Betty Ruth Gibson, 86, of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma. She was born on October 12, 1938, in Harold, Texas, to Willard Lee Skelton and Roberta Lee Hargrove Skelton. Betty was the sixth of seven children and grew up in the Wilbarger County area.
A bright student, Betty graduated as valedictorian from Harold High School in 1957. The following year, she met Benny Ray Gibson in Wichita Falls. The two were married on May 10, 1958, in Electra, Texas. Bennie's military service took them to Bitburg, Germany, where their first son, Dennis Ray, was born. Over the next several years, they lived in various states as their family grew with the births of Joel, Victor, and Kelly.
In 1975, the family settled in Bryan County, Oklahoma. Betty devoted herself to raising her four sons and remained there until 1990 when she moved to Wichita Falls. With a passion for helping others, she pursued a nursing degree and graduated in the fall of 1991. Betty worked at Bethania Hospital until her retirement.
Faith played a central role in Betty’s life. While living in Calera, Oklahoma, she was an active member of Mead Baptist Church. After moving to Wichita Falls, she attended Faith Baptist Church and participated in weekly Bible studies.
Betty is survived by her children: Dennis Ray Gibson (Candace) of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; Victor Gibson (Wallecia) of Amarillo, Texas; and Kelly Gibson (Beckie) of Norman, Oklahoma. She leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brother Keith Skelton and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son Joel Gibson; her siblings Willard "Buddy" Skelton, Charles Skelton, Tommie Skelton, Jewel Dea Schumann, and Brunette Skelton.
A visitation for Betty will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 6pm to 8 pm at Dutton Funeral Home, 300 E Cash St., Iowa Park, Texas. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 2 PM Faith Baptist Church, 3001 Southwest Pkwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76308.
