Betty J. White

Betty J. White, 86, of Saint Cloud, Florida, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014. One of Betty's last requests was to tell her story. Where do you begin to tell the story of a woman who was loved by all those she touched? A very special someone who was loved deeply by her family and friends, by those who had no more than a brief encounter with her, as well as by those familiar with her only through someone else. Betty was an incredible woman of undeniable strength, beauty and kindness. Betty never had a harsh or critical word for anyone and always put others first. She never asked for anything for herself. Instead she constantly provided love, support and guidance to others. Born on December 28, 1927 in Easton, Illinois, Betty came into the world just months before the Great Depression began. Growing up with limited means, Betty learned the values of hard work and fierce independence. She lived on her own and supported herself at the age of 16 in order to finish high school. After graduation, Betty moved to Peoria, Illinois and began a career at Illinois Bell as a telephone operator. Additionally, Betty modeled on the side. Betty and Don were graced with a true and everlasting love that began soon after their first meeting. Married within a few months of their first date - on Valentine's Day 1953 - Betty and Don were best friends, soul mates, respectful and ever supportive of one another. They shared nearly 62 years of wedded bliss together. Betty was a homemaker who raised five children with a loving hand. She often made fudge or popcorn on the stove for a Sunday night movie, baked her famous Santa sugar cookies, or made buckeyes, caramels or chocolate chip cookies for an impromptu group of friends one of the kids would bring home. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandson as well as all her nieces and nephews. Her family was always her number one priority. Betty enjoyed reading mysteries and dramatic novels, clipping and trying out new recipes, watching the Cardinals play, a wide variety of movies and especially the PBS channel with Downton Abbey, Inspector Morse and As Time Goes By. Betty also loved listening to Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr. and all the Big Bands. Her children and grandchildren grew up listening to, enjoying and appreciating this variety of music. She loved working in the yard and her flowerbeds bloomed with color. Betty was drawn to nature and nature responded in kind as evidenced by the number of hummingbirds that returned to her feeders every spring. Betty loved getting together with Don's sisters - whom she cherished as if they were her own sisters. She enjoyed playing cards and would give a sweet, quiet laugh just as she laid her cards down winning the game. Betty also enjoyed an evening out for dinner. They called her Sweet Betty - and she truly was. Betty was the epitome of a sweet spirit. She had a quiet strength and determination along with an absolute kindness towards everyone. The marriage of Betty and Don was a never-ending love, one that was for now and forever. The family will always carry Betty in our hearts. Betty is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Donald White of Saint Cloud; five children: Timothy White and wife Brenda of Chicago, IL., M. Susan Luther and husband Tim of Westfield, IN., Jill McCarthy and husband Sean of Overland Park, KS., Jody Hook and husband Matthew of Carmel, IN., and Tracy White of Indianapolis, IN; nine grandchildren: Samatha White, John, George (Megan) and Charles Luther, Connor McCarthy (Andrea), Jacob, Luke, Katy and Anna Grace Hook; one great-grandchild, Preston George Luther; a sister, Eileen Armstead of Carmel, IN; and many nieces and nephews. Betty is preceded in death by two grandchildren: Mary Clare Hook and David James Hook. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements under the care of Fisk Funeral Home & Crematory, 1107 Massachusetts Avenue, Saint Cloud, FL 34769 (407) 892-2155 Online condolences can be given at fiskfh.com.

Betty J. White

December 28, 1927 - November 23, 2014