Betty Lou Paulsen

Her life is to now be celebrated!

Betty was born in Iowa to Raleigh Russell & Frances Linder. She was married to Allan Paulsen for 53 years until his passing in 2005. She is survived by 3 children: Mike and Reva Paulsen of Anchorage, AK, Clay & Cris Paulsen of Osceola, IA, & Tommy & Jennifer Taylor of Bentonville, AR. Along with her kids, she is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Her earthly life began in Iowa and from there her impact started. Married to Allan, she was a hard-working farm wife, cooking delicious meals, canning homegrown veggies, and supporting her husband in Iowa, Louisiana, & Arkansas.

During her time in each state, she worked as a florist, which continued for 20+ years. The arrangements she created were works of art. Her talent and passion for flowers continued at home with indoor and outdoor plants. On any sunny day, she enjoyed sitting on her patio, feeding birds, and admiring her plants.

Betty and her husband, Allan, sang duets, which ministered to the hearts of many at weddings, church, and funerals. Her talent did not end at singing. She also played the piano at church and at home for many years.

She had a creative gift for quilting, crocheting, and knitting. Her treasured baby blankets and keepsake quilts show her loving heart in every stitch. Even as her sight failed, she continued crocheting by touch to make hats and scarves for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

Her last job was a ticket teller at the local airport where, with a warm smile, she welcomed travelers back to Northwest Arkansas. Across her many occupations, Betty was a dedicated hard worker, a trait which passed on to her family.

Her most memorable talent was the baked treats given to every person that walked through her door. Her hand kneaded bread and dinner rolls were the most famous, but her caramel pecan and cinnamon rolls were the most decadent. At Christmas, everyone will miss her flaky Danish Kringle which she baked and wrapped with homemade candy, caramel corn, and other goodies to personally gift to friends and family.

Lastly and most importantly, she loved Jesus. Her heart flowed with thankfulness to the Lord, even until the last days. Scripture was her life, and she yearned to read it daily. There wasn’t a trial heavy enough for her. God was enough for her and filled her heart with everlasting joy. With intentionality she shared that joy with anyone who would listen.

Words to describe Betty: Warm and kind. Generous and thoughtful. Talented and precious. Loving and hospitable. Joyful and faithful. Resilient in all stages of life. Lover of laughter. A true friend and great baker. A dedicated homemaker. Heart of gold. A cultivator of nature and of hearts

Betty was all these things and more. Her life was a testimony of God’s blessings, love and grace expanding now for generations to come.

A Celebration of Betty’s life will be at 10am, Saturday, July 23rd at First Baptist Church Centerton: 351 W Centerton Blvd, Centerton, AR 72719.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to David and Laura Miller, area missionaries, InFaith: PO Box 88, Jay, Oklahoma 74346 or The Library for the Blind and Print Disabled Arkansas State Library: 900 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 100 Little Rock, AR 72201-9709

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callisonloughfh.com for the Paulsen family.