A truly wonderful, most gracious lady took her last breath in this life with her two children beside her on January 15, 2019. She was born in Abilene, Texas to Lloyd and Lorena (Dillard) King on August 6, 1928. She spent her early childhood years in the small East Texas community of Indian Rock, attending school in
Gilmer. Her family later moved to Weatherford, Texas where she completed high school and attended college. Her passion to travel and see the world led her to American Airlines in 1947 and began a brief career as a stewardess. She soon met a young Air Force officer Harlan Murray, and they married in 1949. Along with their two children, they lived in the Philippines, Japan, California, Texas, and Washington D.C. Upon Harlan's retirement, they moved back to Dallas and later Irving, where Betty made her home for the next 60 years. In 1976 she lost Harlan to an accident. In her later years she married Jim Ratteree. Together they enjoyed traveling,
entertaining, volunteering in the community, and truly made the very best of their somewhat brief time together. After his passing in 1999, Betty never slowed
down. She continued to give of her time in the community to numerous organizations. Traveling didn't slow down, either. Going abroad with long time lady friends, hiking through Big Bend and the floor of the Grand Canyon, or riding on the back of motorcycles. All this in her mid to late 70's. She never lost her zeal for adventure. Alzheimer's finally took her life. But it could never deprive her of her dignity and graciousness. In addition to the losses of her husbands, she is preceded in death by sister Virginia Henderson. Left to cherish her memory are son Mark Murray; daughter Jeanette Gascoigne and husband Miles; sister Laura Mahler and husband Clyde; granddaughter Tiffany Brush and husband Seth; granddaughter Heather Gascoigne; great grandchildren Kyler and Jaxon Brush along with numerous extended family and loving friends. A memorial service to celebrate the wonderful life Betty lived will be held at Plymouth Park United Methodist, 1615 West Airport Frwy in Irving, at 11:00 am Saturday, February 16, 2019. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you may make a donation to Plymouth Park United Methodist Church or Irving Cares.