Betty Joyce Wetsel

Betty Joyce Wetsel, 86 of Midland, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2026.

Born on September 30, 1940, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Hobson and Reeta Agee. Betty graduated from Friona High School before attending Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, where she studied music. As a freshman majorette in the marching band, she caught the eye of a certain football player, beginning a love story that would span 6 decades. Betty and Eldon Wetsel were married on August 15, 1959. The oil business would lead to many moves, including Midland, Abilene, Monahans, and Houston, before settling back in Midland in 1976. Betty spent much of her life as a piano instructor, opening up her home and life to her students. One of the main reasons she chose this profession was to be at home with her daughters, Kellie and Stacie.

Betty was a committed follower of Christ, secure in her salvation and assured of spending eternity with Him. She was an active member at the Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland, where she sang on the praise team and taught in the children’s ministry for many years. She and Eldon formed lifelong friendships at Golf Course Road Church of Christ and were part of a group that played Bridge and laughed a lot together. Eldon and Betty loved the outdoors, enjoyed camping, water, and snow skiing. This pursuit led them to the Conejos River Valley in Southern Colorado, where they began building their dream cabin in the early 1990’s. Betty treasured her time at the cabin, and the memories and experiences shared there are precious gifts to her kids and grandchildren. While there, she attended the Conejos Canyon Community Church, where she played the piano on the worship team.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Eldon Wetsel; her daughters, Kellie and her husband, Scott Wilson, of Midland, and Stacie and her husband, Chris Hatchett, of Fort Worth; five grandchildren, Timothy Stovall, Hilary Hesse, Karlie Duke, Colby Hatchett, and Caleb Hatchett; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Elden Agee and Maynard Agee; and her sister, Joann Martin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 11 at 1:00 PM at Golf Course Road Church of Christ, located at 3500 W. Golf Course Road in Midland. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, November 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home, located at 4616 N. Big Spring Street in Midland.