Jo Beth Gabbert

Jo Beth Gabbert passed away in Ballinger, Texas, on August 3, 2016 at the age of 85. She was born on April 6, 1931 in Norton, Texas, to Roy and Adele Forbus. In 1950, Jo Beth married the love of her life, Buster Gabbert, and enjoyed 66 years of wedded bliss that yielded four children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was a tiny West Texas firecracker, devoted to her family and their successes. She could be found endlessly volunteering during her children’s years at school as well as avidly supporting all Ballinger and Texas State University sports. She was the best seamstress this side of the Colorado River and offered her expertise creating costumes, cheerleading uniforms, prom dresses and matching outfits for her daughters/granddaughters. Her dedication to her children knew no bounds.
Before retirement, Jo Beth and Buster ran Gabbert Packing Company in partnership with her father-in-law Clyde Gabbert. She supported her husband who was active Army National Guard for most of their married life. Jo Beth was honored for the extensive amount of time she kept the home fires burning while her husband served our country. She was an amazing executive of the household and succeeded in always looking polished, poised and perfectly styled.
Jo Beth and Buster traveled extensively enjoying over 20 cruises to countries far and wide, many of which have since changed names and hands. At their home in Ballinger, she took particular joy in gardening, doting on grandchildren, and baking her famous chocolate pudding pie and grandchild-approved chocolate toast.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Thelma Sue Gabbert. She is survived by her loving husband Thomas I. “Buster” Gabbert; their daughters Deborah (Bill) Radford of Austin and Tommye Jo (John) Patterson of Lufkin, their son George Anthony “Tony” (Mary Beth) of Graham; their grandchildren Glenna (Bech) Bruun of Austin, Melanie (Wes) Edwards of Austin, Trent (Caress) Patterson of Katy, Jill Patterson of Austin, Kalee Sue Gabbert of Graham, step-grandson Kaleb Thomas Harden Mayo of Austin; and two great-grandchildren Cilla Kay and Radford Bruun of Austin.
Pall Bearers are John Patterson, Bech and Glenna Bruun, Melanie Edwards, Trent and Caress Patterson, Jill Patterson, and Kalee Gabbert. Honorary Pall Bearer are Bill Radford, Wes Edwards and Mike Dankworth.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 5 at 6:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger and services will be held on Saturday, August 6 at the chapel at Lange Funeral Home at 10am. Following the service, interment will be held at Garden of Memories in Ballinger.