Betty Jean (Willis) Newton

Betty Jean (Willis) Newton, 79 of Abilene, passed away at her home on August 22, 2010. A service is scheduled for 10:00 am Thursday, August 26, 2010 at the Baker Heights Church of Christ with a burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel, under the direction of Piersall Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home.

Betty was born in Abilene, Texas on October 20, 1930 to Floyd Willis and Nollie Tedford Willis. She attended Abilene public schools and for 36 years worked in education at the Abilene State School as well as Cooper High School. Alton Newton was the love of Betty's life and they shared over 55 years together. Betty was a faithful member of Baker Heights Church of Christ.

Surviving Betty are her two daughters, Doris Letz and husband Jeff and Sherron Chick and husband Stephen; a daughter-in-law, Wanda Newton; a son-in-law, Tim Bradshaw; two sisters, Marie Brown and Lu Miller and husband Tom, fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. She is also survived by many extended family members and close friends. Preceding Betty in death were her parents, her husband, Alton Newton; a son, Galen Newton; a daughter, Rebecca Bradshaw; and two granddaughters, GayLynn and Baby Girl Newton.

The family would like to thank Betty's granddaughter Crystal and her husband Alex for moving to Abilene to help care for Betty. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.