She was born on Oct. 14, 1932 to Paul Murray Lancaster and Nina Mae (Shiflette) Lancaster in Van, Texas. On March 23, 2019 she married Kenneth Gills.

Betty worked as a secretary for many years in the petroleum industry.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Columbus.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her family, and she loved the holidays and hosting parties, especially at the Pond House. She enjoyed socializing with friends. Her favorite place to travel was Colorado. She and Mr. Ken enjoyed attending military reunions in Florida. With her coffee in the morning Betty loved watching her bird feeder.

Betty is survived by her daughters Cathy Blymyer and husband Paul of Columbus, Cindi Schneider and husband Jim of McKinney, and Kayley Kovar and husband Jeff of Weimar; sons Scott Calhoun and wife Susan of Waco and Cary Calhoun of Port Aransas; grandchildren Dawn Vrana, Kacy Kovar, Dustin Blymyer, Erin Rader, Erica Mercer, Luke Calhoun, and Veronica Jackson; great- grandchildren Rock Dusek, Rosie Dusek, Vienne Radar, Ava Blymyer, Bennett Blymyer, Avery Vrana, Parker Vrana, and Quinn Vrana.

She was preceded in death parents Paul and Nina Lancaster; husband Kenneth Gills; brother Robert “Bob” Lancaster.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Texas. Pastor Sunshine Reyes will be officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Burial will take place in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus, Texas.

Pallbearers are Dawn Vrana, Kacy Kovar, Dustin Blymyer, Erin Rader, Erica Mercer, Luke Calhoun, and Veronica Jackson.

Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, 1229 Milam St., Columbus, TX 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.