Bettie Rose Kelley Anderson

ANDERSON, BETTIE ROSE KELLEY HALEY: Bettie died peacefully January 5, 2022 in her apartment at the Holly Court assisted living facility in Baton Rouge, La., where she was a very active resident and friend of all. She was two weeks shy of being 98 years old. Bettie Rose Kelley was born January 28, 1924 at the family home on a dusty road near Bunkie, La., and at the time, she was the first girl in a growing family with five boys. Over time, she was blessed with two sisters and a baby brother. Bettie graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria, La. in 1942 and was soon employed as a typist at the England Army Air Corps Base in Alexandria. Toward the end of WW II, she married William W. Haley, also from the Bunkie area, and moved to Baton Rouge, where her three children were born and reared. She rose through the ranks in the Personnel function of Copolymer, a chemical company, and subsequently became a leader in organizing the Baton Rouge-based Professional Secretaries Association. Following her marriage to Peter V. Anderson and the addition of his three children in 1969, the family moved to Lake Jackson, Tx., where Peter worked for Dow Chemical and Bettie worked for Amoco Chemical. In 1995, after their retirement from active employment, Bettie and Peter moved back to Baton Rouge and decided to make their home in an assisted living community. Throughout her life, Bettie was a reliable volunteer and supporter of charitable causes, most of which were linked to healthcare activities. As a young mother she was a dedicated fundraiser for the March of Dimes. She was a volunteering role model for her children and encouraged their participation in a variety school related fundraising projects and service clubs. Bettie subsequently served for many years as a dependable “Pink Lady” volunteer for the hospital in Lake Jackson, and worked, regularly and into her 90’s, as a Senior Companion and volunteer in the Rehabilitation Unit of the Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. Bettie and Peter regularly attended and supported the Jefferson United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. She was also an organizer and leader of numerous activities for the residents of Holly Court Assisted Living, and she was a dedicated, multi-sport fan of the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. Bettie and Peter were active supporters of WW II Veterans activities and events and were continuously engaged in the formative stages of the New Orleans National World War II Museum. Bettie was the last survivor of her large family, outliving her parents, Tommie and Eva Kelley, six Kelley brothers, M.C., Chester, Wallace, Frank, Walter, and Thomas, and two Kelley sisters, Doris Pomes and Versie Fontenot. She is survived by her three children, Barbara Perkins (Norwood, La.), Roy Haley (Orlando, Fl.), Dr. Bill Haley (St. Simon Island, Ga.), and by Peter Anderson’s three daughters, Diane Toups (Los Alamos, NM.), Shirley Chambliss (Ft. Worth, Tx.) and Carole Alvarado (Lake Jackson, Tx.). In addition, Bettie is survived by 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and Haley and Anderson family members of all ages, most of whom refer to her as their Aunt Bet. Bettie was a one-of-a-kind, “Energizer Bunny”, who was a big sister and dear friend to many. She was borne caregiver. From an early age, she developed a special kind of inclusive, welcoming, supportive, entertainer’s personality that persisted until the moment of her death. She had an uncommon ability to connect with, stay in-touch with, and have fun with individuals of all ages and all backgrounds. She was a people-person, driven to make people talk, smile, and laugh. She had an amazing memory-recall for people’s names, their parents’ and children’s names and their relevant life events. She truly knew how to “work a crowd” and create a memorable level of energy and enthusiasm. While a few of her dry or sarcastic comments, laughable behaviors, or misinterpreted jokes may have fallen flat, she persisted to everyone’s enjoyment, benefit, and fond memories. We know that she brought an unusual calming and comforting aspect to the lives of the people she encountered. We can only hope that fond memories and great stories of her be shared again and again. The family wishes to thank the entire current and former staff at Holly Court Terrace Assisted Living and the Lady of the Lake Hospital for almost 20 years of assistance and support. Special thanks go out to Bettie’s best friend, Nancy Indovina and to long term caregivers, Sandy Jarman, and Keysha Dominick. In lieu of flowers or other traditional forms of remembrance, the family suggests that donations in honor of Bettie and Peter be made to the Jefferson United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge or The National World War II Museum in New Orleans. A memorial service and short reception are planned for Saturday afternoon, January 29, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Jefferson United Methodist Church. In recognition of pandemic-related concerns, many may understandably be uncomfortable with travel challenges or a group event. Accordingly, masks will be available and encouraged, and a follow-up “Celebration of Life” will be scheduled and announced for a date later in 2022 when conditions are more favorable.