Betty Jo Ivey

Betty Jo Houtchens Ivey, of Abilene, Texas, formally from Burkburnett, Texas, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 91 years young. Graveside services will be at Burkburnett Memorial Cemetery on Thursday April 8, 2021 at 2 pm, under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street in Abilene.

Betty was born February 10, 1930 in Yoder, Colorado to Ina Marie and Robert Houtchens. She married Bobby Ray Ivey December 3, 1946 in Burkburnett, Texas and soon after moved to San Diego, California where Bobby served in the US Navy. Bobby would go to sea for months at a time leaving Betty to explore the big city of San Diego. She would sometimes buy a day ticket on the city transportation and ride all day to see the sights to pass the time. After four years, they returned to Burkburnett, Texas where they began a construction life. The family moved all over the U.S. from coast to coast with three daughters in tow.  After many years in Burkburnett, she moved to Abilene and spent the last 20 years with family.

Betty was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Lovingly call Granny-Granny.

She was a homemaker and loved to cook and bake delicious food for her family; always making sure there was plenty for everyone to eat.

She loved to do crafts, work in her yard and go fishing with family. Over the years, Betty always had a special fur baby: Lucy, Charlie and Max were showered with love and affection.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Bobby Ray, mother Ina Marie, father Robert, sister Elizabeth England, daughter Diana Kitterman and son in law Tom Kitterman, granddaughter Laura Michelle, nephew’s Billy, Randy, and Donald Ray England.

Betty is survived by her daughters Bobbie Jean Ivey, Brenda J. Williams and son in law Don Williams of Abilene, Texas. Granddaughter Kelly and husband Dave Ritter of Heath, Texas.  Grandson’s Dustin Anderson of Abilene, Texas and Chris Kitterman of Sioux Falls, South Dakoda. Great grandson Cole McNabb of Heath, Texas and great granddaughters Claire McNabb and Lilly Ritter of Heath, Texas. Great grandson Tom Kitterman of Sioux Falls, South Dakoda and nephew Mike England of Paris, Texas.