A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 N. 23rd St., Beaumont, Texas 77706. A Celebration of Betty's Life will occur Friday, April 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 1350 N. 23rd Church, Beaumont, Texas 77706. A burial to follow will occur Friday, April 21, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4950 Pine, Beaumont, Texas 77703.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnmpfh.com for the Garza family.
In Loving Memory: Betty Ruth Francis Garza (1927-2023)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Ruth Francis Garza, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Betty was born on August 28, 1927, in Beaumont, Texas, the youngest child to J.C. Francis, Sr. and Ada Francis. She was a pillar of strength and love for her family, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her. She is the last of the “older generation” of the family.
Betty's journey began when she married the love of her life, Pat O. Garza, on August 9, 1946. They shared a beautiful life together until Pat's passing on October 18, 2014. Their love story is a testament to the unwavering devotion they had for each other and their family.
She is survived by her two sons, Andrew L., and James S. Garza, who were the pride and joy of her life. Betty was also blessed with four grandchildren, Jeremy A. and his wife Kelly Garza, Matthew L., Sarah E., and Noah M. and his wife Margaret Garza, and three great-grandchildren by Jeremy and Kelly, Jonah A., Adam J., and Lydia F. Garza. She was preceded in death by her brother, J.C. Francis, Jr., and sister, Ellen F. Otis.
A devoted Presbyterian, Betty was proud of her heritage and the legacy of her grandfather, Andrew L. Houston, who founded Robbins-Memorial Presbyterian Church in Beaumont. After the church disbanded in the early 1970’s she joined the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Beaumont and was a member until 2009, Betty then became a cherished member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beaumont, Texas. Her beautiful singing voice graced the choir, and she attended services as long as she was able. She regularly watched services on television and read her Daily Devotionals and kept friends and loved ones in her heart and mind praying for them without fail.
For 12 years, Betty worked at American National Bank in Beaumont, making a difference in the lives of her coworkers and customers alike. Upon having children, she transitioned into the role of a homemaker, devoting her time and love to raising her sons.
Betty had a vibrant personality and a fantastic sense of humor. She found joy in making others laugh, and her laughter was contagious. Friends and family will remember her fondly for her knack for conversation and her genuine interest in their lives.
She savored her routine of starting each day with a cup of coffee, watching hummingbirds at their feeder and a few challenges for her sharp mind. After her coffee, Betty enjoyed working crossword puzzles and solving the Jumble anagrams in the daily morning newspaper and asking her son Andy for assistance when needed. She loved to watch “Wheel of Fortune” in the evening with Andy racing to solve the puzzles before he and the participants could and usually did. After that, she enjoyed her regular phone calls with her son James and her best friend from childhood Rita, and her friends from church, then entertained herself watching reruns of “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Betty's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on in the laughter, love, and cherished moments she shared with her family and friends. As we say our final goodbyes, we celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed. As the Scripture says: "Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace...."
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