Betty Jane Howard's Obituary
Betty Jane Howard, born December 26, 1932, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025 at the age of 92. She was born to Esther (Clemens) and LeRoy Smith of South Bend, Indiana, and raised in El Monte, California. She married her loving husband, Bill, in 1965. After moving to Camden, Arkansas, in 1978, they would both have 30 year careers with General Dynamics. Upon retiring, they moved to Gravette, Arkansas, where she was a member of Sulphur Springs Methodist Church.
Betty was a lady of immense talent, deep faith, boundless generosity, and a heart full of love. As a gifted seamstress, Betty poured her creativity into crafting and sewing award-winning quilts that warmed both hearts and homes. Many of her quilts were donated to charities and community organizations, a reflection of her deep commitment to helping others. Through Quilts of Valor, she honored veterans with her lap quilts, and lovingly knitted baby caps for infants in the NICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital.
For over a decade, she volunteered with Care and Share of Gravette, dedicating herself to supporting families in need. She was also involved in the American Legion, Gravette Days, and The Senior Center of Gravette. She was always lending a hand with grace and kindness.
Betty also had an adventurous spirit, exploring the world with her beloved travel group. Whether close to home or across the globe, she embraced every journey with joy and curiosity. And through it all, she cherished the companionship of her MANY furry friends who brought her so much happiness.
She was a ray of sunshine-always smiling, always laughing, and always lifting up those around her. She will be missed by all she touched. She is survived by her daughter Jody Pritchard and husband Charles, of Tulsa, OK; and sister, Jan Webster, of Gravette, AR. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother Bob Smith and wife Lois; and brother in law, Fred Webster.
A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Gravette, AR, February 22, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.
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