Betty Ruth Vestal Wheelock

Betty Ruth Vestal Wheelock, 82, of Abilene, died Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at an Abilene medical center. Graveside services were held on Saturday, June 20, 2009, in Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville, Texas, with Brother Thomas Jeffers officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Born in Cooke County, Texas on May 8, 1927, she was the daughter of Alice (Norman) and William Reagan Vestal, and a graduate of Gainesville High School. Betty married Charles Edward Wheelock in Gainesville and moved from Gainesville to Abilene in 1960. For 39 years, she was employed by the Southwestern Bell Company as an operator and supervisor. Mrs. Wheelock was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene. Her parents and one son, Charles Wheelock, Jr., preceded her in death. Betty is survived by her husband, Ed Wheelock of Abilene; daughter, Susan Mitchell and husband, Ted, of Merkel; four grandchildren, Mandi, Court, Colby and Stormy; and three great-grandsons, Matthew, Garrett and Nathen. She is also survived by brothers, Reagan Vestal of Gainesville and Tommy Vestal of Irving; sister, Dorothy Taylor of Lockhart; and several nieces and nephews.