Betty Jean Burgy

Betty Jean Burgy passed away on Tuesday, December 12

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at the remarkable age of 97 years old.  She was born on September 25, 1926, in Shamrock, Texas, to Claude Clinton Batchelor and Opal Betenbough Rae.

Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, December 29, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 1100 S. Harrison, Amarillo, Texas and officiated by her special friend, Reverend Joan Gaines. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Moving around as a child, Betty found herself settling in Amarillo where she married Bruce Aue Burgy in 1968 and they remained married until his passing in 2003.  Betty and Bruce were both members of First Presbyterian Church for over fifty years.  A self-taught bookkeeper, she had a wonderful career that included over 20 years as Office Manager for Ordway-Saunders Insurance Company in the historic Amarillo Building.  Looking for a new challenge, she became the Executive Assistant to Pete and Johnny O’Brien and loved every minute of the 35 years she worked there until retirement.  She always felt like they were her second family.

Every family should have a fun aunt and Betty was just that.  She loved travelling around the world, great restaurants, her beloved dogs, and Neiman Marcus.  Everyone was part of her entourage through their flagship Dallas store at one point or another, whether or not you wanted to be.  Quirkiness would describe how Betty viewed any obstacles in her path and you can be sure it involved tape, staples, and scissors which Betty felt could solve any problem whatsoever.  A quick wit and a sharp mind were two of her greatest attributes and she worked the New York Times crossword puzzles daily up until the day before she died.  One of her favorite pastimes was reading stories to the children at Opportunity School and she loved continuing that tradition as long as she could.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers James Batchelor and wife Ramona, Bob Batchelor and wife Alberta, and Gary Rae.  She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, along with their families and many friends who brightened her life with their presence.

When she became less mobile, she relied on the greatest group of caregivers that anyone could hope for and the family would like to especially thank her niece and husband, Melody and Chuck Alexander, for their devotion to her every need, along with Simona, Gloria B., Doris, Gloria H., Cilvea, and former caregivers Debbie, Ivy, and Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Opportunity School or First Presbyterian Church, both at 1100 S. Harrison, Amarillo, Texas 79101, or the Amarillo SCPA at 11901 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, Texas 79119.