Obituary of Bettie Louise Oglesby Raska

Bettie Louise Oglesby Raska, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to so many was called to her eternal home on October 3, 2014. Born on August 4, 1927 in Edna, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Lillie T. Malone Oglesby and James Baker Oglesby, Sr. Bettie (Sissy) is survived by her brother, James (Bud) Oglesby, Jr. She was preceded in death and is now reunited with her loving husband of 65 years, Emil J. Raska. As a young girl, she lived in Edna, Texas and Corpus Christi, Texas before moving to Houston in the early 40’s. She worked as a telephone operator during WWII and Weingarten’s grocery store. She and Emil met on January 15, 1946 at a dance doing the “Paul Jones” and they were married on March 9, 1946 at Fulbright Memorial Methodist Church in Houston. They remained in the Houston area where they raised three sons and a daughter. Bettie remained home taking care of her family for many years and became very involved with the United Methodist Women, UMYF, teaching children’s Sunday school and vacation bible school at St. Andrews United Methodist Church. When her children started school she was an active volunteer, room mom and PTA President. She also enjoyed serving as a Girl Scout Leader for many years. Bettie loved being involved with her children and when the last one graduated, she decided she would like to go back to work, so she went to work at Lang’s Pharmacy for a few years until Emil officially retired. In retirement Bettie and Emil enjoyed going camping at Ink’s Lake in their travel trailer, traveling with their children, going out to eat and shopping. She was a strong, determined, smart, caring woman who loved spending time with family and friends. Talking to people was a joy to her and she would talk to everyone. Playing dominoes, “42” and “Mexican Train” with Dot, Alfonse, Bennie, Peewee and the rest of the gang was something she always looked forward to. She and Emil joined First UMC Pearland and became active members of the Searchlight Class, served on several committees and for many years Bettie worked as a volunteer receptionist in the church office. Bettie truly enjoyed the years she served as class president for the Searchlight Class and always looked forward to the class parties and getting to know everyone. She also enjoyed coming to Primetimers when she could. Bettie is survived by her sons, Jim and wife Katrina, Gary and wife Barbara, Ricky and wife Tina and her daughter Robin Roehr and husband Bill. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, Stephanie Raska Cooper and husband Raymond, Stephan Raska and wife Elizabeth, Christopher Raska and wife Nikki, Lily Raska Cochran and husband Scott, Ricky Raska Jr. and wife Elizabeth, Jennifer Raska, Zachary Roehr and Lauren Roehr, Audrey Cooper, Grant Raska, Ella Raska, Connor Raska, Peyton Raska, Scotty Cochran, Victoria Cochran and Madeline Raska. Bettie would always tell us God Bless You, Love You and Thank You for everything. Well, we are all happy that God blessed us with her loving spirit and we all loved her dearly and we are so thankful for everything she did for us. We will miss her so very much. A visitation for Bettie will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W, Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 2314 N. Grand Blvd., Pearland, Texas 77581 with Rev. Dr. Keith Whitaker and Rev. Dr. Bob Joiner officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston, Texas.