Betty Davene Hendershot

Davene Hendershot, of Canadian, stepped into her heavenly home Sunday, April 12, 2026, with the love of her life by her side.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the First Christian Church of Canadian with Rev. Matt Cook officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

Betty Davene Burnett Hendershot was born December 18, 1938, in Amarillo to J.T. and Hazel Yokley Burnett. The Burnett family was a pioneer family that helped establish and settle Hemphill County. Davene was a twin, her sister, Daveeda, was six minutes older. Davene truly lived her mother’s life lesson, “Always be nice to others.” She graduated from Canadian High School, as a sophomore Davene started dating Lee Hendershot. The high school sweethearts married on November 2, 1957, and celebrated life together for 68 years and 6 months. Davene worked for the District Clerks office as a Deputy Clerk for 20 years and then served two terms, eight years, as Hemphill County and District Clerk. Since 1985 Davene and Lee have been active members of the First Christian Church in Canadian.

Davene was a charter member of the Comancheria Chapter of the DAR. She was a writer, writing children’s stories, poetry and a novel about “Doubting Thomas”. Davene also enjoyed reading and crocheting. She especially enjoyed camping and fishing with her family.

Davene was preceded in death by her parents, J.T. & Hazel and her twin, Daveeda.

Those left to cherish Daveen’s memory are her husband, Lee Hendershot of Canadian; two children, David Hendershot and wife Ann of Amarillo, and Sheryl Leewright of Waco; grandchildren, Michael Leewright and wife Jackie of Keller, Mark Leewright of Waco, David Leewright of Waco and Abby Hendershot of Amarillo; greatgrandchildren, Austyn Leewright, Aubry Leewright, Addie Leewright, and special friends, Marie Maupin, Polly Farrah, Chris Schoenhals, and Glenna Schafer.

Memorials may be made to Hemphill County Hospice, 1020 S. 4th St, Canadian, TX 79014.