Betty Downey Guettermann was born on June 30, 1945, to Henry and Ruby Downey in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Betty passed away on October 12, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by family. Betty’s father was from Ennis, Texas, and served in the Army during World War II. Her mother was staying with her parents in Anadarko when Betty was born. After her father returned from the war, the family moved to Ennis, Texas, where Betty was raised.

Betty graduated from Ennis High School in 1963 and was a member of the Honor Society. She attended Sam Houston State University, graduating in 1967 with a degree in Education. After graduation, Betty taught homemaking in Italy, Texas, and at La Vega High School in Waco. Following her marriage, she taught homemaking at Royal High School in Brookshire, Texas.

Betty met Harlan Guettermann in 1965 while attending college. They were introduced on a blind date in Schulenburg, arranged by one of Harlan’s high school classmates, who was also a close friend of Betty’s at Sam Houston State. Harlan and Betty married in Ennis in 1970, following his discharge from the Army. Over the years, Betty also became very close to Harlan’s classmates through their frequent class reunions.

Betty is survived by her husband, Harlan Guettermann; their three daughters, Lori Guettermann, Lynn Guettermann, and Lisa Hanel; her son-in-law, Mark Hanel; and her two grandchildren, Jaxson and Austin. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Williford. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Ruby Downey, and her sister, Carol Williford.

Betty was a stay-at-home mom for most of her marriage and played a large role in raising her three wonderful daughters. Having three girls brought her great happiness and gave her the opportunity to dress them in frilly dresses when they were small. Her children played a large role in her life, and through them, she made many wonderful friends along the way. She never missed an activity involving her children or grandchildren and was always there to support them.

Betty was also incredibly supportive of her husband as he furthered his education and later decided to leave his job to start his own law practice. Harlan and Betty enjoyed traveling together and shared many wonderful experiences along the way. After spending most of their adult lives in Houston, they moved back to the family farm in the Freyburg area approximately 10 years ago.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home in Schulenburg.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, from Freyburg Methodist Church in Freyburg. Interment will follow in United Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Swiss Alp.