Betty J. Newman

Elizabeth “Betty” Jean Muldrow Newman was called to eternal rest by our Heavenly Father on November 10, 2014. Betty was a loving wife, devoted mother and cherished grandmother. She was a teacher, a librarian, an artist, a crafter, a seamstress, and a gardener. Betty was born in Encinal, Texas on May 26, 1932 to Joseph Boyd and Lydia Antonia Sanchez Muldrow who preceded her in death, as did her sister, Wilma Pearl and brother, Stephen Boyd.

She is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, George Everitte Newman and by their four adoring daughters;

her grandchildren, Cilena Elissa Cantu-Marquez (Javier), Eloy Alfonso Cantu III, Mario Eugenio Martinez Jr., Rebecca Marie Martinez, Kathryn Leonor Garcia, Theresa Elizabeth Garcia, Olivia Leocadia Garcia, Alvin Boyd Newman-Caro, Alex Everitte Newman-Caro, Andreas Joseph Newman-Caro, and Avalouisa Sophia Newman-Caro. She is also survived by her sister, Lydia Joyce (Manuel “Meme”) Ortiz, and brother, Joseph Burch Muldrow (Yolanda), and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Betty Jean, as she was affectionately called by her husband, graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1947 and went on to study at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She received a teaching certificate and taught school in a one room country school house called Prairie View School, five miles west of Encinal in the Krugerville Community. After she married, she taught elementary school in Eagle Pass, Texas and later in Del Rio, Texas. Shortly after having her third child, she decided to devote her time to raising her girls. She was room mother, volunteer school librarian at Sacred Heart Academy in Del Rio, Texas, and Girl Scout leader. She made it possible for her girls to have many everlasting experiences and memories which they received through piano lessons, arts and craft classes, and dance classes, driving them to Laredo several days a week for hours of lessons.

Betty and George never missed a dance recital, tennis tournament, youth group production, one act play, high school band event, or track meet, and continued doing so with their grandchildren, even when the events took them out of state. Betty took up painting in her early forties and left behind many lovely paintings for the family to cherish. Betty had a great love for literature and surrounded herself with books. With her girls now grown, she became the librarian for Jim Hogg County, serving in this position from 1985 through 2010. Of course her most special patrons were the children. She insisted on providing them with “reading hour” and other special events.

With a love for nature, Bebie, as her grandchildren lovingly named her, tended her garden tirelessly and could name every plant in it. She and George were members of the Texas Cactus Council and enjoyed many special outings with the group. Enjoying years of ranch life with her family, she loved horseback riding and working cattle with her father, her husband, and her little brothers.

We, Betty’s daughters, thank God for the wonderful mother that He graced us with and the love that she and dad shared together and with us. We are blessed with many beautiful memories. The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Luis Benavides and Dr. Joseph Camero for their special care. We would also like to thank those who took such good care of mom at Meridian Care of Hebbronville and Regent Care Nursing Home of Laredo.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where Betty and George renewed their wedding vows August 1, 1964, will be the setting for her services. We invite you to celebrate her life by joining us for a rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, the 13th of November, 2014. Visitation at the church is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Pallbearers are Eloy Alfonso Cantu II, Mario E. Martinez, Humberto Garcia, Alvin Caro, Eloy Alfonso Cantu III, Mario E. Martinez Jr., Alex Everitte Newman-Caro, Andreas Joseph Newman-Caro. Honary pallbearers are Alvin Boyd Newman-Caro and Joseph Burch Muldrow.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in her memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.

You may express your condolences online at: www.funerariadelangelhwilliams.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams, 401 Texas Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361, (361)527-3112.