BETTY JO FREEMAN RYAN, 88, Mom, Mama,
Grandmom, passed away on July 2, 2021, due to
pancreatic cancer. Her ashes were buried in
Spring Creek Cemetery. She leaves behind a
heartbroken family that will forever miss her
laughter, love, and her homemade rolls.
Betty was born ... well, we're not sure. The
doctor said it was the evening of Jan. 24, 1933,
but Grandma Julie said it was after midnight,
making it Jan. 25, 1933. She was the youngest
of 8 children. Brothers- Willard Freeman,
Edward Freeman (RHS-1944), and Leland. Sisters-
Odessa, Willie, Flogene Freeman Throne (RHS-1948),
and Imogene.
Betty Jo was born to Earl Franklin & Julia Viola
McCoy Freeman at home in Ranger, TX. She grew
up in Ranger, attending Ranger High School in the
Class of 1950. Later she graduated from Droughns
Business College and went to work at American
Aggregate. In 1953, she married Curtis N. Ryan.
Over the years, they would live in San Marcos,
Odessa, Dallas, Duncanville, Mansfield, and
Weatherford. Along the way, they had 3 of the
best kids ever. Betty worked at Duncanville ISD,
InLook Outlet, & Pier One. She and Curtis owned
fabric stores in Mansfield and Ranger. For enter-
tainment, she loved working puzzles, playing board
games, and planting and replanting flowers in the
yard. She and Curtis played Bingo, bowled, were
members of the Granbury Antique Car club, and held
many, many garage sales. Most of all, she loved
coupons and getting a good deal.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents and all
her siblings. She leaves behind her husband of 68
years, Curtis. Also, her son, Richard and Joci
Ryan of Red Oak, daughter, Karen Holmes of Brock,
daughter, Janet and David Spector of Denton. Grand-
children: Jason Holmes, Julie and Dustin Pavelek,
Curtis and Sarah Ryan, Kristine and Jordan Hanna,
Kelly Ryan and Adam Hoeft. Great-grandchildren:
Carson, Emily, Austin, Anna, and Weston.