Betty Thrasher

Betty Ann Tapman Thrasher passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026. She was born in Waco, TX on October 3, 1929 to Tommie and Harry Tapman, the first of their 3 children. She loved growing up in Rosebud and considers her Rosebud High School Outstanding Alumni Award as one of her greatest honors. After graduating from RHS, Betty attended the University of Texas in Austin where she became a devoted Texas Longhorn for life. During college breaks and on many weekends, Betty returned home to work at her parents’ retail store, Harry’s Place. It was during these times, after World War II, that she began to date Bob Thrasher, who had returned to his hometown of Rosebud after a tour of duty in the South Pacific. The couple fell in love and realized that they were meant to be together for life and married on Sunday, February 6, 1949 at First Baptist Rosebud. The two had chosen to be wed in the First Methodist Church, but it burned down three days prior. Volunteer fireman, Bob Thrasher, drove the firetruck to the fire!

The young couple lived in Rosebud, where Bob worked for his father’s Pontiac dealership, later moving to Gatesville, TX where he opened his own dealership. It was there that they raised their two sons, Michael and Bobby. Betty and Bob made raising their boys top priority and their home was a gathering place for kids and families throughout their school years. During this time, Betty became a beauty consultant for Dart Industries skincare company. The knowledge she gained over the next 40 years was invaluable when she became an advisor & chaperone for young ladies in the Miss Texas Pageant. She was also a buyer for Leaird’s department store and enjoyed some time working at the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce as well.

After taking a textiles class at UT, she realized how much knowledge she gained as a child from working in her parents’ clothing store and she decided that the clothing business was where she wanted to be one day! At age 50, Betty realized her lifelong dream when she opened The Rosebud in 1979. The Rosebud was such a success that Betty opened a second location in Temple, TX. Soon after, Betty moved to Temple and closed the Gatesville store because she believed it was very important for the owner of a business to be present for her employees and customers. Betty loved her life at The Rosebud and credits her supportive family, countless friends, devoted employees and loyal customers to its success for 30 years. Personal service and fundraising for worthy causes were foremost for Betty. She earned a reputation for fundraising fashion shows, many of which were spectacular events and included special guests and entertainment from the local community and around the state. Her attention to every detail and her vivacious personality contributed to the success of each one. These shows raised thousands of dollars for Baylor Scott & White, McLane Children’s Hospital, Altrusa International, City Federation of Temple, Children’s Miracle Network, The Contemporaries, VA Women’s Club, Hillcrest Hospital and Ballet Austin.

For years, Betty served on the Advisory Board of the Dallas National Apparel Mart, where she made lifelong friends. She received numerous awards from community organizations to include the Mayor of Temple proclaiming “Betty Thrasher Day” twice…November 7, 1996 and August 29, 2007. Betty received the prestigious Yellow Rose of Texas award in 2002 and was named Girl Scouts’ “Woman of Distinction” in 2013. She was a founding member of the Visionaries, a group of women whose purpose is to promote awareness & raise funds for Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Hospital. Even after her retirement, Betty remained one of her community’s biggest and most loyal cheerleaders.

Her title of “Nana” was one of her favorites, as she welcomed her grandsons and great grandsons, and recently, a great great grandson. Spending time with them and watching them grow up brought her immense joy.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, her parents and her brother, Colonel Thomas Frank Tapman. She was survived by her eldest son Robert M. "Bobby" Thrasher, Jr. of Gatesville until his death days after hers on August 30, 2026. She is survived by her son Dr. Michael Thrasher and wife Patti of Waco, two grandsons Jeffery Thrasher and wife Cheri of Gatesville and Aaron Thrasher and wife Maayan of Dallas, great-grandsons Triston Fletcher and wife Kaylan and Trevor Thrasher, great great grandson Grady Fletcher, her sister Peggy Jobe of Dallas, sister-in-law Charlene Tapman of Belton, sister-in-law Shirley Burton of Alameda, California and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 11:00am at First Methodist Church, Temple, followed by a visitation and reception. A private burial, alongside her husband Bob, will be scheduled at a later date at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery 11463 TX-195 Killeen, Texas 76542.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Baylor Scott and White McLane Children's Hospital, c/o BSW Central Texas Foundation, 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508 or First Methodist Church, 102 N. 2nd Street, Temple, TX 76501.