Betty Ruth Beck Gaines, 88, went to be with her Heavenly Father on January 10, 2021 at Hansford County Hospital in Spearman, Tx. A private family graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the Holt Cemetery. The funeral home in Spearman will be open for viewing/visitation Thursday (1/14/21) 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, Friday (1/15/21) until 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and Saturday (1/16/21) 9:00 am until service time. Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman. Due to COVID 19 guidelines, we will be practicing social distancing and occupancy numbers will be limited.

Betty was the daughter of Walter E. Beck and Burnice Elizabeth Pendergraft Beck. She was born on September 15, 1932 in Pampa, Tx. Burnice passed away in November 1933, and because of her father's poor health and difficulties of the Depression, at the age of 3, Betty went to live with Owen and Babe Pendergraft, who later adopted her. Her oldest brother, Jim, also lived with Owen and Babe from 1938-1940. Betty's early education began at the Holt Schoolhouse, South of Spearman. She also attended school in Spearman and graduated from Morse High School in 1951.

Betty met a really cute guy from Kansas during her Sr. year in high school. On June 23, 1951, she married Richard Lee Gaines in her parents' home. They would have been married 70 years this June. Richard and Betty have two daughters, Glenda Close and Peggy Varnon, both of Spearman, Tx.

Betty grew up on the family farm where she and Richard took over the farming business in 1960. She and Rich worked together on their farming and ranching operation for 60 years. She was still involved in the farm and loved the success of the crops and seeing the baby calves being born each Spring.

She loved being a homemaker and mother and was an invaluable partner with Rich in raising their two daughters and helping on the farm. She drove the school bus for Pringle ISD, served on the PTA, and was a member of the Home Extension Club. She was awarded the Homemaker of the Year Award by the Hutchinson County Soil and Water Conservation District the same year Richard received the Conservationist of the Year Award in the mid 1970's.

Betty lived her faith every day, always looking for ways to help someone. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Stinnett, Tx. She served as a Deacon and an Elder in her Church. She served on nominating, stewardship, worship and pastoral search committees. Like Richard, she put her Lord and Savior first.

Her family meant absolutely everything to her. She gave love and support to every member of her family, from her husband and daughters, to her grandson's and their families and all of her nieces and nephews. Her love will always be cherished.
Betty is survived by her two daughters: Glenda Close of Spearman and Peggy Varnon and husband Allen of Spearman; five grandsons, Freddie Tucker and wife Becky of Quanah, Tx.; Justin Tucker and wife Anna of Perryton, Tx.; Jason Varnon and wife Donia of Spearman, Tx.; Eric Varnon and wife Leslie of Ft Worth, Tx.; Richard Varnon and wife Claire of Weatherford, Tx. She cherished the times she was able to spend with her great grandchildren: Haley Jones and husband Nicholas of San Antonio, Tx; Jordan Tucker and fiancé Thomas Martin of Amarillo Tx; Lynzey Tucker of Abilene, Tx; Taylor Varnon of Gruver, Tx; Landrie, Emerie and Eli Varnon of Spearman, Tx; Noah, Cooper, Ian and Max Varnon of Ft Worth, Tx; Charlotte Varnon of Weatherford, Tx. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her siblings: Wanda Rae, Edith Mae, James M, Edward Dale, Eldon Willard, Walter Lewis, Billy Dean and Bonnie Jean.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, PO Box 517, Stinnett, Tx or Holt Cemetery Association, 10239 FM 281, Spearman, Tx or to one's favorite charity.

A Celebration of Life Service for Betty and Richard will be held at a later date when we can all safely gather together.