Bettie Carol Wade Valenzuela, 70, of Childress, Texas, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025.
A memorial service is pending at a later date.
Bettie was born May 10, 1955, in Groom, Texas to L.J. and Ellen Wade. She was excited to celebrate her birthday with her younger sister, who was born on the same day, four years later. She was raised, alongside her five siblings, in Bunavista (Borger, Texas) until 1968, when the family moved to Panhandle, Texas. 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 Dec. 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 the Texas Department of Transportation (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 FaceTiming with her grandchildren.
Bettie is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Valenzuela; daughter Raelyn Hickman; grandson Tyler Cobb; parents L.J. and Ellen Wade; sister Bonnie Wade; brothers-in-law Mark Lycan and Richard Robinson; and nephews Ricky McGowen and Kelly Goswick.
Surviving is a grandson, Skyler Hickman; a granddaughter, Olivia Hickman; and a son-inlaw, Jeff Hickman, all of Springfield, Mo.; sisters Susan McGowen (Gary), of Midland, Texas, Mary Robinson of Panhandle, Jenny Wade-Lycan, of Midland, Johna Figueroa (Mark), of Borger; a brother, John Wade (Donna), of Panhandle; and her lifelong friend of over 40 years, Brenda Overstreet (Kevin), of Childress; 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.
