Betty Wronka

Betty Lou Wronka
October 26, 1944 – March 8, 2016

Betty Wronka, 71, of College Station peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, March 18, 2016 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with Father Edwin Kagoo officiating. Inurnment following in the College Station Cemetery.

Betty was born to Raymond and Vercie Springer in Hornersville, Missouri where she lived until 1953. Her family moved to Flint, Michigan where Betty became a star high school basketball player. After graduation, Betty attended cosmetology school unaware her career path was about to change. While playing in a pick-up basketball game, Betty was spotted by a recruiter for The All American Red Heads. The Red Heads were one of the first professional women’s basketball teams and played against men’s teams with men’s rules and won about 80% of the time. Betty travelled to Caraway, Arkansas and made the team. She earned the nickname “Personality Gal” and played with The Red Heads until 1963. Betty attended the grand opening of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee when The All American Red Heads were among the first teams to be recognized as trailblazers. She has a brick dedicated to her on the Walk of Fame.

Betty was considering extending her contract with The Red Heads but changed her mind when she met her future husband, Walter Wronka, Sr. Wally and Betty were united in Holy Matrimony at St. Mary Queen of Angels Church in Swartz Creek, Michigan on February 27, 1965. Betty had a positive impact on many people and her house was always open to everyone. She was the ultimate sports enthusiast and an artist who painted in oil and acrylic. Betty was truly a “Personality Gal” and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Preceding Betty in death are her parents, Raymond and Vercie Springer; her brothers, Allen and Don Springer; and her sister, Erna Christain.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Walter Wronka, Sr.; her daughters Melissa Hoppman, Katie Coppedge and husband Mark; her son Walter Wronka, Jr.; and her grandchildren, Evelyn Hoppman, J.D. Hoppman, Jacob Coppedge and Melissa Coppedge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s honor to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 W. 26th St., Bryan, Tx 77803; Texas Lions Camp, 4100 San Antonio Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028; or the charity of your choice.

The Wronka, Hoppman and Coppedge families wish to recognize Hospice Brazos Valley for the outstanding care Betty received. We would like to extend our special thanks to Betty’s hospice nurses Jordan, Sarah, Suzie and Hannah and to her aide, Devena.

Express condolence at callawayjones.com Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory.

Condolences

  1. I was very sorry to hear the news of the passing of Betty.

    I went to school with her at Utley in Flint Michigan for many years and graduated with her in the class of 62′ from Ainsworth High. I have not seen her since we walked down that isle and got our diploma that night in 1962,but never forgot her. She had hoped to come to the 50th reunion in 1962, but it was not to be.
    All of her classmates loved her as a great friend and classmate.She was an outstanding athlete and student.

    We here in Michigan will always remember her big smile and great sense of humor.
    We are very sorry for your loss, but know that you were lucky to have her in your lives for so many years.
    Class of 62
    Tom Harmon

  2. Wally & Family,

    Our deepest sympathies on your loss of wife and mother. Betty is a sweet Soul who is now in Jesus’ embrace. May God bless you and the Holy Spirit comfort you. Kaysa & David Alexander

  3. Sorry for your loss. She will live on in your hearts and memories.
    Once a redhead sister always a redhead sister. Betty and I were never on the same team, I heard stories on her as a ball player. She will be missed in the All American Redhead family as well.
    My thoughts and prayers.

  4. Prayers and thoughts to the Family and friend of Betty.

    May special memories always warm your heart and know she will be a part of a legacy that will live on forever with the All American Red Heads.

    Sincerely,

    John Molina

  5. Melissa, I am so sorry about your Mom. She sounds like she was a very special person. What a life of adventure she had. I know you all will miss her very much. May the Lord embrace you with His comfort.
    Kay

  6. Wally, I haven’t seen you since we graduated together in 1962 from Swartz Creek High.
    Like your wife Betty who was born in Hornersville, Missouri my wife’s first name is also Betty and she was also born in the small Missouri Boot Heel town of Hornersville. We were also married in 1965 as were you and your wife.

    May Betty’s soul rest in peace; God Bless you and your family.

    • Hello David;

      Thanks for the nice note. That is amazing that your wife is also from Hornersville , Mo. And you were married in 1965. What is your wife’s maiden name? She must have known Betty as it is a very small town.

      Again thanks for the nice note you sent,I appreciate it.

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