Betty Roberts Hargus passed away Oct. 18, 2022. She was born in Alpine, Texas, on June 12, 1939, to James Travis Roberts, Sr., and Annie Pauline Roberts. Betty was raised in Marathon, Texas, and grew up on the family ranch. She graduated from Sul Ross State University in Alpine. After college, she was an elementary teacher for Fort Stockton ISD, followed by bookkeeper and office manager for Hargus Aviation, Inc. She owned and managed cattle ranches until her death.

Betty had a passion for the history of Texas, specifically Brewster and Pecos counties. She collected and read many books about the history of the Big Bend. She was a lifetime member of the West Texas Historical Association and the Texas Historical Commission. She was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the Texas Historical Commission. Betty served on the Pecos County Historical Association, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. She was recognized for Dedication and Perseverance in obtaining Grant Status for Preservation Texas Winfield Hangar Project.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband William “Bill” Hargus; two brothers, James Travis Roberts, Jr., and John Roberts; and her son Charles Lorenz.

She is survived by her brother Billy Gene “Ike” Roberts of Marathon. She is also survived by her daughter Peggy Elliott and husband Rob of Sweetwater, Texas; daughter in law Debbie Lorenz of Fort Stockton; grandchildren Amy Reeves and husband Jonathan of Bronte, Texas, Taryn Johnson and husband James of San Antonio, Texas, Jane Ann Olivas and husband JoJo of Shiner, Kirsten Burson and husband Dusty of Panhandle, Texas, and Will Lorenz and wife Mary of Fort Stockton; great grandchildren Katlyn Reeves, Carter Reeves, Teresa Olivas, Madison Olivas, Shambry Burson, Maggie Burson, Joshua Yanez, Austin Yanez, and Ava Grace Johnson; nieces and nephews James Travis Roberts III and wife Katie, Terri Harkey and husband Alan, Joe Roberts, and wife Zaira, Tim Roberts and wife Amy; and several great nieces and nephews.
The family has requested memorials made to First Presbyterian Church, Marathon Cemetery Association, West Texas Historical Association, or a charity of choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton. If you would like to send your condolences to the family, you may do so by signing her guestbook at heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.