Celebrating the Life of Betty Rials Hoch

Betty Rials Hoch lived a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others. Born in Crockett, Texas, on July 19, 1943, she grew up in Grapeland, graduating from Grapeland High School in 1961 before earning her degree from Texas Woman's University in 1965.

After college, Betty moved to Houston and worked as a legal secretary. On Christmas Day in 1968, she married Max Bassett, and together they welcomed their daughter, Amy. Later, Betty followed her call to education, earning her teaching certification from Sam Houston State University and spending twenty-five years teaching kindergarten and first grade. She loved helping children learn and grow and remained committed to education throughout her life, including serving on the Grapeland school board.

In 2008, Betty married Forest Martin "Buzzy" Hoch. Together they enjoyed eighteen wonderful years filled with family, friends, travel, and laughter. Eventually they settled in Mineola to be close to loved ones. Buzzy affectionately called her "Sweetie," a name that perfectly reflected the love they shared.

More than anything, Betty loved people. She had a gift for remembering details, asking thoughtful questions and making others feel seen and valued. Her family was her greatest joy. She was deeply proud of her daughter, Amy Bassett Anderson, and son-in-law, Leon Anderson. Betty, known as Nana, loved her grandchildren, Austin Anderson and his wife, Nicole; Riley Anderson and his wife, Claire; and Jackson Anderson and his fiancée, Robyn.

Betty also cherished her sister, Patsy Webster, and her husband Phil; her nephews, Ruston Webster and his wife, Gayle; and Adam Webster and his wife, Sherry, and their families.

Betty also loved Buzzy's children and their spouses, Dianna and Valton Stephens, Stacy and Chris James, and Eva and Javad Hashemi. She cherished his grandchildren, Jessica Stephens and her son, Preston; Elyssa Sanders and her husband, Eric, and their daughter, Autumn; Ethan Foshee and his wife, Abby; Mackenzie Archer; Evan Hashemi; and Jonathan Hashemi.

Her faith in Jesus guided every part of her life. She spent years filling journals with Scripture, prayers, and reflections, leaving behind a beautiful testimony of a life well lived.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, her joy that only God provides, her wisdom, and the genuine interest she took in others. She leaves behind a family who loved her dearly and a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched.

Visitation for Betty Hoch will begin at 10 a.m., September 12, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Mineola, Texas, followed by the Funeral service at 11:30 a.m. with Kendall Banks officiating.

Graveside services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Grapeland City Cemetery in Grapeland, Texas.