Peacefully in her sleep, Bettylou Kardatzke, returned to her heavenly home on January 25, 2017. Bettylou was born to late parents, George & Virginia Diggs, on January 8, 1933 in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is loved by many and missed by all. 

Bettylou was the second oldest sibling of five. She is proceeded in death by her parents, her brother: Ted, sisters: Rachel & Ann, and grandchild: Shyanne. Bettylou is survived by her two daughters: Marybeth and Dorothyanne; her younger sister: Virginia Fern Landon; her grandchildren: Nawafe, Yousef, Bridget, and Christina; her great grandchildren: Mary, Hana, Cheyenne, & Robert. (Oliver on the way!) She is survived by many other beloved nieces, nephews, honorary children/grandchildren, friends, and pets. 

Bettylou was a mother and true educator at heart. Actually, a Jane-of-all-trades! She worked very hard for many years looking after many before her own needs. Over her beautiful 84 years - she was a caretaker, a hospital kelly girl, seamstress, teacher, waitress, office worker, retail worker, volunteer (churches! girl scouts!), animal-rescuer, and childcare provider. Especially through her love for childcare she met many friends who became family. Evidence of Bettylou's kind heart is in the many lifelong friendships she started & maintained by simply loving others. Bettylou didn't just shape people's lives - it needs to be noted that she loved every animal she ever encountered and desperately tried to rescue any ones in need! 

She dedicated all her love, kindness, and generosity to God and encouraged others in their lives and faith. She was kind and though not always soft-spoken she certainly made time for anyone who ever called on her for help, or to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. She was a welcoming soul and everyone who met her loved her! She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator as she's always dreamed.

Bettylou's remains were respectfully cremated on the afternoon of Thursday, January 26th. A memorial service will be held in Houston, TX on Saturday, February 11th. Our family appreciates all the love, prayers, and support we have felt during this difficult time. 

In honor of Bettylou's deep love for mother nature, the great outdoors, and all the woodland creatures - in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to a fund purchasing fruit trees and/or rose bushes to be planted in loving memory.