Emma H. Betancourt

Emma Huerta Betancourt, age 79, of Odessa, passed away on May 9, 2024, in Odessa. 

Emma was born in Imperial, Texas to Juan and Jesusita Huerta on October 10, 1944. She married Jesus Betancourt Sr. in 1975.

Emma enjoyed dancing, novelas, and watching the Dallas Cowboys. She loved to make tortillas and galletas and regularly cracked jokes (even when they weren’t appropriate). Though she enjoyed McDonald’s coffee and going out to eat, Emma also loved eating her daughter, Debra’s, enchiladas and her daughter, Edna’s, stuffing. An avid traveler, Emma enjoyed going to casinos and playing cards, poker, and bingo. She could often be found scrolling on Facebook to stay up to date on chisme. Above all, Emma was a hardworking, caring woman with a big heart who loved being surrounded by her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years: Jesus Betancourt Sr.; her sons: Alvaro Betancourt and Richard Betancourt Sr.; her granddaughter: Amanda Betancourt; her parents: Juan and Jesusita Huerta; her brothers: Francisco Huerta, Cisto Huerta, Carlos Huerta, and Cipriano Huerta; and her sisters: Juanita Villescas and Ramona Bonilla.

Emma is survived by her sons: Jesus Betancourt Jr. (Donna) and David Betancourt; her daughters: Edna Gaytan (Anibal) and Debra Betancourt; her sister: Mary Garza; her brother: Juan Huerta Jr. (Betty); as well as 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Public visitation will be held on Monday, May 13 from 1PM-9 PM at Martinez Funeral Home. A rosary will also be held at 7 PM on Monday, May 13 at Martinez. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, May 14 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with burial following at 11:30 AM at Ector County Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ezaiah Garza, Elijah Garza, Richard Betancourt Jr., Anthony Armesto, Anibal Gaytan Sr., Anibal Betancourt Gaytan Jr., Damian Gaytan, and Jared Gaytan.

The family wishes to extend appreciation for all care received from ORMC, Dr.Gibbons, and family.