Betty Ruth Tooley

On January 31, 1936, in Celina, Tennessee a Queen was born. Betty Ruth Burris belovedly known as Bett or Aunt Betty or grandma, born to May Alice Gabbard and Herman L. Burris. Mary passed away when Betty was three months old, but a host of loving aunts and uncles stepped in to raise my mother. For it takes a village, Betty was a happy and very loved child.
She often told us of growing up in the south, one played basketball, volleyball, and was head cheerleader. I can see that she’s always been beautiful inside and out. She was very good at sports too we were told. Betty professed her love of God at an early age of 14 and was baptized into the Free Hills Church of Christ family where she remains. While baptizing in a creek, she met her Danny Glen. Mom and daddy started dating and a year and a half later they were married. Their anniversary is November 11, 1955, on Veterans Day. From this Union Betty was blessed with three children: Ronald Wayne Tooley (deceased), Tony Michael Tooley, Terri Teresa Tooley Fisher. Two grandchildren: Kayla Tylese Fisher and Cherish Eleyse Payton. Five great-grandchildren: Darryl (deceased), Malaysia, D’asya, Tylan and Myelle.
Betty was employed by L.S. Ayres and Co for 15 years. She retired a beloved employee before arthritis took over her body. My mom was the cooking queen, she cooked all kinds of things for us, she was worldly that way.
My mom came to Indianapolis, Indiana when she was 21 years old quickly placing her membership at Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ for over 40 years. She raised us to be Christians like her. She taught Sunday School to small children and attended church until she couldn’t anymore having services moved to her home. My mom created D.I.Y., she also had a knack and a good eye for decorating.
Mom departed this life, March 20, 2022, at the age of 86 years and 2 months leaving behind our broken hearts. Thank you, momma, for your love, teaching and the love of God in us.
Tony, Terri, Kayla, Cherish, your loving grandchildren, a host of friends and relatives, you will be truly missed.