Coburn "Betty" Caplinger

It is with profound sadness, yet with faith and hope in God's promises, that we announce the passing of Coburn Elizabeth "Betty" Caplinger, age 93, of Grand Saline, Texas. Betty was born on February 1, 1932, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to Louis H. Freeman and Ollie Mae Burke. On December 18, 2025, Betty peacefully departed this earthly life, surrounded by the love of her family, and entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Betty was raised alongside her brother, Louis "Lou" Jr., and sister, Helen, and from an early age displayed the outgoing, confident, and joyful spirit that would define her throughout her life. She truly never met a stranger. Known for her kind heart and warm personality, Betty had a natural ability to connect with others and make them feel welcome. Her energy was remarkable - she remained active and independent well into her later years, even continuing to drive into her 80s.

In her younger years, Betty shared her love of music as a proud member of the ChannelAires of Sweet Adelines International, Region 11, in California. Through this organization, she had the rare opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as at several venues throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.

Betty proudly served her country in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. She was stationed at the United States Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. Following her military service, she dedicated 26 years to civil service at China Lake and Port Hueneme, California. Her career was marked by commitment, professionalism, and excellence, culminating in her becoming the first civilian to receive the Outstanding Civilian Award for Personnel Support Detachment for the Southern California area. She was later promoted to Supervisor of the Military Pay Division at Port Hueneme, a position she held with pride and distinction.

After relocating to Texas, Betty spent 20 years in banking at Community Bank in Rockwall, Texas, where she was well known and highly respected. During her years in Rockwall, she was deeply involved in the community and devoted countless hours to volunteer work, always eager to serve wherever she was needed.

Betty's faith was the foundation of her life. Her love for the Lord was not simply spoken - it was lived daily. Bible study and reading scripture were her greatest passions, and her faith guided every decision she made. Betty was a longtime member of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall as well as a member of the Burton Life Group. She absolutely adored her Life Group and always looked forward to their annual Retreat.

Betty raised her family with the values of God, Country, and Family, and she exemplified those principles through her unwavering servant's heart. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were everything to her, and she treasured each moment spent with them. Betty always delighted in sharing with everyone that they were her most cherished blessings from God.

Betty had a creative spirit and an exceptional eye for detail. She loved arts and crafts, decorating any room she entered, and especially enjoyed decorating for every holiday. She also loved making festive shirts, doing puzzles, and playing bingo at the nursing home. Wherever Betty lived, she brought warmth, color, and joy. Her life was truly a testament to faith, service, creativity, and love. Betty will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Louis H. Freeman and Ollie Mae Freeman; her children, Kenny, RayeAnne, and Ricky Caplinger; and her brother, Louis "Lou" H. Freeman Jr. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Connie Nelson, and her husband, Rick; her grandchildren, Daniel Nelson and Richard Nelson and wife Ashley; her cherished great-grandchildren, Blayklee, Leighton, Copelynn, Cayden, and Emmalynn Nelson; and her sister, Helen Halbert.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Betty's hospice aide of two and a half years, Nancy; her hospice nurses, Kara, Shelbi, and Stacy; Hospice of East Texas; and the nurses and staff at Azalea Nursing Home and Anderson Nursing Home, for the compassionate care, kindness, and love shown to Betty throughout her journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Meals on Wheels Senior Services in Rockwall, one of Betty's favorite organizations.

A public time of gathering and visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Reflections Chapel at Rest Haven Funeral Home, located at 2500 State Highway 66 East, Rockwall, Texas 75087.

A funeral service celebrating Betty's life and her faith in Christ will follow at 2:00 PM, also in Reflections Chapel, with Pastor Charles Kimble officiating.

For those unable to attend in person, Betty's service will be livestreamed. Please click on the following link to watch the service: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NjYwMDE0MTM5NDI3MSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Those wishing to honor Betty with flowers may do so by contacting The Flower Box by Rest Haven at (972) 772-3269. Independent florists are kindly asked to deliver floral arrangements directly to Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall by 11:00 AM on Monday, December 29, 2025, to ensure they are displayed for Betty's visitation in a timely manner.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rest Haven Funeral Home - Rockwall, Texas.