Dr. Betty Bell Muns

She was born on Christmas Eve in 1931, in Dallas, Texas, to the late Robert & Katharine (Tubb) Bell. Betty attended Highland Park High School in Dallas & the astute student she was, went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Education from Abilene Christian University (1953), Master of Education in Psychology & Education from North Texas State University (1970) & the honor she was most proud of, her Ph.D. in Psychology, with a focus on Marriage & Family Counseling from Texas Women’s University (1984).

Betty grew up in Highland Park where her family owned Wyatt’s Cafeterias. By the time the Bell family sold this staple Texan business, the company had 120 locations in 5 states, where they employed over 6,000 people.

She met James at Abilene Christian & the two married on June 17, 1952. The couple shared 4 children that Betty was immensely proud of: Katharine, Marla, Greg, and John. Betty & James enjoyed 71 years of marriage together, filled with triumph, delight, and satisfaction. While a dedicated professional, Betty was even more so, a dedicated mother. The Muns moved to Plano in the early 1970s, where they quickly became pillars in the community, where Betty had started a private practice specializing in marriage and family therapy in 1978, and James served as Plano mayor from 1992-1996.

Betty had a heart for helping others that were struggling, as evidenced by her decade’s long career dedicated to the betterment of families and their dynamics, marriages, and adolescents. She had a charitable disposition, and devoted much of her time to fundraising and sitting as Chairman on the boards of numerous organizations, including: Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, Plano Symphony Orchestra, the Children’s Medical Center of Plano, sat on the advisory board of the Plano Arts Center, Hope’s Door, the Jr. League of Plano & the Collin County Women’s Shelter. She received the Christian Woman of the Year from the Christian College Association, was awarded Plano Citizen of the Year Award in 1995, Leadership Plano Distinguished Award 2013, and a longtime member of the Abilene Christian Alumni Chorus. Betty was also very proud to be the Director of Bell Trust. In addition to these many prominent roles, Betty would never fail to mention that she was glad to be a water safety instructor as well.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Katharine Bell, her grandchild, Jordan Katharine Muns, and her great-grandchild, Isabella Victoria dos Santos Muns. She is survived by her adoring husband, James Muns, and her children; Katharine “Kathy” Muns Spencer (Clark), Marla Muns, Dr. Greg Muns(Laurie), and John Muns (Joa). She is survived by her grandchildren; Kyle Spencer, Dr. Adam Spencer (Kristen), Shane Spencer (Crystal), Cara McNeese Pierce (Cary), Kimberly McNeese Moye (Jim), Dr. Alan Muns (Kyla), Philip Muns (Lorraine), Tyler Muns (Jade), Jenna Muns Maynard (Casey), Whitney Muns Digges (Matt), Tanner Muns (Brittney), along with 29 great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Plano Mutual Cemetery and a Memorial Service to the public on Monday, May 6, 2024, at The Church of Christ on McDermott Road, 3600 McDermott Rd., Plano, TX 75025 at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty's memory to Abilene Christian University, at acu.edu/give & Women's Auxiliary to Children's Health Center Plano, at the link in the Donations box below.

Sincere condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Muns family at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com