Betty Ridlehoover

Betty Jo Ridlehoover passed away April 7, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Born November 22, 1929 in Dallas, she was third daughter to Bernice Richardson and Charles Knight. Betty graduated North Dallas High School in 1947 and married Jack Ridlehoover January 1948. Together they moved to Waco, Texas so that Jack could attend Baylor University, then on to Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth.

Jack and Betty began their journey as pastor and pastor's wife in McGregor, Texas followed by pastorates in Dallas and Abilene, Texas where they served at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church from 1963 to 1992. Betty was both a faithful behind-the-scenes support to Jack's ministry there as well as an active member and leader in the church. She taught women's Sunday School classes at PDBC for many years.

After Pioneer Drive, Jack and Betty continued to minister to small churches throughout the Abilene region, congregations in need of guidance or interim leadership. They also enjoyed the fruit of friendships grown during their many years in Abilene, often traveling with friends to explore new places in the United States and abroad. In these years Betty devoted herself to the craft of needlepoint and cross-stitch; her beautiful works now adorn the homes of family and friends.

Preceded in death by husband Jack Ridlehoover, and sisters Janie Catherine Pride and Dorothy Lee Sanders, Betty is survived by children Cindy Myers of Arlington (husband Tom) and Roger Ridlehoover of Los Angeles (wife Maria); grandchildren Laura Ridlehoover, Holly Myers Wong, Daniel Ridlehoover, Paige Myers and Will Ridlehoover; and great grandchildren Madelyn and Elise Wong, Grove and Bennett Hutchinson, and Jack and Harrison Ridlehoover.

A memorial service will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, the Abilene-Callahan Baptist Association, or Meals on Wheels of Taylor County.