Bette Donnelly Watterson June 29, 1939 - August 21, 2015 Beloved big sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and Aunt, Bette Watterson passed away unexpectedly on August 21, 2015 during a rehab stay at Accel at Willowbend. Bette was born in Sweet Home, Texas in humble surroundings on June 29th, 1939 to Floyd Donnelly and Agnes Margaret (Schindler). Being the oldest on a working farm she took the lead in chores and rearing of her younger siblings. A tough, but fitting role that she proudly accepted and cherished. Bette would later move to Athens Texas where she met and married Joe Edward Watterson on August 11, 1958. She soon began a family of her own having three children; Tina Watterson-"Bennett Diem", Jimmy Keith Watterson and Danny Joe Watterson. While Bette held miscellaneous jobs throughout her early years her passion was being at home and taking care of the family. Bette would raise her children with an awe-inspiring, unconditional love. The Watterson's would then move to Tyler Texas and spend 25 years there until Joe and Bette would eventually settle in Richardson Texas, there current residence. Bette enjoyed the simple things in life. Reading the Sunday "funnies", crossword puzzles, a clean house, windows open with sunshine reigning in. She enjoyed a nice game of solitaire, listening to stories, receiving and sending cards and letters and jotting notes on a pad or calendar. Bette had beautiful cursive handwriting and was the "go to" person for a spell check. Bette took pleasure in a nice drive, sunny days and enjoying all the flowers and foliage. Bette enjoyed going without shoes, "clean" movies, dancing and being kind to animals. Bette cherished company, family gatherings and spending time with loved ones. She loved the Holidays especially Christmas time. This time was spent with family, preparing food for friends and family (the more the merrier) while watching Christmas classics on television. She loved wrapping beautiful presents and placing them under the Christmas tree while baking Christmas fudge and cookies. If left up to Bette, the Christmas season would be 12 months out of the year. Bette believed in a large gathering for Easter to celebrate our savior and a grand egg hunt. Bette loved to cook, especially chicken fried steak, chicken-n-dressing and chocolate pie. If it had to be "take out", then KFC was the call. She loved a nice glass of sweet tea and a cool breeze. Bette would enjoy listening to Fats Domino and Elvis Presley. A John Wayne movie always held her attention. Bette loved to laugh and entertain and insisted that all were friendly to each other in her presence. Bette despised any use of foul language unless she needed it's use to help clarify a point with Joe; followed by a whisper of "forgive me God". She was also able to enjoy the lights of Las Vegas on a few occasions where the penny slots were her favorite. Bette was raised Catholic and a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church of Sweet Home Texas. While at times Bette did not understand why illness and disease riddled her body; she was certain that her unrelenting faith in God assisted her to live as long as she did. If Bette's rosary beads were not in her possession; they would be at arm's length. While a strong believer in Catholicism; Bette was accepting of all religions that placed God first. But most of all, Bette loved children. Bette spent her entire life loving, caring, raising and protecting children. Bette would care and play with children for hours on end. While she took a wealth of medication her entire life; she would quickly tell you (doctors included) that caring for children has always been the medicine that worked the best. She was never happier than in the presence of children. Bette had children in her home throughout her life and eventually opened "Bette's Infant Care"; a home day-care center in Richardson Texas. She could not have been prouder. Bette had an innate ability to connect with infants and children and understood their needs with precision. Bette loved and genuinely accepted all and was sincerely concerned with everyone's well being. Bette was preceded in death by her parent's Floyd and Agnes (Mae) Donnelly and her brother Ervin Donnelly. Bette remained extremely close with and leaves behind her four sisters', four brother-in-laws, one brother and one widowed sister-in-law. Julie and Jerry Holder, Mary Lou and Dickey Mimms, Teresa and Roy Eason, Helen and Dale Young, Patrick Donnelly and Sandra Thedford Donnelly. She equally loved all of their children as they grew and raised families of their own. Everyone knew to bring pictures if you were visiting Aunt Bet. With a smile on her face, she could easily look at pictures for hours. Bette also held a special place in her heart for Enrico, Cora, Mamerto, Jr. and Allison Frando and the extended Frando family, for the years of friendship and care. Bette also leaves behind her mournful children and their respective families. The family of Tina Marie Watterson & John Diem, Jimmy Keith Watterson, and Danny & Yuliya Watterson. Grandchildren, Katie Bennett Dotson and husband Stephen, Curry Joe Bennett, Gary Diem, Josh & Jennifer Diem, Veronika & Aiden Watterson. Great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Courtney Dotson, Rylie Bennett, Nicholas O'Malley, Joseph and Isabella Diem. As well as Mikey, Jessica, Mindy, Susset and Charlie who she considered her grand kids as well. We will all miss Bette's "Hey There" but are assured we will hear it again. Rest in Peace Bette. Services will be held at Eastgate Funeral Home, 1910 Eastgate Drive, Garland, TX 75041. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26th, 6 - 8 p.m., with Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Chapel Services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, August 27th. Friday, August 28th at 9:15 a.m., burial will be at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211