Bettye Nichols

Bettye Elrod Nichols left Abilene Sunday, April 27, for her heavenly home after years of courageous struggle as an Alzheimers patient. She was confident of her ultimate victory and had planned meticulously for her end of life care, always looking for the best possible options.

Bettye was born to Garvin and Elizabeth Elrod, July 5, 1930, in Harlingen, Texas. She graduated from Abilene Christian College with a degree in journalism in 1951, became editor of Christian Woman Magazine and later, with her husband, helped work with Herald of Truth, a world Christian mission organization headquartered in Abilene. She enjoyed being newsletter editor of Owen Healthcare Inc. for many years. She was also an early member of Abilene’s Republican Women’s Club and served on the Abilene Zoological Society board of directors. She was an avid butterfly advocate, and active local photographer. One of the highlights of her life was traveling with her self-named “SIPS” friends to a chalet in Switzerland over a period of years…always with her camera.

She was Granbettye to her beloved granddaughter, Cara Beth Nichols, and was especially fond of her daughter in law, Janna Hammett and husband Richard, and to a “special daughter” Marolyn McCreery, of Weatherford and husband Bob. Other surviving family members are an aunt Margie Beck of Gainsville, sister in law Sherryl Elrod Durkee and husband Bill of Houston, and two special nieces.

Preceding her in death were husband James Walter Nichols, sons Jay and Mark Nichols, brother Monty Elrod, and uncle Claude Beck.

In her later years, Bettye became the official photographer for her friends, especially at University Place where she lived for several years. She brought pleasure to many with her gift of photos, many of which she furnished to the Say Cheese page of the Abilene Reporter-News.

The family thanks all who became part of Bettye’s life, including her life-time church, Highland Church of Christ, her Abilene friends, University Place and the staff at Windcrest Care Center.

There will be a graveside service Wednesday April 30, 2008 at 10:00 am at Elmwood Memorial Park with a Memorial service to follow at the Highland Church of Christ at 11:00 am with Phil Ware and John Allen Chaulk officiating. A visitation is scheduled for 7-8 pm Tuesday at Piersall Benton Funeral Home, 733 Butternut St.

Pallbearers Bettye named are: Grady and Margaret Jolly, A.M. and Carolyn Dycus, Jack McGlothlin, Clois Fowler, Shirley Smith, and her SIPS sisters: Mary Sue Merritt, Bettysu Bennett and Linda Osburn.

Bettye asked that memorials be sent to Herald of Truth, 3444 First Street 79603, Christian Homes 1202 Estate Dr. 79602, or the Alzheimer’s Association 301 S. Pioneer Ste. 105 79605.