Betty Lu (Riggan) Satterwhite

Betty Lu Riggan Satterwhite, 93, of Merkel, passed away on October 13, 2025 in Abilene, TX.

Betty Lu was born in Trent, TX to James Columbus and Gracie Alice Riggan on June 16, 1932. She went to school at Trent. She graduated from Trent High School in 1950. She married Kent Satterwhite on September 15, 1952 in Merkel TX. She worked in several different positions at Taylor Electric for 29 years. After retiring she then worked for Starbuck Funeral Home until 2017. Betty Lu was involved in many clubs and organizations. She was a Member of the First United Methodist church in Merkel and a part of the Methodist women's group. She loved getting together at Betty Jane’s cabin on Sweetwater Lake. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and served on program, social telephone, and reporting committees. She was crowned club sweetheart in 1985 which is very fitting for Betty Lu. She enjoyed playing volleyball and was known to have a mean serve. In later years she enjoyed being a part of the Merkel Museum. She loved Merkel with her whole heart. Her favorite holiday other than Christmas was Merkel Homecoming. Her greatest pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great great- grandchildren. She was Moms to them and all of their friends. She loved her nieces and nephews and their families just as much as she loved her own. She would show up for any and all activities and was everyone’s biggest fan. She will be remembered for her kind heart, caring nature, and the love she showed to everyone around her. Her faith in God guided her life, and her selflessness and sense of humor brought joy to all who knew her.

Betty Lu was preceded in death by her husband, Kent Satterwhite, parents, James Columbus and Gracie Alice Riggan, her brothers, Carl, Murrel, Denzile, and Jimmy (Sunny), her sisters, Elsie, Lola Mae, and Geraldene.

Betty Lu is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Young and husband Kenneth of Anson. Lexi Smith and husband Kole of Merkel. Grandchildren: Renee Anderson and husband Sidney of Anson, Stephanie Smith of Abilene, Coby Smith and wife Jessica of Sweetwater. Great-grandchildren: Madison Harris of Amarillo, Logan Harris of Temple, and Baylor Crawford of Abilene. Great great-grandchildren: Ridglea Oliver and Oakley Harris. And many close friends and family.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm Sunday October, 19th at Starbuck Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10am Monday, October 20th at First United Methodist Church of Merkel. Burial will follow at White Church Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Starbuck Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Merkel.

The Family of Betty Lu wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the community of Merkel, Dr. Kaur and nurses at Hendrick Hospital, and Hendrick Hospice facility.  

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