It is with both sorrow and celebration of a well-lived life that we announce the passing of Bettie Lou Valchar House, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community servant.  Born in Wilson County, Texas, Bettie entered this world on August 12, 1940, was a lifetime resident of Atascosa County, and spent her final days in Pleasanton, Texas, before passing peacefully on April 19, 2026.  Bettie graduated as Valedictorian of Charlotte High School in 1958, marrying her high school sweetheart, Lloyd that August.

Bettie faithfully supported her husband's endeavor's all his life, enthusiastically participating in Farm Bureau, Atascosa Cattleman's Association and the Conservation Contractors' Association of Texas.  She was a homemaker who dedicated her time to her children's activities, serving as 4-H leader, home room mom, and staunch cheerleader attending every event possible.  She taught so many life skills to all of the generations.  She taught sewing, cooking, and foods and nutrition to many 4-Her's.  She enjoyed her large garden, teaching her children how to tend the land and preserve the harvest by canning and freezing the produce.  After raising her own family, she became the bookkeeper for Brauchle Farms, continuing in that role for 40 years.  Her family devotion never wavered as the years passed, attending many of her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's events.

A devoted lifetime church member - first at St. John Lutheran Church and finally at All Saints Episcopal Church - she passionately served where needed.  She taught Sunday School for more than 20 years, served a term on the Church Council, provided bookkeeping services, and prepared and served many meals.  Her faith was a guiding light in her life, influencing her actions and relationships with others in the community.

Bettie's servant heart extended to other endeavors as well.  She served as RVOS Secretary for 26 years.  She was a lifetime active member of SPJST, serving as Secretary 22 years at Lodge #202 Jourdanton, and at District 7 for 23 years. She served as the district representative on the State By-Law Committee for 20 years.  She generously donated her time and resources to numerous community service projects and enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in youth activities.  In recognition of her dedication, Bettie was awarded SPJST's highest honor as the 2004 State Fraternalist for her volunteer contributions to her lodge, community, and state.

Outside of her volunteer and spiritual commitments, Bettie found immense joy in preparing everyone's favorite foods.  She was famous for her homemade "free-hand" bunny buttermilk pancakes greeting overnight guests at breakfast.  She shared her love of cooking by teaching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to make peanut brittle, yeast dinner rolls, kolaches, and her prize-winning cherry lattice-top pie.  Her recipes will be the centerpiece of every family gathering, carrying on her legacy.  Her unconditional love was showcased in every thought, word, and deed illuminating her joy of family and friends.

Bettie is survived by her son Richard Anthony House; daughter Sandra Kay House Hoggard; grandchildren Eric Lloyd House and his wife Kathryn, Tiffany Michelle House, Michael Lane Hoggard, Samuel Lloyd Hoggard, and Amanda Elizabeth Hoggard; 2 great-grandchildren Luke Anthony House and Avery Michele House; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Bettie was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Lloyd; parents Pete Valchar and Tillie Mann Valchar Koch; brothers Bennie Valchar and Donald Valchar; and daughter-in-law Cherri Michele House.

Bettie House leaves behind a legacy rich in love, faith, and dedication—a testament to the life of a beautiful, remarkable woman. She will be deeply missed yet always remembered in the hearts of those she inspired.

A visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Jourdanton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery Association c/o Valerie Weide, 1301 Beech St, Jourdanton, Texas 78026 or SPJST Scholarship Fund, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 would be appreciated.

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