Betty Jean Ross

Betty J. Smith Ross of Lampasas, Texas, passed away on December after a difficult battle with cancer. Betty was born on October 12, 1962 to Lavell (Doc) and Jewell Smith in Lampasas, Texas and lived a short 61 years at the time of her passing. Betty is survived by her loving husband, William (Bud) Ross; a son, John New of Lampasas; a daughter, Amanda New of Temple; a daughter, Jessica Miller of Lampasas; and a son, Jared Miller of Lampasas. Betty is also survived by four siblings: a brother, Andy Smith of Winters, Texas; a sister, Barbara and husband Johnny Plummley of Winters, Texas; a sister, Ann and husband John Bradshaw of Abilene, Texas; a sister Joy and husband Ronnie Curry of Winters, Texas and countless nieces and nephews. Bud and Betty met in the parking lot of the local convenience store located in Winters, Texas where Bud asked Betty to go for ride on his motorcycle. One short ride was the beginning of a lifelong journey together which included many wonderful bike trips all over the US and Canada. They both suspected that over the years they had crossed paths many times in the small town of Winter, and they both were very thankful that they finally got together. Bud and Betty have been truly blessed in their marriage and sincerely wished they could have made it to their 40 years anniversary in May of 2024. Betty studied education at Abilene Christian University and graduated with her Bachelor of Education in 1997. Betty's teaching career began in the Pasadena School district in Houston, Texas where she taught her first year. At that time Bud and Betty decided to move back to the Lampasas area where Betty taught for the next 22 years in the Killeen Independent School district. Betty loved teaching middle school age students and enriched the lives of many, many young people at Eastern Hills Middle School before retiring from her teaching career in May of 2022. Throughout her life, and even in the midst of her battle with cancer, Betty always found a way to smile and encourage those around her. She will be greatly missed. Mrs. Ross is in the care of Heritage Funeral Home in Lampasas. A memorial for Betty will be held at the First Street Church of Christ, Lampasas, Texas at 1:00 on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

Betty Jean Ross

October 12, 1962 - December 3, 2023