Betty Jo Wilks

Betty Jo Wilks, age 84 was called home at 11:35 AM on August 22, 2009. Betty's life began April 24, 1925 in Lockney, Texas. She was the third child of Dozier and Mary Lee Dillard. Betty attended school in Floydada, Texas where she graduated in 1942. Upon graduation, she moved to Amarillo, Texas to work for Western Union. She med Ted Wilks who was stationed in Amarillo in the army at a local dance. They married on July 27, 1945 and celebrated their 64th anniversary in 2009. Betty and Ted moved to Carlsbad in 1948 and have lived here since then. Betty's career job was working for Guaranty Abstract and Title Co. where she did a multitude of jobs. She worked there for 37 years from July of 1951 until her retirement in 1988. Betty's passion was painting. Anything would be her canvas. She most enjoyed painting Southwest scenes on rocks, cans, switch plates and broken pieces of pottery which she made into jewelry. Several of her paintings are still hanging at Guaranty Abstract, Blodgett Street Baptist Church and Dick Blenden's office. Betty was also active in her church where she was a member of the Senior Choir, Joy Club, Sunday School and the Bereavement Committee. Betty loved the church. Her husband Ted and daughter Elaine would like to thank each and every one of these precious friends for their love, support and visits. Each of you made such a difference in all our lives. We truly appreciate all you did especially for Betty at this special time and journey in her life. We also want to say a special thank you to everyone at Lakeview Christian Hospice and Homecare. Each of you will always remain in our heart for the enormous blessing you were in our lives and the many lessons you taught our little family. You helped us through so many times, happy and difficult. We love you so much. Betty's parents, both of her brothers, Flake and Dennis Dillard, her sister, Ernestine Gilly, and her niece, Janice Lackey all preceded her in death. Betty is survived by her husband Ted of the home; her daughter, Elaine Pyle and husband, Bill of Clovis, NM; her grandchildren: Jason Pyle and wife, Melissa of Clovis and Mandy Casey and husband, Mike of Albuquerque, NM; four great-grandchildren: Noah Pyle, Merci Pyle, Grace Montes and Ian Casey. We miss her terribly but know she is looking down on us. Pallbearers will be Bob Moss, Bill Pyle, Jason Pyle, Kevin Mitchell, Sonny Dillard and Mike Casey. Honorary Pallbearers are: Mike Courier, Clarence Rogge, Nippy Howard, Sonny Daken, J. C. Evans, Les Pierce, Kevin Phillips and Will McCullough. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at Blodgett Street Baptist Church with Pastor David Prell officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Should friends desire, memorials might be made to Lakeview Hospice, 1300 North Canal Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com