Gala Sue King was called Home on September 14, 2024. She was born on January 1, 1940 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Rollie and Bessie Johndrow. She attended Varnum school playing basketball, where believe it or not she was one of the tallest members of the team back in the six-on-six days in Oklahoma. She was activity queen in 1958, and Rodeo Queen, graduating from Varnum High School in 1958. During her rodeo days as an accomplished barrel racer, she met the love of her life when Mr. Johndrow went to Mr. King to discuss trading horses, and she met Jack for the first time. On June 19, 1959, they were married in Seminole, Oklahoma. Their life together in Seminole was quick as Jack began his career in the oil business, moving them to Snyder, Texas in November of 1959. From that time on they moved to Denver City, and then to Hobbs, New Mexico from 1962 to 1975. During her time in Hobbs, NM, she was an active member of Jefferson Street Church of Christ and working at C. R. Anthony’s department store until the birth of her children.
In 1975, Jack and Gala moved the family to Midland, Texas, living in Midland until 1982 before being transferred to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1985, they moved back to Midland, Texas. Gala was an active member of the church she loved so dearly at Golf Course Road Church of Christ for over forty-six years, active in all her children’s activities, even getting a game called after her son took a hard foul on the court. She never missed any of her children’s activities and was always considered the best team mom and cheerleader. When her grandchildren arrived, they were her biggest joys, and she loved them enormously. Once again, she became their biggest cheerleader attending anything and everything they were involved in.
Gala loved the Lord and her family fiercely. Gala is survived by her husband Jack of sixty-five years, her son J.J. and wife Stacy, and daughter Paula Bettis and husband John, all of Midland, grandchildren Jack of Norman, Oklahoma, and Campbell King of Midland, Turner Bettis and wife Shelly of Fort Worth, and Hartley Haynes and husband Marcus of Midland, along with five great grandchildren.
Gala was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Captola Mauk, and numerous cousins. The family would like to express their gratitude to Visiting Angels for their care over the past few years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Midland Christian School.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 10:00am at Little Cemetery in Little, Oklahoma. A Memorial/Celebration of Life service will be on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 1:00pm at Golf Course Road Church of Christ.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
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