A loss to the world of Needlework

We have lost a great friend of Needlework and promoter of Needlework.

Betty Abrego Ring, a fifth generation Texan and longtime resident of Houston, died peacefully in her home Thursday morning, the 5th of May 2014.
Born on the 18th of March 1923, in Beaumont, Texas, to Claude and Nellie Fitzsimmons Abrego, Betty spent much of her childhood along America's east coast as they moved often to be near her father an engineer but returned to Houston where most of her family lived to attend Lamar High School followed by the University of Texas at Austin.
In June of 1942, at the tender age of 19, she married Gregg Ring of Houston, a union that would last over 65 years and produce seven children. After raising her children Betty spent much of her life pursuing her interests in history, antiques and the decorative arts. She was a passionate scholar and collector of 18th and early 19th century American schoolgirl needlework. A brilliant researcher, writer and astute collector she became a recognized expert on the subject of early American needlework compiling one of the finest collections of schoolgirl embroideries in existence. Authoring and editing numerous books and magazine articles her magnum opus "Girlhood Embroidery" was published in 1993.
Well respected in her field Betty was bestowed with many awards and accolades by her peers. She became the subject of many magazine and newspaper articles and was especially proud to receive the prestigious Antiques Dealers Association Award of Merit in 2005.
During her many years of volunteer work in Houston Betty served as President of the Harris County Heritage Society (now the Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park), was on the board of directors of the Houston Public Library and a Docent at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Betty was a longtime member of the Ladies Reading Club, and also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Colonial Dames of America.
She was preceded in death by her son, George Randolph Ring; her grandson, Tyler Nicholas Davidson; her brother, Richard Abrego; and her husband, Gregg Ring.
She is survived by her children, Brian Ring, Loretta Britton Giles, Gregg Ring, Jr., Stephanie Davidson, Oliver Ring, Christopher Ring; and grandchildren, Gregg Ring III, Laura Davidson, Baker Britton, Melissa Davidson and Oliver Britton.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Monday, the 9th of June, in the parlor and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
At a later date, the family is to gather for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Mrs. Ring's name be directed to the charity of one's choice.
She was a lady of traditional values, a devoted wife and mother who loved her family foremost. A dedicated researcher and writer she possessed a fierce work ethic, solid principles and deep convictions. She will be missed by many but survived by her extensive body of work of which she was very proud.