Bettye Ruth Shapter

Bettye Ruth Shapter, 74 of Conway left her earthly home on Saturday January 9, 2021. She was born to the late George and Eunice Hall. Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of almost 54 years, Pete; two brothers, George and Jack Hall, and one sister Fran Lawson.

Bettye is survived by her children, Blake Birdsong of NLR and Matt Shapter (Amber) of Conway. Three granddaughters Delia Murry, Loral and Mallea Shapter and one grandson Axel Birdsong. Bettye had a large host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends.

Bettye loved life, loved to read, bowl, and take trips. Her favorite color was red and she loved Betty Boop. She loved flowers but didn’t like to garden. She loved going to the beach but not really swimming. She loved sweets, Caffeine Free Diet Coke, and her coffee. Maybe more than coffee she loved her creamer. She loved to be with her family. She was a gracious host and always looked forward to the times when friends or family would pass thru town and make a stop to visit. Relationships were important to her. She had several childhood friends she still made plans with to visit for as long as she was able.

Bettye loved her children and maybe even more so her grandchildren. She was a Mimi to her core. She loved reading books, snuggling and cooking for them. Longing to pass along her love of reading to them, she often gifted books.

Bettye wasn’t one for the spotlight but she enjoyed the party. She delighted in others accomplishments and was a great cheerleader, encourager and confidant. Bettye was the lady of the room; she didn’t indulge in gossip and was quick to change the subject, if needed, to keep from any unkindness. She had a great memory. If ever you had stepped through the halls at Conway High School during her tenure, you better believe she remembered you. She was faithful, she believed in God and she looked forward to an eternal life in heaven.

These last several years of life weren’t easy for her but she navigated them with grace and love, rarely ever a complaint. She found the bright side of the situation and made the most of what she had. She will be greatly missed by all that were blessed to have known her.

The family would like to express how thankful they are to her Kindred Hospice team, especially her nurse Brandy. Brandy, you were our life line these past 9 months and loved and cared for Bettye and Pete. The staff at Stonebridge, you were her family when we could not be there. You all loved on her, cared for her and entertained her. There will never be enough words to express how much you all mean to us and what a blessing you were not just to Pete & Bettye but to their family as well.

Final arrangements are being handled by Griffin-Leggett funeral home in Conway. A family graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16th at Edlin Cemetery, Stony Point Road, Perry County, Arkansas with Pastor Tim Britton and Brother Steve Rutherford officiating. To sign the online guestbook, click “Add A Memory” at: www.griffinleggettconway.com