Betty Lou Bradley

Betty Lou DeBerg Rost Bradley peacefully passed into the arms of her Savior on January 11, 2026, at Baylor Scott & White in College Station, Texas. Until the very end, Betty maintained her spunk, compassion for others, and passion for evangelical ministry. She consistently expressed deep gratitude for the long and meaningful life she shared with her family and friends.
Betty was born on February 8, 1935, to Belle and Martin DeBerg in Little Rock, Iowa. She fondly recalled her childhood as a Northerner, growing up alongside her younger sister, Audrey (DeBerg) Schmidt. Betty especially loved cold winter days and the simple joys of life in the Midwest.
She graduated from high school in Little Rock, Iowa, and went on to pursue higher education at the School of Medical Technology, where she later earned her degree-beginning a lifelong commitment to service and care for others.
Betty made her way to Brenham, Texas, in 1957 where she became one of the original employees of the Brenham Clinic – being their first Medical Technologist; she worked in the Lab and Xray departments. She was employed with the Brenham Clinic for thirty-five years.
She married her first love, Henry "Chuck" Rost, on October 25, 1958. Together, they welcomed three children-Charles "Chili" Rost, Sally Rost, and Nancy (Rost) Fritz-and shared 24 years of love and life. In 1982, tragedy struck when her son and husband were taken in a car accident, a loss that forever changed her. Through unimaginable grief, the Lord became her strength. In His mercy, He pursued her heart, drawing her deeper into His embrace-and perhaps gifting her along the way with an extra measure of spunk and quick wit.
Betty met Harvey Bradley in the fall of 1989. They eloped and married December 13, 1990. Wedding bells brought new life, friends, and expanded her family with Harvey's loving children and their families.
After retirement, Betty and Harvey traveled the United States, exploring all 50 states, mostly in their travel trailer. They also enjoyed cruising. Her favorite vacation spot was the Holy Land – walking where Jesus walked.
Together they served in their church home, Brenham's First Baptist Church. She loved her church family and singing in the choir. She also volunteered many years with Faith Mission and Hospice Boutique, where she made several friends.
Family was at the heart of everything Betty cherished. She loved attending family celebrations and was always asking for extra days-and extra reasons-to gather together. She adored her grandchildren and was immensely proud of each one, sharing stories about them with anyone who would listen-and sometimes even when no one asked. Her great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart; she delighted in being involved in their activities, treasured their hugs, and cherished every moment spent with them. More than anything, Betty simply loved being in the presence of her family. Her favorite day was simple and perfect: playing cards, eating soup, extra hot coffee, LOTS of dessert, and being surrounded by those she loved.
Betty's faith in her Lord and Savior never wavered. Even in her most difficult and trying seasons, she held firmly to the truth she believed, drawing strength and peace from her faith. She lived out her devotion daily and was never hesitant to share it with others, often asking with genuine care if they knew Jesus. Her faith was not only something she believed-it was something she lived and lovingly shared. Sweet, blessed assurance, Jesus IS hers.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Belle and Martin DeBerg; her first husband, Chuck Rost (1982); her son, Chili Rost (1982); her second husband, Harvey Bradley (2016); her daughter, Sally Rost (2018); and her niece, Robin Schmidt Lane (2024).
She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Rost Fritz, and her husband, James; her grandchildren, Todd Nesloney (wife, Liz), Amanda Threatt (husband, Rex), Chase Nesloney (wife, Kourtney), and Kayla Street (husband, Garrett); her great-grandchildren, Hayden Mertz, Madison Threatt, Harrison Threatt, Cade Nesloney, Brixton Nesloney, Liam Nesloney, Owen Street, Rylan Street, Wrenlee Nesloney, and Keegan Street; her sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Bob Schmidt; her nephew, Jay Schmidt; and extended family members gained through her marriage to her second husband, Harvey.
Memorials in her name can be made to Brenham's First Baptist Church Deep & Wide Campaign.
Visitation will be held at Brenham Memorial Chapel on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11a.m. at Brenham First Baptist Church, located at 304 North Market Street, Brenham, TX.
Condolences may be shared at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com