Betty Ruth Riley

Funeral services for Betty Ruth Riley, 81, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Ronnie Frankens officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mrs. Riley was born February 17, 1944 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Florence Leona (Winthrop) and FL Ainsworth, and passed away peacefully Saturday, January 10, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was a devoted registered nurse and a proud member of the very first graduating nursing class of Angelina College in 1969. Her career reflected her servant’s heart and lifelong commitment to caring for others.

She found joy in dancing, following politics, hunting for treasures at garage sales. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, cooking for those she loved, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty loved Jesus wholeheartedly and boldly believed that He is the only Way, the Truth, and the Light.

Survivors include her brother, Travis Ainsworth; children, Stacey McKnight and husband Tony, Bart Riley, Sam Kim and husband Eugene, Lee Hipps and wife Claudia; grandchildren, Madison Grigg and husband Jackson, Jack Brayden Riley, Stephanie Riley, Rylee Hipps, Meela Kim, Katie Vest and husband Mark, Quinton McKnight and wife Amie, Julie McKnight, Jill Kelley and husband Scooter, and Jacquelyn Spangler and husband Mason; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, FL and Florence Leona (Winthrop) Ainsworth; spouses, Jack Riley and Tom Hipps, and by her late husband, Chuck Thetford; siblings, Charles Ainsworth and wife Nadine, Thomas Ray Ainsworth and wife Joyce, Melba Anthony and husband Robert, Helen Bryan and husband Gordon, Gary Ainsworth; and sister-in-law, Johnnie Ruth Ainsworth.

Betty will be remembered for her strong faith, generous heart, outspoken spirit, and deep love for her family. Her legacy of compassion, conviction, and devotion will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Pallbearers will be Quinton McKnight, Mason Spangler, Richie Allen, Guy Anthony, Randy Anthony, and Trey Ainsworth.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charles Wilson Department of Veteran’s Affairs Outpatient Clinic.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV