Ann Joy Bettis , 88, of Dripping Springs, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in Fredericksburg, TX.  She was born January 9, 1930 in Princeton, Minnesota to Charles and Ida (Simonds) Ferretti.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James W. Bettis, Jr.; and two brothers, Charles Robert Ferretti and George Lester Ferretti and favorite niece Rita Ferretti Holen.

She is survived by her son, Brett G. Bray and his wife Linda and one granddaughter, Amber Bray.  She also leaves behind her favorite nephews David Ferretti of Moody, Texas and James Tennison of Grand Rapids, Minnesota  as well as her lifelong best friend Natalie "Nicki" Bartlett of Venice, Florida.

Ann suffered illness as a child.  She overcame adversity of a children's ward and went on to graduate early from high school in Elk River, Minnesota.  Ann was proud of her Italian heritage that shaped her character.  As a young woman, she worked in radio and advertising.  Ultimately, she secured a position as a stewardess with United Airlines, flying coast to coast in the days of white linen gloves, pressed wool uniforms and propeller planes.  She then married Marine Captain Woody Bray and moved to the "scorching heat" of Amarillo, Texas.

After a time, she gave birth to her only son Brett Gregory Bray.  Years later, the family moved to Ft. Worth.   Ann and Woody divorced, and she became a self-taught court reporter, earning credentials from the Texas Certified Shorthand Reporters Commission.  She specialized in federal agency hearings held all over the country.  Eventually, Ann married Jim Bettis and relocated to Dripping Springs, Texas where she continued to reside after Jim's death.  Ann served as a court reporter for the Texas Railroad Commission and the Texas Osteopaths Association.  She also served as an election judge in Travis County for many years.  She was a disciplined investor and a self-made success.  While she never made it to law school, she was proud that she was able to see her son go on to achieve that goal.

Her love of travel, horses and Great Danes will bless us with stories for years to come.  She defied the odds to the very end, proving that she could continue on after suffering a massive stroke.  Ann lived her last years at Heritage Place in Fredericksburg, Texas.   While she hated the routine and wasn't wild about the food, she found new friendships and enjoyed long walks with her therapist and friend, Clayton.  She will always be remembered for her unique ability to stand out in a crowd.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Round Mountain Cemetery.  Arrangements under the direction of Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Johnson City.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.