Bettye Tucker

Bettye Shockley Tucker, age 95, of West, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, at Hill Regional Hospital in Hillsboro.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in West, with Dr. John Crowder officiating. Burial will follow at Bold Springs Cemetery near West. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West.

Bettye was born on August 1, 1930, in Mart, to Lela and Dero Shockley. She graduated from Mart High School in 1947 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Baylor University in 1951. While at Baylor, she was a member of Chi Omega sorority and remained a devoted supporter of the university throughout her life through the Baylor Alumni Association and the Baylor Bear Foundation. They were season ticket holders for Baylor football for over 70 years and the Lady Bears Basketball for over 20 years.

On April 27, 1951, Bettye married Jake Tucker in Mart. Together for 65 years, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community, raising three daughters in West. Early in her career, Bettye worked at James Connally Air Force Base. She later partnered with Jake to own and operate West Lumber Company for more than 35 years, and together they also managed J&B Realty.

A faithful and dedicated member of First Baptist Church of West for over 75 years, Bettye served in many roles, including choir member, Sunday School teacher, and church secretary. She was active in the Women's Missionary Union, served as a delegate to the Southern Baptist Convention, and helped lead Vacation Bible School.

Bettye's commitment to her community extended beyond the church. She served as a Girl Scout troop leader for 35 years and was honored with the Girl Scouts' Women of Distinction Award in 1999. She was also deeply involved in the West Independent School District, serving as PTA president, participating in the West Band Boosters, and faithfully supporting Trojan athletics. As a WestFest Associate Director, she oversaw the children's area beginning in 1976. She was also a member of the Elizabeth Gordon Bradley Chapter of the Daughter's of the American Revolutation.

In the early 1960s, Bettye earned her private pilot's license and became a lifetime member of The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of women pilots.

She found joy in playing bridge with dear friends for more than 50 years, as well as playing 42 and volleyball with Jake and their circle of friends. She also enjoyed sewing and cheering on her daughters at their many activities and sporting events.

Bettye will be remembered for her warm smile, resilient spirit, and unwavering Christian faith. Her life was a testament to kindness, love, and grace, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy of compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jake Tucker; and her grandson, Michael Gardner. She is survived by her daughters, Gayle Gardner; Kaye Tucker (Mike Doyle); and Anne Flores (Scott); her granddaughters, Sarah Gardner and Cami Flores; and her great-grandchildren, Alison Gardner, Abigayle Melton, Madison Gardner, Kealy Gardner, Angelica Gardner, and Michael Cameron Gardner Jr.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Town Hall Estates Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hillsboro for the compassion, care, and kindness shown to Bettye during her time there.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of West Building Fund or the West Volunteer Fire Department.