Betty Andress

The gates of Heaven flung wide open for Betty Nell Andress on Friday morning, September 8, 2023 as she entered into the Lord's arms after a 17 year long battle with Alzheimer's. She wanted to go home to Jesus several years ago, but the Lord chose to use her instead as an inspiration to her family and to others.

Betty was born to Corbet and Vennie Lytle in Munday, Texas on September 2, 1933. We just recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Betty was "born again" and was baptized when she was 14 years old at the Trinity Fundamental Baptist Church in Haskell.

Betty grew up in the Haskell, Paint Creek, and Rule area and graduated from Rule High School. Shortly out of high school, she married Ken Andress of Haskell. Ken had committed his life to the Lord Jesus as a minister of the gospel. Betty served alongside him for more than 56 years. She went to college at McMurry University in Abilene. Betty and Ken had three children-Mike, Paula, and Vance.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Ken; her brother, Gerald Lytle of Midland; her sister, Maxine Miller of Haskell; and her sister Vennie Massie of Abilene.

She is survived by her sister, Jean Hennessee of Carlsbad, New Mexico; a sister-in-law, Johnnie Lytle of Midland; by her 3 children and spouses-Mike and wife Kristi of San Angelo, Paula and husband Terry Bowden of Snyder, and Vance and wife Cindy of Minneapolis, Minnesota; by 8 grandchildren-Ashley Honea and husband Jim of San Angelo; Anna Heimbecker and husband Stephen of San Angelo; Emily Rogers and husband Derek of Sonora; Erin Sloan and husband Chaz of San Angelo; Allison Wetz and husband Matt of Midland; Jeremy Bowden and wife Alisha of Granbury; Regan Acri and husband Tyler of Des Moines, Iowa; and Tim Andress and wife Abbey of Austin; and also by 15 great-grandchildren-Ryann, Cullen, Breven, Jackson, Katherine, Jack, Hannah, Caleb, Truitt, Evie, Dillen, Ezra, Triston, Ty, and Bentley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty lived a joyful, fruitful life. She loved her husband and her family with all of her heart, and her family loved her as well. She enjoyed raising her three children and also being a pastor's wife. She was very active in the churches her husband pastored-teaching Sunday School and VBS, involved in WMU, leading MasterLife and MOP's groups, and many other volunteer assignments. She, along with family, traveled to the Holy Land several times and also visited their son and family in the Philippines three times. Betty also went on church mission trips to Australia, Yugoslavia and Romania.

Her hobbies and interests included sewing, crafts, oil painting, reading, and Bible study. She was also an excellent cook.

Betty was raised in a devout Christian home that lived by strong biblical convictions and morals. As a result, she helped raise her own family with the same principles. She and her family were always active in the Southern Baptist churches that Ken pastored. Going to church was the central focus of her life. She greatly enjoyed the singing of hymns and gospel songs and had a beautiful alto singing voice. Betty had an undoubting faith and a deep love and devotion for the Lord. She began most every day with a daily Bible reading, devotional, and prayer. She was a prayer warrior-praying regularly for her husband, her family, and other special prayer needs. She was an encourager to those who were facing difficulties. She also regularly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Unfortunately, due to the onset of Alzheimer's, Betty's life began changing with the progression of this cruel disease. Betty has been cared for over the past few years by the caring staff of three facilities in San Angelo- Myrtlewood (now Brayden Park), The Springs, and Regency House. The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of these wonderful facilities, and also to Dr. Gary Nussey and Dr. Kyle Mills. We could not have done it without you.

A private burial took place on September 12. A memorial service celebrating Betty's life will be held on Saturday, October 14, at 2 PM in the chapel of Elmwood Funeral Home in Abilene. All are welcome.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 [NIV]