Betty Jane Backhaus

Betty Jane Backhaus, 93, of Rockdale died peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Cameron.

A funeral service was Saturday, Feb. 10, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale with Pastor Patrick Welton officiating. Burial followed at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Rockdale.

Betty was born Dec. 2, 1930, to C.C. and Mary Viola (Daniels) Gest in Milam County.

She graduated from Rockdale High School as salutatorian of the class of 1947.

On Nov. 29, 1952, she married Alton Backhaus in Rockdale. They were married for 34 years before his death in 1986.

She worked for Rockdale Ford and Coufal Equipment, finally retiring from Pruett Insurance at the age of 80.

Betty was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Rockdale; the New Salem E.E Club, receiving Rookie of the Year award in 2005 and Outstanding E.E. Club Member in 2009, 2011 and 2015; a Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, where she was awarded the Ambassador of the Year in 2017; Texas Women’s Bowling Association, serving as their secretary and competing in 44 TWBA tournaments and more than 15 national tournaments; and a member of the Rockdale Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, C.C. and Mary Gest; husband Alton Backhaus; daughter Judy Kay Backhaus; sister Juanita Ward; brother Billy Gest; daughter-in-law Kay Backhaus; bothers-in-law Willard Backhaus, Cooper Ward and J.L Lamkin; and sisters-in-law Agnes Backhaus, Eleanor Lamkin and Lillian Backhaus.

Survivors are her daughter, Janie Sue Lightsey and husband Steve of Fairfield; son Randy Backhaus and Claudette of Rockdale; sister-in-law Marie Gest; grandchildren Chris Lightsey and wife Erin, Kyle Lightsey and wife Naffie, Morgan (Backhaus) Muñoz and husband Lorenzo; and six great-grandchildren, Colin Lightsey, Luke Lightsey, Abigael Lightsey, Lillian Lightsey, Elise Muñoz and Elianna Muñoz.

Pallbearers were Chris Lightsey, Kyle Lightsey, Lance Loewe, Justin Loewe, Brad Gest, Lorenzo Muñoz, Kurt Backhaus and Darren Backhaus. Honorary pallbearers were Homer Mowdy and Wallace Jones.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, 303 Meadow Drive, Rockdale, TX 76567 or any charity of your choice.