Neives “Betty” Ortegon Byars, age 63, of Brownwood entered Heaven’s gates on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 in Ft. Worth.

Betty was born May 1, 1951 to Ruben and Julia (Rodriguez) Ortegon in Menard, Texas. She attended school at Zephyr and Blanket, graduating from Blanket in 1970. After high school, Betty attended South West Texas College at Uvalde. Betty married her soul mate of 42 years, Jim Byars, on June 16, 1972 in Ft. Worth, Texas. She had a passion for sewing and was nationally sought after. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whom will be greatly missed by all.

Betty leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Jim Byars of Brownwood; children, Slade Byars and wife Jennifer of Early, Brandon Byars and wife Kendra of Lake Brownwood, Felicity Scott and husband Jay of San Angelo, Audrey Byars and Allen Cox of Mercury; 20 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ruben Ortegon and Robert Ortegon; sister, Patsy Ortegon. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandparents, Moses “PoPo” and Martha “MoMo” Rodriguez.

Graveside Services for Betty will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Jenkins Springs Cemetery with David Barnum officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.

Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place,

Memphis, TN 38105 or by going online to www.stjude.org/donate.