Betty Sue Killen

She was born in Woodsboro, Texas on the 9th of December 1940, to Bennett Lee Killen and Rachel Coates Killen. As the oldest of three children, Betty Sue took early pride in looking after her two younger brothers during their childhood in Woodsboro and later Corpus Christi. That sense of responsibility, confidence, and leadership would define her throughout her life. Known simply as “Betty” to many—and affectionately as “Aunt Betty” to family and friends—she carried herself with independence, determination, and a strong point of view.

Betty Sue graduated from Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1959 and soon began charting her own path. In 1965, she launched a long and distinguished career in the oil and gas industry with Coastal States. Beginning in Corpus Christi and ultimately relocating to Houston, she built her career as an independent woman at a time when few did, following opportunity and growth with confidence. She worked closely with Millard Hipple, later relocating with him to Houston in 1968, and went on to support key leaders in the industry, including Harry Bloumquist, President of Coastal States, and Sterling Pack, Vice President of Investor Relations.

Highly respected by colleagues, Betty Sue was known as reliable, no-nonsense, hardworking, and deeply loyal. She mentored many over the decades and took great pride in her role supporting influential leaders in the oil and gas industry from the 1960s through the 1990s. Coastal States—and the people she worked alongside—were truly a family to her, relationships she valued and prioritized throughout her life. In 1991, she transitioned into the facilities department, where she continued her dedicated service until her retirement following the Coastal–El Paso merger in January 2001. Betty Sue believed in working hard and living fully, and she did both with intention.

A fiercely devoted fan of Texas A&M athletics, Betty Sue was an intense and passionate supporter of Aggie football and all TAMU sports. A proud season ticket holder for decades, she planned her schedule around game days, made road trips to cheer on the Aggies, studied television schedules, and enlisted friends and family to join in her enthusiasm. Time spent at the Dixie Chicken—with a beer, a hamburger, and plenty of spirited discussion—was always a favorite tradition.

Though she never married or had children of her own, Betty Sue was a deeply loving and generous presence in the lives of her family. At Christmas and birthdays, she was known for spending “too much,” always making sure her siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family knew how much she cared. She was equally generous with her time—always ready for a phone call—and never shy about sharing her opinions. Her curiosity, strong viewpoints, and occasional “helpful suggestions” were delivered with love, received with laughter, and remembered fondly.

Betty Sue was also a devoted friend and true servant to those she loved—always willing to lend a hand, offer a ride, share a meal, or simply be a companion. She famously never cooked, preferring instead to eat out every day, and was always happy to meet friends or family for lunch or dinner and a good conversation.

She modeled a life of responsibility, independence, curiosity, and self-reliance. An avid reader who loved robust discussion, Betty Sue believed in having an opinion, defending it thoughtfully, and taking care of yourself. Fearless, fun, and unwaveringly herself, she made her own choices in every aspect of her life and encouraged others to do the same.

She is survived by her brother, Lee Killen and his wife, Elaine; her nephews, James Killen and his wife, Elizabeth, and William Lerz; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Taylor Ramirez, Tanner Killen, Abigail Parker, Chase Lerz, and Robyn Lerz, all of whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bennett Lee Killen and Rachel Coates Killen, and her brother, James Ross Killen.

Betty Sue Killen will be remembered for her independence, loyalty, generosity, strong opinions, love of family, and her unwavering devotion to the Aggies. Her life was fully lived, her presence deeply felt, and she will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service and celebration of her life is to be conducted at twelve o’clock noon in the Jasek Chapel at Geo. H. Lewis and Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following all will be invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer.