Betty Ruth Goodman

Born on March 3, 1931 in Cove, Texas, Betty Ruth was the first of four children born to Viola and Lawrence Schaeffer. She graduated from Barbers Hill High School in 1949 and Durham Business College in Houston. She met the love of her life, Eugene Goodman, and they married on Nov. 17, 1951. Through the next several years they welcomed daughter, Criss, and sons, Scott and Kelly.

Betty and Eugene were avid supporters of the Sterling Rangers and active members of the Sterling Ranger Booster Club. Some of their best friendships and fondest memories were made at Friday night football games. Many high school football players were even known to have received hand-written letters of encouragement from Betty and her sidekick, Gwen Pillow, prior to the big game each week.

Betty was a familiar face at Citizen’s Bank for over two decades. She developed life-long friendships and mentored many young girls during her work in the Statement Department. After retirement, she and Gwen enjoyed coming back to the bank as part-timers, serving popcorn and greeting customers.

Being a grandmother was the joy of her life and she loved having the family around her table. She could have coined the phrase, “what happens at Memaw’s house, stays at Memaw’s house” and the word “no” was not in her vocabulary. The grandkids sometimes took advantage of her kindness and she loved and laughed through every minute of it.

The coffee pot was always on at Betty and Eugene’s. Their home was filled with lots of activity where friends frequently stopped by to visit. She loved her girl trips with Judy, Dot and Betty Jane, as well as the trips to Montana to visit Scott, Kathy & the grandkids. One year when she and Gwen had car trouble driving through the Rocky Mountains on their way to Montana, those that came to their rescue just knew they had met two of the Golden Girls.

Betty was an active member of First Baptist Church in Baytown for many years and thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of her Sunday school class.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Goodman, parents, Lawrence & Viola Schaeffer, in-laws, Scott & Mabel Goodman, and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law whom she dearly loved. She is survived by children and spouses, Criss & Greg Wakefield, Scott & Kathy Goodman, and Kelly & Christi Goodman. Surviving grandchildren include Hilari & Aaron Berklund; Scottie & Alex Caten; Brandi Goodman; Eric & Katrina Goodman; Leanne & Derrick Williams; Jeremy & Kyla Goodman; and Tommy Goodman. Great-grandchildren include Paityn, Sloane & Steele Berklund; Porter & Dylan Caten; Kailey Rodriguez; Braylon & Haydon Leija; Harper & Wyatt Goodman; Landrie Williams; & Connor Goodman. Also surviving are sister, Judy Leggett; brother, Harlin Schaeffer; brother and sister-in-law, George and Betty Jane Schaeffer, and several nieces and nephews. The family would also like to recognize Lottie Williams and Effie White as loyal caregivers and friends.

Pallbearers will be Eric Goodman, Aaron Berklund, Derrick Williams, Jeremy Goodman, Tommy Goodman, and Robert Lee Eschenburg. Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Caten, Brent Foster and Blake Foster.

Due to current conditions, the family will have a private graveside service at Memory Gardens.