Nancy Rhea Duke Bettis went home to be with the Lord on August 27, 2018 at the age of 82. She was born to John Rhea Duke (Wichita Falls, TX) and Marion Shannon Duke (Whitesboro, TX.) on November 4, 1935 in Ardmore, OK. She was raised in Wichita Falls, Texas where she met her loving husband of 64 years, Joe Pat Bettis. They spent most of their years in Houston and Conroe, Texas raising their two daughters, Nanette Bettis Curtis and Sherry Bettis. After retiring they moved to Canyon Lake, Texas where they have lived for 20 years. Nancy retired as the administrative assistant to Dr. Joseph Jachimczyk, chief medical examiner of Harris County, Texas in 1988 where she worked for 25 years.
Nancy leaves behind her husband Joe Pat, daughter and son-in-law Nanette and Richard Curtis, grandchildren, Joshua and Leah Curtis (Pittsburgh, PA.), daughter Sherry Sue Bettis (San Antonio, TX) sister Carol Green Gallagher and niece Tammy Green (Dallas, TX).
Nancy loved to be around her family and friends but especially her grandchildren. She loved to shop for bargains, play bridge and solitaire on the computer and volunteer for her church. Nancy hails from deep roots in Texas. She took much pride being the great, great niece of one of the four great Captains in the Texas Rangers, Captain William McDonald. She wasn’t born in Texas, but she wanted to leave this earthly life in this State.
In spite of the many health issues over the last 4 years, Nancy always took on challenges that most would deem impossible! In 2 Timothy, Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Nancy fought the good fight and she was a good and faithful servant now with Jesus! We want to thank all of her caregivers and doctors, especially Dr. Matthew Nicola and his office staff. Instead of flowers, we ask that you consider a gift to The San Antonio Amputee Foundation, PO Box 591131, San Antonio, Texas 78259.
There will be a private burial in Whitesboro, Texas and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 1st at St Francis on the Lake Church, 13250 FM 306. Canyon Lake, Texas 78133.