Betty Ruth Runnels went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.  She was born to James Samuel Hinton and Cordia Ella Mclaughlin, on March 19, 1931, in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  She had four older brothers and two older sisters, and they all adored their baby sister.  Betty worked at the local drug store downtown Chickasha while in high school and after she graduated. It was there she met her beloved husband Pete one day while he was in town playing a minor league baseball game and the rest was history.  Pete and Betty were always a team, especially as Pete's baseball career progressed.  She was confident, strong, and capable, whether it was driving across country to spring training or to Boston, in a station wagon with three children, or holding down the fort at home. Major league baseball is a family and was a huge part of her life - she loved the many friends that she made throughout the years. Later on, she loved watching her grandsons play baseball and very rarely ever missed a game. She always showed up for all her grandchildren and loved and supported them throughout everything.

After they retired from baseball, Pete and Betty established Camp Champions, a private summer camp in Marble Falls, Texas.  They loved their summers at camp and were fully invested in every child.

First Baptist Church was a mainstay in her life, and she was an active member for over sixty-five years. She loved everything about the church and was very involved in serving, missions and teaching Sunday School. She taught 6th grade girls Sunday School for many years and led lots of those little girls to Jesus.

To say she lived for the Lord and for her family is an understatement, her words below describe her feelings perfectly: "I love my Lord with all my heart and soul and my family next to Him.  My special achievements are my children and grandchildren and my greats.  I love each and all of you with all my heart.  I also have the world's best daughter in law and son in law, for which I am very grateful. Please take good care of each other and never forget how much you are loved – by the Lord and by me! Forever and always!! Mom – Nana and Great Nana

Betty is survived by her daughter Jamey Dobyanski and husband Scott and son Steve Runnels and wife Melaina. Grandchildren – Robyn Haskins and husband Jason, Kristyn Hodson and husband Robert, Amy Bryant, Jonathan Runnels and wife Chloe and Micah Runnels and wife Chloe. Great-grandchildren – Elizabeth – Olivia – Mark – Jake – Brady – Hayden and Leo.

She is preceded in death by her husband Pete Runnels, Son Mark Runnels and many other family and friends.

We give heartfelt thanks and gratitude to The Reserve and to Harbor Hospice for the wonderful care they gave our Mom.

Her celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church Pasadena, 7500 Fairmont Parkway, in the Chapel on Monday October 30, 2023. Visitation will be held at 10:00am, the service will follow at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Baptist Church Pasadena – Beyond These Walls.