Betty Jean Whigham

Betty Jean Budge Whigham entered her heavenly home on October 21, 2023 at the age of 95. Betty was born on January 6, 1928 in Somerset, Texas to Ella Groves Budge and David Arthur Budge.  She graduated from Odessa High School. Betty attended the University of Texas until she met the love of her life, Carl who was a student at Texas A&M. After Carl returned from the war they married in 1947 and started their family.

Having an adventurous spirit and a job that had overseas opportunities they were able to live in Perth, Australia for two years and Rumbi, Indonesia for two more years. Upon returning to the US, they lived for five years in New Mexico before moving to Midland in 1964 where she enjoyed the rest of her life. At Fannin Terrace Baptist Church she gladly assisted Carl in working with the youth group.

Betty’s favorite pastimes were bridge, golf and supporting and attending her children and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events, such as baseball, softball, tennis and volleyball. Her favorite professional team was the Texas Rangers. Every spring and summer she looked forward to the family camping trips to Big Bend, Cloudcroft and Colorado.

Betty was an excellent seamstress and proficient in knitting and crocheting. She made blankets for every new baby and made beautiful personalized Christmas stockings for each child and grandchild. Family was very important to her and she remembered every birthday and it was important that everyone received a card.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, her parents, her brother Arthur Neal Budge, her son David Carl Whigham, and her daughter-in-law Linda Johnson Whigham.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Sheri Hobbs and Ben of Midland, TX; daughter, Terry Rogers and husband Buck of Midland; son, Chris Whigham and wife DiAnn of Midland; daughter-in-law, Cherry Whigham of Midland; grandchildren, Leslie Nelson of Pearland, Texas, Jeff Hobbs and wife, Pam of Giddings, Texas, Wendy Hobbs of Portland, Oregon, Melinda Piercefield and husband DJ of Benbrook, Texas, Matt Whigham and wife Tiffany of Canyon, Texas, Jason Rogers and wife Nicole of Houston, Texas, Jared Rogers and wife Becky of Houston, Texas, Natalie Lewis and husband Kris of Portland, Oregon, Abbey Whigham of Chicago, Illinois, Christian Whigham of Midland and Maddie Whigham and Hunter of Midland and numerous great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday, November 10, 2023 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at First Baptist Church Chapel in Midland. The burial will take place at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Navajo Mission Ministry.

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

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Betty Jean Whigham, please visit our Tribute Store.