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BORN
1920
DIED
2015
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Bette DeLay Obituary
1920-2015
Bette DeLay was born on August 27, 1920, in Terre Haute, Indiana, and died on May 25, 2015, at Clarewood House in Houston. The eldest daughter of Marcus and Edith Faubion, Bette visited her brother in Houston on a vacation in 1941 and never returned to Indiana. Bette is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, J. R. "Bob" DeLay, with whom she worked at his homebuilding business. Together they were long-time Bellaire and Meyerland residents.
At both Bellaire and Westbury United Methodist churches, Bette served as the first organist and remained at that post for years. At Bellaire United Methodist, she was pianist for the Gibson Class for almost 30 years, on the board and a founder of the School for Little Children, active in the Ruth Circle, and a member and president of United Methodist Women, among other service positions. Bette was also active in The Methodist Hospital Women's Auxiliary, serving two terms as president and working at both their gift shop and their thrift shop.
Bette's gift for music was a source of joy for her and those around her throughout her lifetime, especially in her final years at Clarewood House. She was a familiar figure there, playing for Songs Around the Piano and Sunday evening Hymn Sing. She will be remembered by her many friends for her positive outlook, quick wit, ready smile, and kindness to others. Bette was a Christian who never preached, but just lived her beliefs.
Bette is survived by her children, Bobette and husband Clinton Dunn, Randy DeLay and girlfriend Beatriz Cardenas, Edith DeLay and husband Paul LeBlanc, and Jeanine and husband Ralph Mouret, and her two grandsons, Nathan and wife Kim Chapman and Jeremy Chapman, as well as her sister Ethlynne McKee, her brother-in-law Earl Mason, numerous nieces and nephews, and her dear friend Betty Drisdale.
A celebration of Bette's life will be held at 2:30, Saturday, May 30, in the auditorium at Clarewood House, 7400 Clarewood Drive, Houston, TX 77036. For those desiring, memorial gifts in Bette's name can be made to Clarewood House or to Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Boulevard, Bellaire, TX 77401.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bette DeLay
Sponsored by Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery.
patrice sullivan
June 8, 2015
The first time I met Bette, I loved her immediately. Her smile, the joy in her eyes, and the openness to let things progress as they will. I have loved the relationship she shared with Edith, so much love and genuineness. She will be missed by all her children and all those who knew her. We need more humans like her!!
Patrice
Leon & Dot Ullrich
May 31, 2015
Bette was a great lady with a lot of fun in her. We got to know her well when Bob added on to our home and of course we knew her at Bellaire UMC. She loved to remind Dorothy of the story told by Dot about one of our granddaughters who told Dot that she had "fluffy arms". This made her laugh every time she told that back to Dot. She was such a lovely person who we will always remember.
Marjorie Wilson
May 30, 2015
Bette Delay was a beautiful woman in every way. The words the Chaplain used about her today were all true and all good. I know her family is very proud of Bette. She will be greatly missed here on earth. If they need a piano player in heaven - they now have a great and lovely one!
...Marjorie Wilson
Newlyweds
Paul LeBlanc
May 30, 2015
Paul LeBlanc
May 30, 2015
May 30, 2015
Bette DeLay represented a great example of someone I wanted to replicate in my
own life. Her inner beauty and love of God showed through for all to see. She was an accomplished pianist, beautiful lady, wonderful personality, and a truly amazing and wonderful person. Whatever task she was given she did to the best extent of her ability. She didn't just play beautiful music for the Gibson Class for the 30 years or more that she played there. She selected music to co-ordinate with the theme of the lesson that was taught. Her playing was special every time for me just to enjoy as part of the Sunday School class. I repeatedly complimented her on her musical ability and my enjoyment of it and she would respond with remarks like"My brother played so much better than I do. " She encouraged me to join the UMW and the Methodist Auxiliary which she was always a leader of and I just wanted to be part of the type of Christian that Bette was. I did follow her in being an active part of the activities she was so accomplished in.She would call you on your birthday and play Happy Birthday on the piano and she did this to many people in the class and people in her
church activities. Wonderful memories of you, Bette, that I will try to continue because I was so in awe of you and of the loving person that you were! How lucky we all were to have Bette touch our lives!
John,Josette and Sheila Santamaria
May 30, 2015
The Santamaria family extends their condolences for the loss of your mother, Bette. We hope you can take comfort from the pride you must feel knowing she was a caring and giving person to not only her family but to so many others in living such a life of generosity to make the world a better place for everyone. Her true Christian spirit is an example everyone should aspire to.
Tammy Saxon
May 29, 2015
What a wonderful lady! I will remember her for her caring spirit, soft-spoken manner, gentle nature, and her love of the piano.
I am sure the angels are gathered for Songs Around the Piano with her.
You will truly missed! Always enjoyed celebrating you on your special days!!! Love, Patti Lyn
Patti Faubion Rogers
May 29, 2015
Paul LeBlanc
May 29, 2015
Julie Shinevar
May 29, 2015
My Aunt Bette was one of the most giving and loving people I know. She had a beautiful soul. I will treasure my visits to Houston! She was an amazing hostess. I know how very deeply she will be missed, especially by my dear cousins and her grandchildren. I hope she is having a giant reunion in heaven with all her siblings and my dad! Heaven gained quite an angel!
Ethlynne McKee
May 28, 2015
My beloved big sister and wonderful friend. Her passing leaves a huge void in my life, and I shall forever treasure heartwarming and precious memories of her.
Mary Mouret
May 28, 2015
Farewell Bette my dear friend.
Rest in peace, and may you join in concert with the angels.
Thanks for the memories.
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