Betty Lou

Van Matre

Betty Lou Van Matre was born on October 14, 1931, in Seminole, Oklahoma to Charles Allen and Minnie Bertha (Fourt). Betty passed into eternal life on September 28, 2026.

Betty played basketball in high school and moved to Abilene Texas after graduation where she met the love of her life, Bill Van Matre. They later moved to Hobbs New Mexico and lived there until their deaths.

Betty worked for GTE (Telephone Company) for over 40 years in various positions and retired from the local office. She also was a dedicated worker, kind and supportive to those around her and tried to help others in need in a most caring way. Many times, she would bake cakes for others just as a kind gesture or for special occasions.

After retirement, she enjoyed the companionship of a fellow co-worker Howard Cotter. They enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and relatives. He was a wonderful man in our lives!

She was an avid Hobbs Eagle Fan, especially for basketball, and attended most games, home and away. She had a way with numbers and birthdates and was wonderful at sending cards to those she cared for. Betty also loved working with jigsaw puzzles, reading and getting together with her large family for fun times. She always tried to be grateful and treat others the way she liked to be treated. She was also soft-spoken and loved her dogs. She had a cheeky little grin! She loved her family.

Betty is survived by one sister Darlene Underwood (BC), two daughters, Vicky Hulsey and Karen McWade (Richard), three grandsons-Ricky Van Matre, Steven McWade and Matthew McWade, six great grandchildren-Renee Acosta-Baradet (Alejandro), Ryan Van Matre, Emileea McWade, Liam McWade, Riley McWade, & Trinity McWade, two great, great grandchildren Xiovanni Acosta and Caroline Van Matre and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill of 36 years, brothers Pete and Franklin Bray, sisters-Gladys Longan, Marie Davis, Blanche Bethany, Ruby Heald and Jessie Parsons.

The family has requested no flowers, but plants would be acceptable. A grave side service will occur on a later date.

We, the family, would like to thank all the care givers at White Sands for their wonderful care of our Mom, as well as any others who provided services to her.

Mom, we are glad you are no longer in pain and suffering and now with your other loved ones. You were the best Mom, Mommy, Grammy, Aunt Betty, and Miss Betty to so many.

There will be no services for Betty at this time.