Betty Joan Hendrick Little, 80, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2017, in Midland.She was born August 26, 1937, in Amarillo, Texas, to the late Charlotte Alice Shay and Raymond Joel Hendrick.Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Dennis Ray Little, Sr.; brothers Raymond Joel “Cracker” Hendrick and Robert Joel “Bob” Hendrick; sister Marion Shay Dwyer; and son-in-law Jackie Alley. She is survived by son Dennis Ray Little, Jr. (Betsey) of San Angelo; Norma Cross (Steve) of Fort Worth; Judith Alley of Midland; and Terri Beal (Sidney) of Midland. She was a loving and devoted Granma to Chris Little (Stephanie) of San Angelo; Rickie Smith (Sam) of Little Rock, Ark.; Grant Little of San Clemente, Calif.; Wayne Cross of Fort Worth; Sidney Beal of Midland; and Dustin Beal of Abilene. Betty delighted in her great-grandchildren Haley, Mackenzie and Jonah Little of San Angelo; and Bella Little of San Clemente, Calif. She also leaves behind sisters Leona Hiatt (Bill) of Florida, Annetta Beard (David) of California and Eunice Hunt (David) of Idaho; sister-in-law Pat Little of Hico; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Betty lived a rich life, full of family, friends and faith. She grew up in the Morgan Mill area and graduated from Stephenville High School, where she was a member of the basketball team. She and Dennis raised their family in San Angelo, where Betty worked at Ethicon for more than 25 years. After retirement, they spent 14 precious years in Johnsville, outside of Stephenville, before she moved to Midland in 2006. She was an avid reader and Sudoku player, and also enjoyed painting and ceramics. Betty was a faithful and devoted member of many church congregations throughout her life, in San Angelo, Selden and Midland. She treasured her Sunday school class and church family at Second Baptist Church in Midland. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by cherished family and friends, and she loved traveling to attend her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports and activities, and celebrating their milestones and achievements. Betty’s life was full of extraordinary friendship and love, which brought her tremendous joy, even in her last days.The family wishes to thank Dr. Shylesh R. Ganta for providing compassionate care to Betty over the years.Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Second Baptist Church in Midland, and the family will receive visitors following the service. Another service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Patillo Baptist Church in Patillo, Texas, with interment to follow at Tarleton Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Pastor Jon Slayden.Honorary pallbearers are grandsons Chris Little, Grant Little, Wayne Cross, Sidney Beal, Dustin Beal and Sam Smith, and great-grandson Jonah Little.In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in her name to Gifts of Hope, Inc., 2006 W. Tennessee Avenue, Midland, Texas, 79701 or online at giftsofhopetx.org.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
