Betty Jo Ward, 97, of North Zulch, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026. Born on January 2, 1929, she was the daughter of Emory Bernice Lewis ("Bernice") and Verna Harrelson Lewis. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan, Texas, in 1946, and later graduated from McKenzie-Baldwin Business College in Bryan in 1947.

Betty is survived by her children, Gordon Lewis Wells (Becky), David Jay Wells (Kimberly), Emory Bruce Wells, and Kathy Sanders (Larry); grandchildren, Ashley Robertson, Rhoni Lockridge (Beau), Lyn Shaw (Royce), Kendra Gilbert (Jess), Dillon Brock (Dana), Jarrod Sanders, and Peyton Sanders (Alexandra); numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; her sister, Barbara Cox; her adopted brother, Jordan Earle Lewis; and her half-brother, Emory C. “Clifford” Lewis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward E. Ward; her parents; her sister, Bernice Ward; her daughter, Karen Jo Roberts; her step-son, Larry Ward; her grandchildren, Dustin Lewis Wells and Aubrey Anne Wells; and her great-grandchild, Cooper David Lockridge.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held privately with her family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.