Betty Ruth Schuessler Kirby, 90, of Mason, Texas passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on February 8, 2024, in Dallas, Texas.

Betty was born to parents Alta Lee Haynes and Wesley Morgan Schuessler on April 17, 1933, in Mason, Texas. She enjoyed a lively childhood with her sister, many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. She would often talk about the importance of family, her time with her grandparents, and told stories of old times growing up in the Hill Country. Betty loved making people feel their best and began an early career as a Beautician where she spent many years doing hair. Betty met Private First Class, Billy Ray Kirby, and the young couple were married June 9, 1949. The two enjoyed almost 18 years of marriage and proudly raised 2 children, Carolyn, and Danny. Their years were filled with a shared love of spending time together living and working in Midland and Odessa, weekends in their beloved Texas Hill County, and visiting with friends and family. After the sudden loss of her husband in 1967, Betty continued her work as a beautician, raised her children, enjoyed ranching, took a proud role in the upbringing of her 4 grandchildren, and spent time caring for family members, friends, and community members.

Betty had many hobbies and talents. She loved baking. In fact, there's a good chance, if you're reading this, you've been the recipient of a dish or dessert Betty made for you. She loved being outdoors on a sunny day, gardening, tall glasses of iced tea, long drives down old country roads, Hill Country wildflowers in the spring, painting, dancing, shopping, sewing, gift giving, and visiting with friends and family. Betty could do everything - She was a fiercely independent woman, a dedicated homemaker, tough rancher, gentle caregiver, giving community member, a sharp defender of what was right, storyteller, devoted family member, and a friend. Those close to Betty affectionately knew her to be part angel, part outlaw. The epitome of great strength, true grit, love, and devotion.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bill; sister Patricia Ann Schuessler Harrison, many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Betty is survived by her children; daughter Carolyn Holloway Bell (husband Lee, children, and grandchildren), her son Danny Kirby (wife Janey); her grandchildren Billy Holloway (wife Ava, daughters Katelyn and Jillian, and son Hunter), Kris Holloway (wife Bonnie and sons Harper and Walker), Cari Kirby and Daniel Kirby; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

Betty's family would like to invite all who loved her to join us in Mason, Texas on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Mason Funeral Home Chapel for visitation at 1pm followed by a graveside service at Gooch Cemetery at 3pm.

Donations may be made in her memory to the local Meals on Wheels organization, Hospice care, to Stroke Research at https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/stroke/gifts.html , or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at Masonfuneralhome.net.