Betty Roween Byman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Betty Roween Byman, a devoted homemaker and cherished wife of James Byman. Betty peacefully went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2024.

Betty was born on March 7, 1937, to Cleo and Jack Russell, in Knox City, Texas. Betty’s dream, from an early age, was to be a wife and mother. She met the love of her life, Jim Byman, in high school. They actually ran away to Oklahoma to get married at the age of 17. After almost 70 years, they were still lovingly devoted to each other. Children came along quickly. Betty thought she wanted 5 brown eyed boys, but instead got 4 blue/green eyed girls. She said that God knew what He was doing, and she was very thankful for her family. Betty was always available for her children. She was home to meet them after school and had dinner on the table at 5:00 every evening when Jim came home from work. Dinner usually included one of her homemade pies, or other delicious dessert.

She and Jim were at every event they could possibly make, for their children and grandchildren through the years.

Betty’s greatest loves were her husband, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her dogs. Sometimes we weren’t sure in which order. She adored her dachshunds, Penny and Abby.

She also loved holiday gatherings, especially Christmas. She and Jim went all out with their Snow Village and other decorations. They spoiled us all rotten with sugar cookies, fudge, and a roomful of gifts.

Once her girls were grown and flown, Betty moved on to new roles and challenges. She went to UTA and earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, with a minor in Geology. As part of those studies, she spent 6 weeks in language immersion in Mexico, and a week on a geology dig. In the following years, she worked as a paralegal, owned and operated a preschool, worked as a travel agent, and volunteered at Arlington Memorial Hospital.

Betty and Jim loved to travel and went all over the world on multiple cruises. One of her favorite trips was to the Holy Land, and another to Australia and New Zealand. Closer to home, they loved spending time at their little rock house in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Sitting out on the porch with her coffee, overlooking the mountains, was one of her greatest joys.

Betty devoted her life to loving and caring for her people. In her last few years, as she struggled with illness, Jim repaid her by lovingly taking care of his “Ms. Baby” through it all.

Betty was a loving wife, Mom, Grandmother, and friend. Her grace, kindness, sense of humor, and warmth will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her. We are so thankful that her struggles are over, and she is home with the Lord, where she longed to be.

Betty is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughters: Debbie Sumrak and husband, Dennis; Cheryl Miller; Barbara Wadley and husband, Greg; Cynthia Duncan and husband, Steve; Her grandchildren: Kary Herrell and husband, Jeremy; Jessica McGuire and husband, John; Meagan Castro and husband, Joe; Brianna Stambaugh and husband, Craig; Reese Wadley and wife, Brittany; Alyssa Koo and husband, Steven; Zachary Wadley and wife, Rita; and Emily Wadley; Her great grandchildren: Calvin, Vera Jane, Jase, Zane, Eliza, Buck, Claire, and Kaya.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Cleo Russell.