Betty Knudson Edgar

Betty Edgar entered her heavenly home on December 30, 2010. She was born on September 16, 1935, in Waco, TX, the only child of Knute and Rosa Knudson. She was baptized, confirmed, and remained a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church.

She spent her childhood in the Friendswood community, south of Houston. In 1953, she graduated from Amon Carter Riverside High School in Fort Worth. While in high school, she won the Texas State baton twirling championship. She enrolled in Tarleton State College in Stephenville, Texas, where she met Arlen Edgar who later became her husband. She continued her twirling activities and was a member of the Girls Rifle team. She also attended Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, and Texas A&I in Kingsville. In 1956, she graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. While at Baylor, she was a Golden Girl baton twirler in the band. Following training and study at Brackenridge Hospital School of Medical Technology in Austin, Texas, she became a registered medical technologist.

On November 9, 1957, she married Arlen in Austin. For a short time, they lived in Odessa before moving to Midland. Midland was their home except for a brief residence in Brisbane, Australia, during late 1968 and early 1969. For several years in Midland, Betty worked in medical laboratories before retiring to raise a family.

The marriage was blessed by two sons and four grandchildren. Mark Henry, his wife, Patti, and their daughter, Lindsey, live in Midland. Bradley Lewis, his wife, Andrea (Ankie), son, Jackson and daughters, Rosi and Lilli, reside in Oakland, California.

In November, 2007, the sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren hosted a grand 50th anniversary celebration in Midland, followed by a trip with the whole family to San Antonio.

In addition to her skills as a medical technologist, Betty had strong interests and considerable talents in the areas of art, history, writing and genealogy. She compiled and wrote histories of early Midland and of Grace Lutheran Congregation of Midland. She also did intensive research on family history and prepared detailed writings to document her findings. Her skills and interests were also put to use on behalf of many civic entities. She served as President of the Midland Society of University Women, the Santa Rita Club of the Petroleum Museum, the Midland Genealogical Society and the PTA. She was a volunteer for the Midland Community Theatre and the Summer Mummers.

In recognition of her activities, she received the 2001 Petroleum Museum Distinguished Service Award and was co-recipient with her husband of the Midland Arts Assembly Distinguished Service Award. She served on the Boards of the Midland County Library, Santa Rita Club, and Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Midland Genealogical Society, and was a Petroleum Museum docent. She was a member of the Midland College Davidson Distinguished Lecture Committee.

Active for years in Grace Lutheran Church, she served on a number of boards, committees and appointed positions. She taught Sunday School and Mid-week School for 27 years, during which time she developed an elementary level pre-confirmation course, which is still in use today. Applying her artistic talent, she designed and constructed many banners for The Grace Congregation, three of which were used in state and national conventions.

Her special interest was in Norwegian and Pennsylvania Dutch artwork. She decorated many wood and metal items using the unusual technique of Rosemaling, which was self taught.

Betty enjoyed traveling to various parts of the world with her family and as a companion to her husband on business and association trips. Among the areas visited were Europe, Egypt, The Middle East, The Far East, Central America, Mexico and Canada. Her favorite destinations were Salzburg, Austria and Norway. Norway was special because of her father’s Norwegian heritage and her fascination with Scandinavian artwork.

Betty is survived by her husband, Arlen, of Midland, and her sons and their families.

Following a private graveside service, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011 at Grace Lutheran Church, 3000 W. Golf Course Road.

The family expresses gratitude for medical help provided by Doctors Ganta, McKenna, Carr and Miller, plus the staffs of Midland Memorial Hospital, Home Care Plus, and Absolute Sitter Service. Particular thanks are given to Manny, Vanessa, Rosie, Chris and Star.

Suggested memorial recipients are Grace Lutheran Church, the Petroleum Museum, the Midland Genealogical Society or Midland Community Theatre.

Betty Edgar was an extraordinary person who lived an extraordinary life as a Christian, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend to many. She enriched the lives of all who were privileged to know her. She will be missed, but never forgotten.