Bette Thetford

Bette Lou Thetford passed away on January 30, 2024 at Skilled Care of Mexia. 

Bette was born on July 11, 1934 in Mexia, Texas to John Gafford and Stella Lloyd Gafford. She married LaRue Beard in 1952 and they had three children: Gary (Vickie) Beard, Cathy (Bob) Taylor, and Bobby (Kris) Beard.

Bette worked for many years as Chaplain's Secretary at the Mexia State Supported Living Center.

 In 1972, Bette married Melvin Thetford. This union brought her a bonus son and daughter, Mike (Sharon) Thetford and Sandy Hembree.

Bette and Mel enjoyed many years of square dancing and traveling with a camping group of friends.

Bette was very active in the First United Methodist Church here in Mexia for many years. She really loved her church family where she served as Stephens' minister.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mel; brother, John Gafford, Jr.; beloved sister-in-law, Wanette (Bo) Gafford; and nephew, Danny Gafford.

Bette is survived by her children and grandchildren: Lindsey (Rudy) Leonard, Austin (Xavier) Beard, Michael (Keita) Murphey, Matthew (Clare) Murphey, Craig Beard, Daryl (Chase) Earle, Amy (Sammy) Kent, Jennifer Murphey, Daniel (Eva) Murphey, Sean Hembree, Laura Thetford, and Stephen Thetford. She is also survived by numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and a special niece, Sondra (Mike) Cook.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 2, 2024 at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home with Chaplain Larry Holden officiating. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.