Betty Dishong Renfer

Betty Dishong Renfer lived a vibrant life filled with love, kindness, and joy. She touched many hearts and will be deeply missed. Her spirit will forever inspire those who knew her. May she rest in Peace.

With profound sorrow and heartfelt gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Betty Dishong Renfer, who went home to be with Jesus on March 17, 2026. Betty was a woman of grace, strength, and compassion - and truly Texas strong. She carried a warm spirit that touched everyone she encountered. Known for her resilience, determination, kindness, gentle heart, creativity, imagination and unwavering love for her Savior, she created a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.

Born in Odessa, Texas, in 1941, to Goldie and Gayle Dishong, Betty was a devoted wife of 35 years to the love of her life, Rudy Renfer. She was a loving mother to her two girls, Angela Geadelmann and Kerry Green and to Rudy's six children - Ginger Molthen, Kris Bailey, Rachel Gutierrez, Rudy E. Renfer, Linn Jefferson, and Stephen Sackman. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Goldie and Gayle Dishong and her brother, Don Dishong.

Betty and Rudy shared a marriage filled with immense joy, unwavering devotion, and a love that was inseparable from day one. From chest-press hugs and flesh-to-flesh embraces to the quiet comfort of shared moments, they were truly partners in every sense. "No Betty without Rudy, and no Rudy without Betty" was the heart of their union. Their relationship was truly magical, overflowing with laughter, tenderness, and deep connection. Even in the late stages of Alzheimer's, it was Rudy, her North Star for 35 years, who could reach her spirit when nobody else could. He would whisper, "Hey love!" "How's my gal?" or "Hey beautiful!" and she would calm down, focus and smile from ear to ear, as though it were 1990, the year they married. Their love remained timeless, a testament to the extraordinary bond they shared.

Betty also shared a special and inseparable bond with her devoted dog, Buddy. In a beautiful and meaningful way, Buddy chose Betty, and from that moment on, they were rarely apart. Their companionship was a true reflection of unconditional love, bringing her comfort, joy, and constant companionship.

Betty was a woman of remarkable achievement and dedication. She completed her undergraduate education at Baylor University, earned her master's degree from The University of Texas Permian Basin, and received a certification in American Sign Language from Gallaudet University. Betty's education and certification led her down an esteemed career path in education - first as an elementary education teacher, then as a reading specialist at the college level, and finally as a sign language interpreter at The University of North Carolina. Later in life, Betty pursued her entrepreneurial spirit by starting a Spanish pottery importing business, Trianna Imports, with daughters Angela, Kerry and Ginger. Her entrepreneurial spirit eventually evolved into real estate as she and Rudy started a successful real estate investment company together.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was an avid gardener, finding joy, peace, and creativity in nurturing life from the soil. Those who knew Betty well know that she was a creative soul - a gifted poet, writer and artist. She had a unique ability to capture life's emotions and moments through words, paint and whatever other media was in front of her. Her poetry reflected her depth, her faith, and her love for others. Through her writing and art, she gave voice to both joy and sorrow, leaving behind expressions of beauty that will continue to inspire all who read them.

The final year and a half of Betty's life were spent at her and Rudy's home in Waltonwood. The amazing community of people that live and work at Waltonwood brought her new friendships, laughter, and peace. Her new friends at Waltonwood quickly became a source of comfort, joy and inspiration.

Betty is lovingly remembered by one of her greatest (and largest!) joys in life - her large family. Her children and their spouses include: Angela Geadelmann and husband Eric; Kerry Green and husband Chad Wasser; Ginger Renfer and husband Tom; Kris Bailey and husband Charles; Rachel Guiterriez and husband Keith Cathcart, Rudy E. Renfer and wife Dodie, Linn Jefferson and husband Jeff; and Stephen Sackman and wife Sheila. Her 16 grandchildren include: Kurt, Katarina and Keira Geadelmann; Elliott Wasser; Sam and Emma Molthen; Katherine Bailey Knettle and Annie Bailey; Steven, Jacob, Daniel and Anna Gutierrez; Chloe Renfer; Lucy, Hampton, and Chuck Jefferson. Her two great grandchildren include: Rhys and Brooks Knettle. This large family brought her immense joy - one of many answered prayers the day she married Rudy. She cherished every moment she spent with them and especially relished their annual Sunset Beach vacation ("We're going to the beach this year, right?")

Betty Renfer was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was a source of comfort and wisdom to many. Whether through her words, spoken or written, her art, her gardening or her acts of care, Betty made others feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. Betty's presence brought light, laughter, and peace. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and achievement that will live on through her family, her poetry, her gardens, and the many lives she touched. Though she is no longer with us physically, her spirit will continue to speak through the words and art she so beautifully shared.

The family would like to thank the following who took such good care of Betty during her extended illness and in her final days:

* To Jessica - who had 250 physical therapy sessions (!) with Betty over the past five years - you are like another daughter and we love you.

* To Terry, Francia, Kim and Sally - the caregivers and nurses who so lovingly took care of her in her final days - Without your love, care, concern and expertise, Betty's end of life would not have been as rich. You showed great compassion and respect to our beloved. Thank you is not enough. We love and appreciate each of you more than we can say. You are life family to us, We love you.

* To the staff at Home Watch, Transitions Life Care and Brown Wynne Funeral Home - Thank you for showing love and respect to our family.

We find comfort in knowing that Betty is now with Jesus, embraced in His everlasting love.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18