Bertina Ramsey Synatschk

Bertina Ramsey Synatschk, 89, of Midland, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2017. The family will be accepting guests at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church, with interment following at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pastor Robert Pase will be officiating the services. Bertina, known as Bettye to family and friends, was born on February 23, 1927 in Binford, North Dakota to Palmer and Helen Ramsey. As a young woman, Bettye met the love of her life, Martin Synatschk. On August 19, 1950, Martin and Bettye were married, marking the beginning of their 66 years together. Bettye was a devoted wife to a hard working farmer, and an incredible cook of homemade, country meals. She loved learning new recipes and cooking for her family and friends. She was an incredible mother to her five children, Martin, Jr., Stephen, Bruce, Kenneth, and Sara. She was a patient woman, but could have a temper when necessary! Bettye's son, Stephen, had Downs Syndrome, leading Bettye to form a life-long relationship with M.A.R.C., Midland's Association for Retarded Citizens. M.A.R.C. held a special place in Bettye's heart; together with her family, Bettye devoted energy, money, and time to this wonderful organization. Bettye was incredibly loving and accepting of everyone she met. She had a weakness for babies and loved to spend her free time babysitting her grandchildren and the children of friends. If it were up to her, Bettye would have been surrounded by babies and children constantly. Her spirituality and her love for children led her to teach the children's Sunday school class at Grace Lutheran for many years. When she had free time, she spent her days gardening, doing crafts, solving puzzles, and reading. Bettye was a talented, compassionate, and selfless woman who will be dearly missed by all that knew her. She is preceded in death by her son, Stephen Synatschk; parents, Palmer and Helen Ramsey; and brothers, Palmer Ramsey, Jr. and Phillip Ramsey. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Martin E. Synatschk; son, Martin E. Synatschk, Jr. and wife Kathy; son, Bruce E. Synatschk and wife Debra; son, Kenneth N. Synatschk and wife Lynne; daughter, Sara A. Johnson and husband David; brother, Edwin Ramsey; brother, Clarence Ramsey; sister, Elvina Tellis; sister, Helen McGee; eight grandchildren; and by nine great-grandchildren and two on the way. Pallbearers for the service will be Bettye's grandsons: Matthew Synatschk, Eric Synatschk, Joe Synatschk, Jeremy Johnson, and Kelyn Synatschk. Honorary pallbearers will be Bettye's great-grandsons: Alex Synatschk, Jakob Synatschk, Harrison Synatschk, Everit Johnson, and Jude Synatschk. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lutheran Hour in honor of Bettye Synatschk, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141, 1-877-333-1963. The family would like to express their gratitude toward her loving extended family, numerous friends, the Visiting Angels, and Encompass Home Health. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.