Bettie Ruth Thomas, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, in Houston, MS. She was born Bettie Ruth Pate on May 12, 1933, to James Baxter and Eula Mae Pate. Before retiring she worked for West Point Casket Company while also raising and taking care of their home and family.

A Funeral Service will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, at Houston Funeral Home at 3:00 PM with Bro. Cody Childress officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until time of service. Burial will follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Houston Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. 

Bettie is survived by her daughters, Sandra Harrell and Linda East of Houston, MS and Jeannie Martin of Daytona, FL; a son, Sammy Kirby of VA; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Thomas, her parents, father of her children, Carl Kirby, a son, Ricky Kirby, and two grandsons, Adam Kirby and Micah Harrell. 

Ms. Bettie will be missed dearly by her family.