Betty met James Audry Atwood in Odessa, Texas, and they married a year later on Aug. 30, 1952. They lived in Odessa but continued on to Abilene, Texas, where they bought into the Phillips 66 franchise, and shortly after, they started their family. Audrey Jean was born on Sept. 16, 1956, followed by John Edward on Jan. 9, 1960. In 1965, they moved to Alamogordo, N.M. In Alamogordo, James and Betty Jean owned and operated the Ace Motel, BJ Auto Sales, and Ace Collection Agency. In May of 1974, Betty got her pilot's license. She flew to several places across New Mexico and Texas, she said that flying allowed her to feel so free that she could go and do anything she wanted. In 1985, they move to San Angelo, Texas, and retired to a beautiful home on Lake Nasworthy.

In San Angelo, Betty worked at Cloth World. She enjoyed quilting and made many quilts for her family. She loved to make school clothes for her granddaughters. Fishing, boating, and reading were other favorite hobbies. In 1997, she retired to stay home and lovingly care for her husband, James. After losing James in 1999, she moved to Idaho Falls to be closer to her daughter.

Betty Jean was devoted to her family, she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she will forever be the pillar of her family. A woman of strength, fire, and dignity and will forever remain a constant source of joy and happiness. God be with you, Betty Jean.

Survivors include her brother, Edward Shulmerich; daughter, Audrey Jean Atwood (Randy); son, John Atwood (Amanda); two granddaughters, Natalie Ann Jergins and Lacey Marie Jergins; two great-grandchildren, Aleesha Nicole Dragoman and Dylan James Dragoman; in-laws, Hollis and Wanda Keith and Tommy Atwood; and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Audry Atwood; her mother, Gertrude Schulmerich; her father, Roy Schulmerich; and a brother, Norman Schulmerich.