident spotlight.
Betty T. was born in Texas and grew up near Witchita Falls. Her father worked in the oil field. He’d walk miles upon miles each day with Betty trailing his steps as he walked each well by foot. She’s shared she’s surprised she could keep up. They lived out in the country and there were rattlesnakes everywhere. Her mother was a good woman, but she had a temper. Betty was the oldest of three children.
However, she was the smallest compared to her younger sister and brother. Despite her small stature, she too had a temper and will not put up with disrespect.
Birthing Football Players
Betty lived in Texas most of her life, even after she married. She and her first husband, Frank, got married at an early age after he got out of the military. Betty also had her first baby at 16 years old. She had two children, a boy, Gordon, and a girl, Nancy. Betty did not have more because her husband was 6’7”. She “did not get itty bitty babies, but rather football players”, as she put it. Living out in the country and taking care of babies was a challenge for her.
Country Girl Meets California
After a few years of living in Texas, they made the move out to California. Betty and her husband later separated. She met her second husband, James, while working for Boeing. Betty worked on airplanes, and he was a pilot. They bantered back and forth with each other, which later led to marriage.
They lived a wonderful life together and traveled to all sorts of destinations. Betty cherishes the times of travel. After growing up in the country she took every opportunity to see everything she could. Later, James became ill and after 15 years of working at Boeing, she left to take care of him. Unfortunately, he passed away. She shares he went home to be with the Lord, and she looks forward to their reunion.
A Four-Legged Friend
Despite her husband’s passing, she still has another man in her life, and he has four legs. Lucky is her constant companion, he even sits down next to her on the couch to watch TV with her. She feels that Lucky thinks he’s got it made here at Renaissance Village. She enjoys having him by her side at every turn. Betty is quick-witted and always ready to share a laugh. Be sure to say hello when you see her around the community.
