Ruby "Betty" Beatrice Whiteside

Ruby Beatrice Whiteside, 89, of Abilene, passed away at a local rehabilitation center on January 31, 2018. All her friends and family knew Mrs. Whiteside as “Betty”. Funeral services honoring her memory are planned for Saturday February 10, 2018 at noon in the chapel at University Church of Christ with Dr. Royce Money officiating. The family will welcome guests at a visitation on Friday evening February 9, 2018 at the Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Betty was born May 1, 1928, in London, England, to Jack Tomkins and Ruby Minnie Silverton Tomkins. She was raised in England and at age 15 graduated from Pitman’s Business College of London at the top of her class. Impressed by her skills she was hired by the Dewar’s Distillery Company’s London Export office.

At age 20, Betty’s mother encouraged her to move to Abilene, Texas and help her older sister with raising her young children. After moving to Abilene, she met the love of her life, Ray Whiteside, at the North Park Church of Christ while Ray was doing bus ministry. The two were married in the parlor of McKenzie Hall Dorm on March 10, 1951. They worked together at Abilene Christian University for almost 50 years. Betty was the executive assistant to four Presidents of Abilene Christian University: Don H. Morris, Dr. John Stevens, Dr. William Teague and Dr. Royce Money. During her time at Abilene Christian, Betty was also the recipient of the Professional Staff Member of the Year, the Unsung Servant’s Award, as well as was voted to be the Co-Grand Marshall for ACU’s first Homecoming Parade in 1992. In 1996, Betty proudly became a citizen of the United States of America.

Betty loved to travel back to England to visit family as often as she could. In her retirement years, Betty was especially active in the Women’s Ministry activities of the University Church of Christ, where she was a member for over 50 years, as well as Women for ACU.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruby Tomkins, and a sister Joyce Powers.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Lonnie Ray Whiteside, two daughters, Melanie Whiteside Estes of Abilene, and Denise Whiteside Pevehouse of Dallas and husband, Todd; three grandchildren; Diehlman Ray Estes, Travis Word Estes, and Alexandra Ray Pevehouse. Survivors also include a niece and several nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University Church of Christ Hispanic Congregation, Abilene, Texas, or any charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.