Obituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson Funeral Home - Childress on Jul. 7, 2025.
Bettie Valenzuela ObituaryBettie Carol Wade Valenzuela, 70, of
Childress, TX passed away Thursday July 3, 2025.
A memorial service is pending at a later date.
Bettie was born May 10, 1955 in Groom, TX to L.J. and Ellen Wade. She was excited to celebrate her birthday with her younger sister who was born on the same day 4 years later. She was raised, alongside her 5 siblings, in Bunavista (Borger, TX) until 1968 when the family moved to Panhandle. Her parents owned and operated Otasco Home & Auto store in Panhandle where Bettie worked alongside her family until her graduation from Panhandle High School in 1973. She married the love of her life Richard Valenzuela on December 1, 1977. They made their home in Childress where they were blessed with a daughter, Raelyn, in 1981. Bettie and Richard enjoyed traveling to watch Raelyn's speed skating competitions and Richard's softball tournaments. Bettie worked for TxDot where she was fondly known as Bettie V. She was proud to serve on a task force that created computer software for the State of Texas during her time at TxDot. In 2011 Bettie retired from TxDot after 29 years of service. After retirement she devoted her life to being a caretaker for first Richard and then Raelyn as they battled illnesses. Bettie loved all things Elvis Presley and fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to Graceland with her best friend Brenda and Kevin. Bettie enjoyed keeping up with friends and family on social media and face timing with her grandchildren.
Bettie is preceded in death by her husband Richard Valenzuela, daughter Raelyn Hickman, grandson Tyler Cobb, parents L.J. & Ellen Wade, sister Bonnie Wade, brother-in-laws Mark Lycan & Richard Robinson, nephews Ricky McGowen & Kelly Goswick.
Surviving is a grandson Skyler Hickman, a granddaughter Olivia Hickman, and a son-in-law Jeff Hickman all of Springfield, MO. Sisters Susan McGowen (Gary) of Midland, TX, Mary Robinson of Panhandle, TX, Jenny Wade-Lycan of Midland, TX, Johna Figueroa (Mark) of Borger, TX, a brother John Wade (Donna) of Panhandle, TX, and her lifelong friend of over 40 years Brenda Overstreet (Kevin) of
Childress, TX. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made in Bettie's honor to Rowe Cemetery, Box 213, Hedley TX 79237.
To to the family or in memory of Bettie, please .
Bettie Carol Wade Valenzuela, 70, of
Childress, TX passed away Thursday July 3, 2025.
A memorial service is pending at a later date.
Bettie was born May 10, 1955 in Groom, TX to L.J. and Ellen Wade. She was excited to celebrate her birthday with her younger sister who was born on the same day 4 years later. Sh