Betty Ruth Pettke

She was born in Fort Worth, Texas on November 11, 1932 to the parents of Joseph Henry George, Jr. and Olive Marie (Owens) George who preceded her in death. She had two sisters and one brother all of which preceded her in death. Her older sister by two years was Gwendolyn Grace George/Scherer, her younger sister by two years was Shirley Ann George/Martindale, and her younger brother by five years was Joseph Henry George, III.

She was married fifty-seven years to Donald Robert Pettke, Sr. who preceded her in death.

In Fort Worth, she attended school from elementary through high school, and graduated from Paschal High School. She was very athletic and really liked sports. Her best friend through all those years of school was Doris Blalack who later married Bob Payton, a friend and fellow veteran of her future husband Donald Robert Pettke.

In 1948, she met the love of her life, Donald (Don) Robert Pettke, while at a dance at the old Casino Beach Ballroom on Lake Worth. Don was stationed at Carswell Air Force Base.

Because she was such a good athlete and so knowledgeable about sports, especially baseball, Don fell for her immediately. For the next couple of years, a lot of their dates revolved around going with Don to watch him play baseball, softball, basketball and bowling. Of course, she played softball, volleyball and bowled, too.

On her 18th birthday, Don proposed to her and they were wed on March 03, 1951. Bob Payton and Doris Blalack/Payton were their attendants.

Over the course of the next four years they had three children – Marcia Ann Pettke/Olson, Donald Robert Pettke, Jr., and Michael W. Pettke. During that time, they lived in Fort Worth, Salt Lake City, Utah, back to Fort Worth, and Tachikawa, Japan. Don, Sr. had been sent to Korea in 1953 and when the war ended he was sent to Japan. A few months later, Betty, Marcia and Don, Jr. joined him in Japan.

In 1955, a few months after Michael was born they moved back to Carswell in Fort Worth. From there, they would live in Austin, Amarillo, back to Ft Worth, Wichita Falls, Portsmouth, N.H., then back to Forest Hill, Texas (Fort Worth) upon Don’s retirement from the Air Force in 1968. In 1978, they moved to a home they had built in Burleson, TX. They lived there together until Don, Sr. passed away in 2008. Betty remained in the house until August 31, 2022. She then moved to Truewood by Merrill, 3301 River Park Dr, Fort Worth, Texas until she died.

Betty was a 48-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was initiated June 5, 1975 at Everman Chapter # 624 (now consolidated with Alvarado Chapter # 656). She became an endowed member in 2006. She served as an officer of her chapter for many years, but the two stations she held most were Treasurer and Chaplain. From 1991 to 1992 she was Worthy Matron of Everman Chapter with her husband Don serving as Worthy Patron. She received her appointment as the Grand Representative of West Virginia in Texas for 2005 and 2006. When she was able, she enjoyed attending Eastern Star events with her Sisters and Brothers.

She leaves behind her children – Marcia Ann Olson, Donald Robert Pettke, Jr. and his spouse Diana, and Michael Wayne Pettke and his spouse Jill.

Though she loved sports, Eastern Star and going to church at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Arlington, her favorite role was that as Grandmommy. She treasured her time she spent going with the grandchildren and great grandchildren on trips, vacations, sporting events, museums, zoos, sleepovers and even walks in the parks. You name it and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - as the grandchildren and great grandchildren did spending time with her. Every one of those grandchildren and great grandchildren has a favorite story they can tell about spending time with Grandmommy.

She leaves behind her Grandchildren – Eric Olson and his spouse Sarah, Kevin Olson, Dustin Pettke and his spouse Heather, Danielle Klein and her spouse Ben, Michael Brandon Pettke and his spouse Michelle, and Andrew Pettke and his spouse Navin.

She leaves behind her Great Grandchildren – Brooklyn Olson, Abigail Pettke, Alexander Pettke, Maxwelle Klein, Rosalie Klein, Michael Luke Pettke, Leah Pettke, Grant Pettke, Rebekah Pettke, Anna Belle Pettke.

Additionally, she leaves behind a whole lot of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends who have loved her and known her throughout the years.

Betty will always be remembered for her positive outlook on life and her always smiling face. For many years when people talk of Betty, they will be telling the stories of Betty singing songs (a little off-key) or things like performing a head stand when she was seventy-five years old or learning to snow ski at the age of fifty-four or … (you may fill in your own story). We all could not have asked for a better mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, or friend and we will miss her a great deal every day. Memories of Betty will live on in the hearts of all those who have loved her.

Donations for Betty Pettke Park Bench are welcomed, Please reach out to family.