Betty Ann O'Grady

Betty was born in Stamford TX, on January 1 1935, to B.L. and Rosa Hale; but didn’t stay for long. An only child of a bridge contractor, the family moved from job to job around the state giving her the opportunity to experience many diverse communities. By the time she graduated from Northside High in Fort Worth, Betty had attended eleven different schools, making friends wherever she went.

Inspired by Tommy Dorsey, Betty took up the trombone and played through high school. Both of her sons followed her in playing trombone and will tell you that she maintained an astounding tone quality for many years. Music was always present in Betty's life whether listening to favorite Big Band tunes, the smooth voice of Eddy Arnold, vocalists such as Barbara Streisand or participating in her church bell choir. She also enjoyed breaking out in song herself with her soothing alto voice. Some of her grandchildren’s favorite memories are of singing with their Mimi.

Soon after finishing high school Betty married the love of her life, a young airman from Missouri, which provided the opportunity (this time with their three children) to experience living in Germany for three years. The family took full advantage of this time to tour Central Europe along with frequent day trips in the surrounding area. The family returned to Fort Worth following her husband’s retirement from the military.

Always good with numbers, Betty assisted her father with job estimates, helped her kids with math homework and applied her skills in business as a bookkeeper. Other times, she took on jobs in retail and real estate to contribute to the family and prided herself in knowing that all three of her children were able to attend college. An imaginative and practical mind, Betty also designed their dream home which they built in 2001.

Betty loved travel and seeing new things. She and her husband, along with the family dog, traversed the country in the three RVs they owned including driving all the way to Alaska. Though she didn’t actually obtain a license of her own, Betty even took flying lessons in her husband's Cessna which they also used for travel. Their trip to Ireland was a favorite. In later years, in addition to joining a travel club, Betty and her best friend from high school enjoyed going on cruises together, especially when hosted by the Gaither Vocal Band.

Church and friends were always important to Betty. A faithful member of St. Luke Cumberland Presbyterian in Fort Worth, she was always ready to contribute her time and energy.

Betty was predeceased by Charles O’Grady, her husband of 53 years. She is survived by her children and their spouses Don (Martha), Sharon (Wayne), and Michael (Tammy); seven adult grandchildren, Erin, Jake, Nathan, Kristi, Kathryn, Cody, and Shane; and five great-grandchildren.