Betty Jean Busick

Betty Busick, a woman of strength, spirit, and enduring love, passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 96. Memorial services will be held at 3:00pm, Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel. A reception will follow next door at the Branch.

Born on December 30, 1929, just outside Walters, Oklahoma, Betty was raised on a farm where she learned early the value of hard work, family, and resilience. She often shared memories of walking to school with her brother and cousins, and spoke fondly of her close-knit family, especially in her later years. Despite the challenges of farm life during that era, she remembered it with deep affection. She also cherished her Aunt Maggie and Uncle Sydney, and it may have been there that her lifelong love of dancing began—when music played, Betty’s feet were never still.

As a young girl, Betty moved to Seagraves, Texas, where her father worked in the oilfield. Known for her strong will and candid nature, she was never afraid to speak her mind. Her spirited personality made her both memorable and well-liked. She attended Sul Ross State College in Alpine at the age of 16 before returning home.

Betty was first married to Austin Warnick in Kermit, Texas, and together they had two sons, Ricky and Danny. Tragically, Austin lost his life in an oilfield accident in May 1958. With the support of her family, Betty persevered through this devastating loss. She later married Johnny Busick in Odessa, Texas, and they welcomed a son, Johnny. The family traveled extensively due to Johnny’s work, though Odessa always remained home.

Encouraged by her husband, Betty began a career in real estate, where she found great success and joy. She was also a devoted mother who instilled the importance of faith and family in her children.

In 1974, Betty faced another profound loss with the passing of her husband Johnny. Though life brought her great sorrow, she remained resilient—tough as nails and a true fighter. She carried on with strength, always holding close the love she had known.

Betty had a gift for storytelling and never tired of sharing memories from her life—stories of her childhood, her work, and the many chapters she lived through. Her tales grew richer with time, and she delighted in anyone willing to listen.

She lived a long and full life, marked by both joy and hardship, love and loss. Through it all, Betty Busick remained a woman of unwavering strength and character.

She is survived by her sons, Ric Warnick and his wife Tanya, Johnny Busick and his wife Nikki, along with four grandchildren, Seth Warnick and wife Denise, Tyrie Jackson and husband Micah, Joshua Busick, Kristi Adkins and husband Landy, and eleven great-grandchildren, six great great grandchildren, and many other family members and loved ones who will miss her dearly.

Betty was proceeded in death by her son Danny Warnick, her grandson Michael Warnick, her parents Loran and Irene Copeland and her brother Bobby Copeland.

Her journey was long, her spirit strong, and her story one that will not be forgotten.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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