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BETTY JEAN SISTRUNK RIDLEY, 95, of Round Rock, Texas, entered eternal rest on January 28, 2026. She was born on June 12, 1930, in Fort Riley, Kansas. She was born to the late Henry Washington Sistrunk, Sr. and Jimmie Lee Sistrunk (Daniel). She was also preceded in death by her sisters Mozie Lee Inge (Kelly), Bertha Mae Jones (Kelly), "Lena Ann Hodges Kelly)," Nellie Mae Dunaway (Sistrunk), Marion Louise Welch (Sistrunk); and her brothers Henry Washington Sistrunk, Jr. and Gene Autry Sistrunk. Betty was raised in Austin, Texas, where she built a strong foundation of faith, family, and education. She attended Holy Cross Catholic School, Kealing Junior High School, and Old L.C. Anderson High School. On August 14, 1944, she was baptized by Father Frances Weber at Holy Cross Catholic Church, a faith commitment that remained central throughout her life. On March 5, 1965, she married John Frank Ridley, a U.S. Marine. From that union came her only and beloved son, Troy Ridley — the pride and joy of her life. From the day he was born, she made sure everyone knew exactly who he was to her. As part of military family life, Troy’s first travels as an infant took him to Berlin, Germany, beginning a lifetime influenced by his mother’s adventurous spirit and global experiences. Troy is married to Acacia, whom Betty loved dearly. Betty traveled across the world and embraced life fully. She served in several leadership roles within the NCO Wives Club and even spent time as a runway model. She enjoyed bowling and had a vibrant social spirit. She was fun to be around, loved to talk, and never met a stranger. Her warmth and personal touch made people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. She had a way of making you smile, and her presence could brighten any room. In the mid-1970s, she and Troy returned to Austin. From 1978 to 1990, she attended Austin Community College, completing the Child Development Program. She became an educator, teaching high school students hands-on infant and toddler care in a portable classroom setting outside the high school building. She served at Lyndon B. Johnson High School and Albert Sidney Johnston High School, dedicating herself to shaping young lives until her retirement in1995. After retirement, Betty deepened her involvement at Holy Cross Catholic Church, becoming active in the Holy Cross Women’s Ministry. Her faithfulness and servant heart were recognized when she was presented with the Servant of Faith Award — a reflection of the quiet strength and devotion she lived out daily. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Troy Ridley, and daughter-in-law, Acacia; her sister, Donna Lee Irving (Sistrunk); and a host of extended family, church family, former students, and friends who were touched by her grace, resilience, elegance, and unwavering love. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the friends at Meals on Wheels, the devoted attendants, doctors, nurses, CNAs, and all medical staff who provided such compassionate care. We are also deeply grateful to the EMS personnel and firefighters for their service, professionalism, and kindness. Your care and support meant more to us than words can express. The family would also like to specially thank all the parents and grandparents who allowed our mom to love and care for their children for so many years. The trust you placed in her meant the world to her and to our family. Betty will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her deep faith, her love of conversation, and the way she made others feel special. Her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, the family she cherished, and the community she faithfully served. In keeping with her wishes, PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS. Because she will be placed in a mausoleum, there is no space for floral arrangements. Instead, if you feel moved to do so, donations may be made to the church in her name, Betty Jean Sistrunk Ridley. HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1610 E. 11th Street Austin, TX 78702 512-472-3741 If you would like to send a card or personal note of remembrance, they may be mailed to the family at: THE RIDLEY FAMILY P. O. Box 3834 Pflugerville, TX 78691

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Betty Jean Sistrunk Ridley

June 12, 1930 - January 28, 2026