A rosary will be recited for Betty Klein at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Artesia, NM on June 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a funeral mass to immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Father Francis Lazer will officiate with a burial to follow at Woodbine Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Kevin Klein, Justin Powell, Randy Reed, Lance Conklin, Ryan Gaines, Jonathon Herrera, David Brown, Eric Durbin, and Gauge Murrill.

Betty Jane Klein, 92, beloved Wife, Mother, Mother-in-Law, Daughter, Grandmother, and Sister was called to her eternal resting place on June 7, 2026.

Betty was born on April 21,1934 in Pangburn, Arkansas. She was the daughter of William Raymond Burns and Leda Mae Smith Burns. After her family relocated to New Mexico, Betty met the love of her life, A.A. Klein, the summer of 1953 at a barn dance. The two were married on January 9, 1954 and celebrated 71 years of marriage. Betty and A.A. welcomed seven children in the years to follow and eventually moved to Artesia, NM in August of 1965. They opened up Klein's Mon-Reposa Dairy where Betty helped run it and raise all of their children. Later, Betty worked and retired at Bearing Service and Supply. She spent her retirement years with with a houseful of family and friends. She looked forward to her weekly game of bridge with her closest friends. Betty was also a volunteer at the Artesia General Hospital Auxillary and was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for several decades. She was a devoted member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and their Altar Society.

The love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was unmatched. It was rare to find Betty without being surrounded by her family. She made any and everyone always feel welcomed and loved. She and A.A. always had an extra spot in their home and hearts. She made their home a haven for all; often taking in and inviting anyone they came in contact with. You couldn't come over without being fed, playing a card or domino name, and the lucky ones made out with her famous pecan pie. It was rare to find her without a smile on her face. She possessed a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor that could brighten even the most difficult day. The love and legacy she instilled in her family will forever live on.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son Lex (Susan) Klein; son Timmy Klein, daughter Kathy (Bill) Wells; son Johnny (Rusty) Klein; son Jeff (Kim) Klein; grandson Kevin (Hayley) Klein; grandson Justin (Kassandra) Powell; granddaughter Jamie (Randy) Reed; granddaughter Kacy (David) Brown; granddaughter Karly (Eric) Durbin; granddaughter Allison (Lance) Conklin; granddaughter Courtney (Ryan) Gaines; granddaughter Jenna (Jonathon) Herrera; sister Linda Thayer, 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband A.A. Klein, father William Raymond Burns, mother Leda Mae Smith Burns, son David Klein, daughter Lee Anne Klein, sister Reba Murrill, grandson Scott Klein, grandson Jake Klein, and daughter-in-law Tammy Klein.

Memorial donations can be sent in Betty's memory to:

St. Anthony's Parrish Hall Renovation Fund

502 S. Ninth St.

Artesia, NM 88210

The family would like to thank J&J Homecare staff Katie Smith and Cierra Dunnavant, Dr. Joe Salgado, Leslie Blount, Margaret Franco, and Enhabit Hospice staff Melissa, Mercedes, and Cynthia for their dedicated time, love, and caring for our precious Mom and Grandmother.