Betty Ruth Hibbitts Yancey Kollmeyer went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Betty was born on November 9, 1934, in Delassus, a suburb of Farmington, Missouri, to John and Olive Hibbitts.

From an early age, Betty's life was rooted in faith. She loved Jesus deeply, and her relationship with Him guided her throughout her life. She found great joy and comfort in reading her Bible and sharing her faith with others. Betty was a charter member of Word of Hope Christian Church and remained steadfast in her walk with the Lord, encouraging those around her with her faith and testimony.

Betty was a talented seamstress who created everything from simple garments to wedding dresses and costumes for performing bands. She enjoyed crocheting, playing the organ, piano, and accordion, and loved to sing praises. She had a passion for traveling, camping, fishing, marksmanship, and photography. Betty especially enjoyed listening to old-time gospel music and loved dancing, particularly the waltz and two-step. In high school, she sang in the choir and participated in competitive roller-skating dance with her brother.

A lifelong learner, Betty valued education and returned to college at the age of 79 to continue expanding her knowledge.

She began her career at "Ma Bell" as a switchboard operator in St. Louis. She later attended Leadbelt Technical School in Bonne Terre, Missouri, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in 1967. She went on to graduate from Mineral Area Community College in Flat River, Missouri, in 1972, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Throughout her career, she worked in various hospital departments and later served in nursing homes, becoming an Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). She also worked as a nurse consultant, helping facilities prepare for state inspections. Betty concluded her career working for the State of Texas in long-term care, retiring in March 2002.

In her younger years while living in Missouri, Betty was a member of the Knights of the Pythian Sisters, Rebekahs, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She will be remembered for her joyful spirit, sense of humor, and quick wit that brought smiles to those around her.

Betty married the love of her life, Albert Ray Yancey, on February 23, 1952, in East St. Louis. He preceded her in death on October 5, 1953. She later married Ellis Carl Kollmeyer on July 1, 1961; they divorced on March 10, 1971. He also preceded her in death.

Betty was the proud mother of three children: Allison Jayne, Deborah Ruth, and Joseph Andrew. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who loved her family deeply and prayed faithfully for them.

Throughout her life, Betty held an unwavering faith in God. She trusted in His promises and lived her life as a reflection of His love. Her family finds peace in knowing she is now rejoicing in Heaven.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Olive Hibbitts; her son, Joseph Andrew; her brother, Wayne "Pete"; and her sister, Virginia "Lorraine."

She is survived by her daughters, Allison Jayne Yancey Kollmeyer of Minooka, Illinois, and Deborah Ruth Kollmeyer Leahart of New Braunfels, Texas; along with 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sunset Memorial in New Braunfels, Texas, on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM, with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.