On December 30, 2023, Betty Ophelia Litton was able to exclaim, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, gives me on this day, and not only to me but to all those who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) After a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s, Betty entered into her Savior’s presence at the age of 83 while residing in Waco, Texas.
She was born the eldest daughter of Marvin and Mable Eitel on May 17, 1940, in Dalby Springs, Texas, and lived most of her life in the De Kalb area. On October 3, 1957, Betty married the love of her life, David Eugene Litton, and lived the following forty years abiding by her vows to love and honor him. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her siblings JM Eitel, Vick Eitel, Sally Keels, and Mary Lee Martini, and grandchildren Dale Eugene Tidwell, Candace Breanne Vernon, Robert Daniel Yates, and Derrek Wayne Moles.
Betty was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was of the Seventh-Day Adventist Faith and had a deep and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, never failing to share His Gospel with others. Betty was known for her independent spirit and determination to finish what she began. Throughout her life, Betty filled various roles in the care of others, such as nurse’s aide, home health aide, and private sitter for those who were ill and unable to care for themselves. As a loving and loyal daughter, she provided compassionate care for her parents throughout their lives. Her favorite pastimes included quilting, embroidery, jigsaw puzzles, listening to Southern Gospel music, and watching Gunsmoke and Andy Griffith Show reruns. She sometimes jokingly referred to Andy Griffith as “my boyfriend.” She enjoyed dining out at Long John Silver’s and Golden Corral. However, her most cherished activity was spending time with her family. Betty is survived by her son Steven (Tricia) Litton, and her daughters Tammy (Eric) Newton, Candye (Robert) Finigan, Penney Tidwell, and Debbie (Robert) Crouch. She is also survived by her grandchildren LaTeisha Kay, Christopher David, Marlania Faye, Brandon Chad, Robert Anthony, Amanda Gae, Christopher Branton, Tamecia Gae, Rachel Denise, Jonathan Andrew, and Christian Joshua, along with several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service to commemorate Betty’s life will be held at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM, followed by interment at Sand Hill Cemetery in Simms, Texas.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Betty Litton to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate).
Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.
