Gladys “Bettie” Elizabeth Thomas peacefully entered the presence of her Lord in the early hours of November 1, 2025.
Born June 17, 1945, in Raymondville, Texas, to Morris and Lib Dodd of Lyford, Bettie grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and graduated with the Lyford High School Class of 1963 where she played basketball and was a majorette. Bettie attended Texas A&M–Kingsville for two years before returning home.
After her first marriage and welcoming two children, Bettie met the love of her life, Ben, at a dance hall in Harlingen, Texas. Their journey together began on the road, living the adventurous life of a Union Pipefitter family, and later settling in Kennewick, Washington. Bettie filled their lives with square dancing, camping, sports, and—most of all—horses. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader, rarely missing a game, match, horse show, or rodeo.
In 1988, Bettie and Ben returned to life on the road. Bettie earned her license as a nail technician, combining creativity with entrepreneurship as they traveled. After Ben’s retirement, they settled near Newport, WA, but soon sought warmer winters. Bettie and Ben became “Winter Texans,” and eventually moved to Texas full time to be near family. Bettie was deeply involved in Lyford Methodist Church, the same church where her faith began. Later, in 2018, she and Ben moved to Deer Park, WA, to be closer to their children and grandchildren, joining Deer Park United Methodist Church. Her faith, family, and church community were central to her life.
Bettie will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and zest for life. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved, whether through her infectious smile, her artistic touch, or her boundless energy cheering on family and friends. Bettie embraced every adventure with joy—from driving her convertible cars, riding on the back of Ben’s Honda Gold Wing, endless crafting, to leading church activities—and her unwavering faith and kindness touched all who knew her.
Bettie is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 51 years, Ben; her daughter Cindy (Heb) Purvis; her son Raymond (Heidi) Thomas; her “adopted” children Greg and Nicole Seeber; her sister Brenda Jones; her sister-in-law Penny (Butch) Dodd; her grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew and their families.
A Celebration of Bettie’s Life will be held on November 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Deer Park United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Deer Park United Methodist Church at www.deerparkumc.com/donate
Born June 17, 1945, in Raymondville, Texas, to Morris and Lib Dodd of Lyford, Bettie grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and graduated with the Lyford High School Class of 1963 where she played basketball and was a majorette. Bettie attended Texas A&M–Kingsville for two years before returning home.
After her first marriage and welcoming two children, Bettie met the love of her life, Ben, at a dance hall in Harlingen, Texas. Their journey together began on the road, living the adventurous life of a Union Pipefitter family, and later settling in Kennewick, Washington. Bettie filled their lives with square dancing, camping, sports, and—most of all—horses. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader, rarely missing a game, match, horse show, or rodeo.
In 1988, Bettie and Ben returned to life on the road. Bettie earned her license as a nail technician, combining creativity with entrepreneurship as they traveled. After Ben’s retirement, they settled near Newport, WA, but soon sought warmer winters. Bettie and Ben became “Winter Texans,” and eventually moved to Texas full time to be near family. Bettie was deeply involved in Lyford Methodist Church, the same church where her faith began. Later, in 2018, she and Ben moved to Deer Park, WA, to be closer to their children and grandchildren, joining Deer Park United Methodist Church. Her faith, family, and church community were central to her life.
Bettie will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and zest for life. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved, whether through her infectious smile, her artistic touch, or her boundless energy cheering on family and friends. Bettie embraced every adventure with joy—from driving her convertible cars, riding on the back of Ben’s Honda Gold Wing, endless crafting, to leading church activities—and her unwavering faith and kindness touched all who knew her.
Bettie is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 51 years, Ben; her daughter Cindy (Heb) Purvis; her son Raymond (Heidi) Thomas; her “adopted” children Greg and Nicole Seeber; her sister Brenda Jones; her sister-in-law Penny (Butch) Dodd; her grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew and their families.
A Celebration of Bettie’s Life will be held on November 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Deer Park United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Deer Park United Methodist Church at www.deerparkumc.com/donate
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