Bettye Jo Ridling Wilson

Bettye Jo Ridling Wilson, 89, of Mission, Texas passed away Friday, July 22, 2022 at Mission Valley Nursing and Transitional Care in Mission, Texas. Bettye was born on October 9, 1932 in Hobart, Oklahoma to the late Wilma Rasor and Martin Luther Eberhart. She was the youngest of 14 children. In 1959, she and the late James Robert Ridling, moved from Oklahoma to Mission, Texas. While her four children were in Mission Public Schools, Bettye went to Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas. There she earned her Bachelor Of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Following award of her degree, she taught at Marcell Elementary School in Mission for several years. Even while attending college and teaching elementary school, her presence was noted at each sporting event of her two sons and every band competition of her two daughters. In July 1983, Bettye married Walter Eugene Wilson of Illinois. They lived in Illinois for a couple of years, then moved to Medina, Texas. In Medina, they managed a ranch belonging to a Houston family. When they retired they moved to the Medina Lake area. While there, Bettye worked as a chef at the Dixie Dude Ranch outside of Bandera. From there, Bettye and Walter bought a motor home and traveled throughout the United States. Bettye was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Eugene Wilson, her parents Wilma and Martin Eberhart, her siblings, George Eberhart, Hattye May Geringer, Marye Kutz, Irma Cole, Florence Hunter, Jim Eberhart, Edith Cole, Laura Hartman,Virda Connely, Martin Eberhart, Pete Eberhart, Dorothy Hartwell and Tommy Eberhart. Bettye is survived by her four children, Roberta (i.e. Jody) (Pat) McCarthy, Beverly (Mike) Young, Mike (Diana) Ridling and David (Karen) Ridling. Bettye had 12 grandchildren, Erica (Kim) Havens, Jason (Amanda) Flores, Aaron Flores, Bettina Murphey, Chase (Whitney) Young, Eric (Christian) Young, Michael (Christina) Ridling, Monica (Marcus) Hammer, Justin Ridling, Cody Ridling, Taylor (Harry) Archer and Dillon Ridling. Bettye also had18 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 2500 N 10th Street in McAllen, Texas on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. with reception immediately following the service in the Parish Hall at St. John’s. The graveside service will be held at Valley Memorial Gardens at 3611 N Taylor Rd. in Mission, Texas on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The family would like to thank the staff, nurses and CNAs at Mission Valley Nursing and Transitional Care Facility and Gracia Hospice for being so kind and caring to Bettye while she was there. THE FAMILY IS REQUESTING THAT MASKS BE WORN AT THE FUNERAL AND THE RECEPTION.

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Bettye Jo Ridling Wilson

July 22, 2022