Betty Ruth Jones

Betty Ruth Jones

Betty Ruth Jones of Lockney was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all who knew her. Born March 9, 1924 in Preston Bend to Jesse and Lillie Mullins, Betty lived an extraordinary life that spanned 102 years. On September 28, 2026, she peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior.

For 102 years, Betty’s life was a song – full of melody, memory, and grace. She played music that lifted hearts, taught her granddaughter to play the piano and her nephews to play guitar, carried stories that shaped generations, and shone with a spirit that never dimmed. Like a steady chord in a beautiful song, her presence brought comfort and joy. Her song continues now in the lives of all who loved her.

Betty loved family deeply and shared her many musical talents–playing piano and guitar, singing, and even yodeling. She was also a serious domino player. Friends affectionately called her “The Lockney Call Girl” because whenever the Senior Citizen Center needed a player, they “Called Betty”– and she was there nearly every afternoon.

The day after Betty turned five, her mother passed away, and she grew up with her father and four brothers. She attended school in Preston Bend, but each fall through December the family traveled to West Texas to pick cotton. Despite attending only half the school year, Betty excelled academically, earning grades in the 90s in every subject and graduating as the 8th grade salutatorian.

Music ran through the Mullins family, and Betty was no exception. One of her brothers taught her how to play chords and pick out melodies, and by age 10-12 she was playing piano and guitar by ear. She could hear a song on the radio and sit down to play it, sing it, and yodel with the best of them. The family formed a band with her father playing the Jews Harp and harmonica and her brothers on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, or ukulele– while Betty played piano. They performed on a radio station in Denison, and Betty later played with a country band during World War II.

Betty met Pete Jones and they began dating before the war. Pete would ride his horse ten miles on weekends to visit her, and they often went to country dances with her brothers and cousins. He later enlisted in the Army and served during World War II. When the war ended, Pete returned home, and on February 2, 1946, they were married in Denison.

Pete was a cowboy, and they lived on ranches in Clarendon and Henrietta where he worked from 1951 to 1996. They had one son, Cecil, whom Betty called “my little cowboy,” and they also reared their great-niece, Elizabeth Ann.

After moving to Lockney, Betty continued sharing her music – playing and singing at the nursing home and eventually at many other venues usually with her son and two or three other musicians. In 2013 Betty received the honor of being “Pioneer Woman of the Year” of Floyd County. At the age of 90, Betty produced a CD titled “Everybody’s Cowgirl Sweetheart” of 19 Country Western songs. Even after entering a nursing home herself at age 100, she would still draw a crowd whenever she sat down at the piano to entertain the residents.

Betty is survived by her loving son, Cecil Jones and wife, Toza; two grandchildren: Bryant Jones; Janet Jones (Ryan); nine great grandchildren: Bradley, Tabatha (Tristen), Chase (Katelynn), Baylee, Jake, Jasmine, Julia, Jade, Caitlyn; one great-great grandchild: Caroline; special niece Elizabeth Ann (Frank); former daughter-in-law Donna and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pete; her parents; grandson, Jake Jones; and her brothers: J.D., Lee Orville, Garland, and Roscoe.

Visitation will be held at Moore-Rose Funeral Home in Lockney, TX at 402 Main, October 3, 2026 from 5-7:00 PM where family and friends will gather to remember Betty’s long, remarkable life and the joy she brought to so many.

On Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM a visitation will be held at the Johnson-Moore Pottsboro Chapel (511 W FM 120) with an 11:00 AM Funeral Service in the Chapel. Interment will follow at Georgetown Cemetery (617 Cemetery Rd) where Betty will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Pete. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have loved, supported, and shared life with Betty throughout her 102 years. Your kindness, memories and prayers are deeply appreciated.

In memory of Betty Jones, please donate to your favorite charity.