Bettye June Sims Whiting, 98, of Bells died March 20, 2023.
Bettye June Sims Whiting was born on May 5, 1924, in her parent’s home in Colbert, Oklahoma. Bettye was raised on her family’s farm during the Great Depression where, despite the tough times, she would often reminisce fondly about her childhood and would tell stories about raising chickens, churning butter, picking cotton and riding her horse to school.
Bettye graduated from Colbert High School and attended Southeastern State College where she obtained a degree in Elementary Education. During WWII, Bettye contributed to the war effort by working in a defense factory. After college, Bettye worked as an elementary school teacher in both Denison and Bells.
On June 26, 1948, Bettye married the love of her life, Joe Henry “Buddy” Whiting. Bettye moved with Buddy to his ranch in Bells where they worked hard, built a home, and raised a family together. Bettye and Buddy remained married for 68 years until Buddy passed away in 2016.
Bettye was a homemaker, devoted wife, and loving mother to their three children. As keeping the ancestral land that has been in their family for over 185 years and adding to it when possible was a high priority for her and Buddy, Bettye used her inheritance to expand their ranch.
Bettye was a lifelong Christian, a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Bells where she was an active member of United Methodist Women and taught Sunday School for over thirty years. She also loved soap-operas and expanding her various collections of bells, crosses, novelty pencil sharpeners, and stuffed animals which delighted the many children who have played at her home. Besides faith, nothing was more important to Bettye than family. Due to her guidance and example, her large family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and their spouses have remained close-knit throughout the years, and most of those descendants continue to live on or near the ranch to date.
At 98 years old, Bettye continued to live independently in her marital home until her passing on March 20. She is survived by her children: Jo Lynne Whiting & husband Frank Nelson, Steve & Sharon Whiting, and Molly Jan and Mike Weger; grandchildren: Sammi and Tony Sopko, Josh and Kristin Weger, Hadley and Monica Whiting, Ashley and Justin Reiter, Ryan and Rachael Weger, and Lyndsi and Josh Martinez; and great-grandchildren: Rylee, Landri, and Macy Hicks; Kinley and Jace Weger; Miranda, Hayes, and Walker Whiting; Rawlins and Reeves Reiter; Sadie Weger; Emma and Charlee Hughes; and Cruz and Cash Martinez; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Buddy, grandson Blake Richardson, parents Sam Patrick and Lena Pearl Sims, sister and brother-in-law LaVerne & Elvis Bledsoe, brother and sister-in-law Sam Bill and Lorene Sims, and brother Paul Dale Sims.
Family night will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Mullican Little Funeral Home 754 State Hwy 56 E. Bells, Texas 75414. Bettye’s funeral will be on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church 301 S. Pecan Street Bells, Texas 75414, with a graveside service to follow at the Dugan/Whiting Family Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Bells First United Methodist Church.
The news of beautiful Bettye’s passing saddens our hearts as her earthly family will miss her so. But our hearts also hold a flicker of joy knowing that she’ll be reunited with loved ones who have journeyed on before her. Bettye is one whose love, joy, and light were so bright, that even though she has passed, her light remains. Our prayers are winging their way to Papa God for her family and friends, and her precious memory will forever be in our hearts.
Tom and Marsha, how very thoughtful of you for this message of love and the personal cards you sent to each of her children.
Our deepest sympathy to Steve and family for the loss of your mother and grandmother.
Steve and Molly and all of Whiting family so sorry for the loss of your mom grandmother and a friend to many. Bud and Steve were good friends with James and Molly being teacher for our children made the Whiting family a part of our lives for years . She will be a angel over you all . What sweet memories
We are so sorry for the passing of Bettye. A trip to the Whiting’s Farm and the fun of riding on Dusty will always be one of my fondest childhood memories.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Sincerely, Dennis and Cathy Carlat
Mine too1
Dennis and Cathy, thank you.
We did have such good times growing up. Mother was so close to your mother.
We treasure your family.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Whiting’s passing, but I know her life was well lived. I am grateful that her grandchildren were my friends and that they shared their Bebe with me at school events, programs, ballgames and more. She left an incredible legacy behind in her amazing family and I am one of many that is blessed by her legacy. Please know that you are all in our prayers as you say “see you later” to her, knowing that we will be reunited soon! Love you all!
Ms Bettye, you will always be my second mom! I love you and miss you!
Thank you, Cyndi. Really appreciate your support.
Bettye was the sweetest person. She will be missed by so many.
I’m so very sorry for the loss of our dear sweet Bettye. I cannot help but imagine the celebration in heaven when she arrived! She was so loved and will be missed greatly. She and mom shared many talks over the years and the loss of her freind is very painful for mom. We both loved her dearly ♥️
Yes, Denise, MaryBell and Mother shared a close bond over many years.
Please know how much we appreciate your family’s support.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I knew Miss Bettye from growing up in the Methodist church in Bells. She was a really nice lady.
Thank you. Very nice to know you remember her.
Thoughts and prayers for the entire family during this time of grieve. From The Strange Family.
Much love and prayers to all of you. Bettye was a beautiful and faithful woman who brightened every life she touched with her love. I have so many fond memories of her and all your family. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Nancy, thank you very much. You meant a lot to mother–and all of us now.
To this sweet family – we are so very sorry for your loss. Bettye was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. For all of us that knew her she will never be forgotten. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
She was so proud of her Blue Angel award. She said it was the only award she ever won.
Even though we can’t be there in person we are there with you all in thoughts and prayers
God bless Betty. Another Angel has flown home
Thank you. Your family was very important to mother. Hope all is well with you now.
Sincere condolences to your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
Just a kind person with a huge heart. I great lady that will be missed. The family is in our prayers.
Molly, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She lived a wonderful life and had her children surrounding her. You are in my prayers Love you always. Gail Ownby
Dear Jo Lynn
Sorry for your loss. What a remarkable woman.
M.L., thank you for reaching out. You are a very good friend.
I am so sorry for the loss of Bettye. She was a very special person to me. The day that I walked into the UMC in Bells to visit she was there to hug me and tell me how glad she was to see me. We spent many happy Sunday mornings in Sunday school in the Friendship class. After I moved from Bells we visited on the phone. Prayers for all the family.
Loretta, you were so important to mother. She told us of every time she heard from you.
She also treasured your time together in Bells and you have been extraordinary to stay in touch. It meant a lot to her and to all of us.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Bettye. Betty was a beautiful person and someone I was blessed to have known. She let her light shine wherever she was.
Thanks, Carol. Really appreciate your support.
So very sorry for your loss. Ms. Bettye was always smiling! A joy to be in her presence.
We are praying for the family. Floyd worked for her and Bud when he was a young boy. He loved them dearly. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Thank you.
Yes, the Rolen family was our closest neighbor. We all remember our days riding the bus together.
Mother and Daddy both really cared about you.
We loved her. Will never forget her.
Whiting family,
Larry and my prayers are for each of you to find comfort. Don’t forget your memories and lessons Ms Bettye taught you. She has a great legacy.
Larry and Patricia Neal
Thank you, Patricia and Larry. You are right that we have many good memories and lessons to treasure.
Jo Lynne, Steve & Molly Jan,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Thinking of you at this time of sorrow.
Thank you, Beverly. We really appreciate your support.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Jo Lynne and her family for the loss of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. May she rest in peace.