Mrs. Bettye Delene Baird Keathley, age 82, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in Round Rock, Texas. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 12, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors in Waco. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 13, at Frost Cemetery in Frost, Texas. Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lessie (Cook) Baird and her husband, David L. Keathley. She is survived by their daughter Kathy, and husband, Rich, and granddaughters Delaney and Savannah of Round Rock, Texas. She is also survived by her cousin Lynn Short and wife, Anita, of Frost, Texas.
Bettye was born on February 28, 1937 in Corsicana, Texas and was raised in Mertens, Texas by her loving parents. On September 3, 1955, she married the love of her life, David Keathley. After attending Navarro Junior College and Sam Houston State College, they dedicated their lives to public school education. Bettye taught Home Economics in Magnolia Independent School District. They moved to Waco in 1962, where they both taught and served as district and campus administrators in Waco Independent School District. Bettye and David were active in the Kareem Shrine and other community organizations, as well as being very involved in their only daughter’s school activities. Their home was open to Kathy’s friends and their motor home often carried them on trips and to football games. After David’s untimely death at the age of 54, Bettye continued her dedication to her campus and daughter, but remained devoted to her soulmate and loved sharing stories of their adventures together.
After Bettye retired in 2003, she began working for Baylor University and Waco ISD in the teacher preparation program. Bettye loved to travel and she, Kathy, Rich and her granddaughters enjoyed multiple vacations and excursions. In the last few years of her life, she left her longtime home in Waco and moved in with Rich, Kathy, and the girls where she enjoyed attending their school activities, shopping, and traveling. While she had a rich life full of love and adventures, her family and friends should be comforted to know she is with her Father and Savior and is reunited with her love, David.
Bettye’s family wishes to thank her caregiver, Dawn Smith, who provided daily loving care and companionship and became like family. In lieu of flowers, memorial dedications may be made in her honor to your choice of Title I public schools, animal shelters, or pet rescue organizations.
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