Betty M. Bettis departed this life on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the age of 88. She will forever be remembered as an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Charles "Chuck" Bettis; her parents, Floyd and Irene (Miller) Barnard; and a brother, Norman Barnard.

Her family was the most important thing in her life. She is survived by her son, Jim (Michelle) Bettis; her daughter, DiAnn (Tony) Antone; her grandchildren, Tiffany (Chris) Flores, Tejay (Kelsi) Antone, and Justin and Jordan Deuley; and her great-grandchildren, Jayden and Jaelynn.

Betty was the first born child to Floyd and Irene Barnard. She was a loving sister to her siblings, Norman, Charlie, Doug, and her only sister, Ruth (Harold) Raper. She had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

As a young lady, Betty worked at Dixie Cup where she met her dearest friend Jeanette Pike. She continued her career as a special needs teacher and paraprofessional at Southside High School where she retired in 2006, after 27 years of faithful service with the Fort Smith Public Schools. Upon her retirement, June 2, 2006, was proclaimed "Betty Bettis Day" by Mayor Ray Baker for her outstanding contributions to the education profession.

Betty's final wish was that everyone remembers her in peace and love, just as she loved ALL. She did not want any formal funeral services and she will rest in peace at Fort Smith National Cemetery alongside her late husband, Charles Bettis.

Cremation arrangements and services are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.