Betty Jo Ryan

Betty Jo Freeman Ryan, Mom, Mama, Grandmom, Betty was born …. well, we’re not sure. The doctor said it was the evening of January 24, 1933, but Grandma Julie said it was after midnight, making it January 25, 1933. She was the youngest of 8 children: brothers - Willard, Edward, and Leland; and sisters - Odessa, Willie, Flogene, and Imogene. 

Betty Jo was born to Earl Franklin and Julia Viola (McCoy) Freeman at home in Ranger, Texas. She grew up in Ranger, attending Ranger schools. Later she graduated from Droughns Business College and went to work at American Aggregate. In 1953, she married Curtiss N. Ryan. Over the years, they would live in San Marcos, Odessa, Dallas, Duncanville, Mansfield, and Weatherford. Along the way, they had three of the best kids ever. Betty worked at Duncanville ISD, InLook Outlet, and Pier One. She and Curtiss owned fabric stores in Mansfield and Ranger. For entertainment, she loved working puzzles, playing board games, and planting and replanting flowers in the yard. She and Curtiss played Bingo, bowled, were members of the Granbury Antique Car club, and held many, many garage sales. Most of all, she loved coupons and getting a good deal.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings.

She leaves behind her husband of 68 years, Curtiss; also, her son, Richard and Joci Ryan of Red Oak, daughter, Karen Holmes of Brock, and daughter, Janet and David Spector of Denton; grandchildren: Jason Holmes, Julie and Dustin Pavelek, Curtiss and Sarah Ryan, Kristine and Jordan Hanna, Kelly Ryan and Adam Hoeft; great grandchildren: Carson, Emily, Austin, Anna, and Weston.

Betty passed away on July 2, 2021, due to pancreatic cancer. She leaves behind a heartbroken family that will forever miss her laughter, love, and her homemade rolls.

Services will be on July 10, at 2:00 p.m., at Spring Creek Baptist Church, with her ashes to be buried in Spring Creek Cemetery to follow.