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Betty Ruth Klemm Pohler passed away June 10, 2023. She was born Aug. 19, 1946, in Elgin, to Charlie “Carlie” and Genevieve “Becky” York Klemm.
She grew up in McDade, and lived most of her life around her hometown. Betty graduated high school in Elgin, and that is where she found her love for business and accounting. She went on to pursue a degree at Nixon Clay Business School in Austin.
Betty met her love, Franklin, on a blind date Feb. 4, 1967. The arrangers of this blessed greeting were Franklin’s cousins, R.J. and Glennie Pohler, with Ruth and Esther. The destination was LaGrange Fair Grounds Dance Hall.
Franklin was quick to pop the question of marriage, and on July 22, 1967, at the McDade Baptist Church they were married. They made a home in Stafford and Beasley for a short period of time. Then in May of 1969, they moved back to her hometown of Mc-Dade. She was proud of the ranch and homestead that her parents, and later on her family, would continue to build.
Franklin and Betty were blessed with three daughters, Gina, Gretchen and Krystal, which provided seven grandchildren, whom all provided Betty a proud sense of accomplishment as the family grew. She was a proud mother, grandma, Memaw, Meemee, and would try to make any event to show her love and support of all of their accomplishments, activities and special events in their lives. Especially, the births of her three great-grandchildren that brought her much joy when she was around them.
Betty was a homemaker, caregiver, seamstress and business woman. A couple of years after the birth of her last daughter, Krystal, Betty decided that she would like to put her degree to work and started working at Orsag’s in Giddings. There she found much love for her work and her work family. She finally retired after 39 years at the age of 70.
She held multiple volunteer jobs within her McDade community, although Betty never thought of them as jobs. She loved giving help and support where ever she could. Betty was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the PTA, the treasurer for Siloah Cemetery Association and the McDade Watermelon Festival. Betty’s dad, Carlie, was the treasurer for Mc-Dade Baptist Church and after he had passed, Betty was asked to take over the position.
In July of 2000, Franklin and Betty were honored to be Parade Marshals in the McDade Watermelon Festival Parade. Betty also served the McDade Watermelon Festival as Tiny Tot Queen in 1952, and Teenage Queen in 1960.
Betty loved to do her crossword puzzles, the color purple and write cards and notes to friends and loved ones to show support for special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries and just to let you know that you are loved, being thought of and being prayed for.
She was an avid UT and LA Dodgers fan. Betty was the “Queen of Facebook” and took pride in making sure that everyone knew that she was there reading, responding and sharing in their lives and sending messages to uplift others in ways that only she could do. Lastly, her love for Elvis was always present with her telephone ring tone set to Suspicious Minds.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin; parents, Carlie and Becky Klemm; grandparents, Dora Rother Kastner, Eerie York; and great grandparents, Tena Rother.
Betty is survived by daughters, Gina Griffith, Gretchen Brune and husband Michael, Krystal Brade and husband Matthew, all of McDade; grandchildren, Jerrett and Christy, Sarah, Aaron, Cassidy, Emily and David, Harley and Evan, and Spencer; great grandchildren, Karlie, Tristin and Reid; brother, Johnny Klemm and wife MiMi; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many wonderful friends.
Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 14, at 10 a.m. at McDade Baptist Church, 198 El Paso St. in McDade. Burial to follow at Siloah Cemetary, Wolf Rd. in McDade. Brother Hollis Hoffman presiding pastor, Fred Wilson leading signing, Williard Rother, obituary, Kerrie Wetsel pianist.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McDade Baptist Church, P.O. Box 780 in McDade Texas 78650 or the Mc-Dade Watermelon Festival Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 783, McDade Texas 78650 or charity of your choice.
